The best Melbourne experience gifts

Left your shopping to the last minute, or just not sure what to get? These excellent experience gifts are instant wins this Christmas.

Hot air balloons flying over the city.

Blockbuster events to book

A dimly lit exhibition space with a large, brightly illuminated dinosaur skeleton in the centre, with several people in silhouette sitting or standing around the exhibit on a reflective floor.

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

Experience Melbourne Museum after hours, when the doors stay open and the night belongs to adults.

A tour guide with a family of five, pointing upwards to the stands at Marvel Stadium.

Marvel Stadium 365 Tour

Walk in the footsteps of footy legends and go backstage where global superstars have been.

Four hot air balloons floating in front of the Melbourne city skyline during sunrise, with skyscrapers visible in the background.
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Melbourne Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

Float over Melbourne's iconic landmarks in a sunrise hot air balloon flight.

Artwork by Margaret Preston depicting Banksia flowers in a pot.
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Margaret Preston

NGV's new retrospective exhibition on Margaret Preston.

A solar eclipse, with light emerging around the edges of the blacked-out sun.
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Solar Tours

Come and experience the wonders of the Sun at the historic Melbourne Observatory.

A man looking into the eyepiece of a large telescope, pointed towards the night sky at the Melbourne Observatory.
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Stellar Nights

Embark on a journey through time and space with this guided tour at the Observatory.

Two theatrical costumes on display in front of a red curtain, featured in the ENCORE! exhibition at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts.
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Encore!

50 Objects. 50 Years. One Collection. Treasures from the Australian Museum of Performing Arts.

A circus performer in red satin shorts and a red bandana holding two silver hoops behind his back.
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La Ronde

The best circus performers from across the globe up close and personal.

The three male members of the rock band DMA's in a room, all looking directly at the viewer, two of them wearing caps.

Live at the Gardens: DMA'S

DMA'S unveil a headline tour to mark the announcement of their upcoming fifth studio album.

Barbie dolls from an exhibition, specifically featuring a light-skinned doll with a 1959-inspired look and a dark-skinned doll with braided hair, against a pink background.
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Barbie: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum

Barbie: The Exhibition makes its Australian debut at the Melbourne Museum.

A dramatic stage moment from a production of The Nutcracker ballet, showcasing classic choreography under theatrical lighting.
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The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker returns to Melbourne's Regent Theatre this Christmas with a live orchestra.

A performer dressed as Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream, shirtless and standing in front of a purple celestial sky with a large moon as he makes the 'shh' gesture.
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A Midsummer Night's Dream Under The Stars

There is magic afoot in the Gardens as this much adored play is brought to life under the stars.

Three entertainers in formal attire in front images of the Melbourne skyline and fireworks.
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Australian Pops Orchestra New Year's Eve Gala Concerts

With Caroline O'Connor and Mark Vincent, plus John Foreman and the Australian Pops Orchestra.

A wide-angle shot of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) grandstands filled with a large crowd under a clear, bright blue sky and two tall, stadium floodlight towers.

BBL|16: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers

Be entertained with a night of T20 cricket when the Stars meet the Sixers at the Big Bash League.

A live performance of The Cat Empire band alongside a full symphony orchestra on a large stage, in front of a seated audience.

The Cat Empire with Orchestra Victoria

Enjoy a night of live music at the Bowl when The Cat Empire performs with Orchestra Victoria.

Australian electronic music group The Avalanches, two middle-aged men wearing matching red outfits, posed against a light brown backdrop.

Live at the Gardens: The Avalanches

Electronic music icons The Avalanches perform at Live at the Gardens in March.

Leon Bridges, a man with dark hair, a beard, and glasses smiles while holding fresh peaches in front of a vibrant blue wall, photographed using a distorting fish eye lens.
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Live at the Gardens: Leon Bridges

Leon Bridges brings The Happiness Anytime tour to Live at the Gardens in March.

Theatre shows and cinema events

Singers and dancers on a theatre stage in a scene from A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, with spotlights and stage sets.
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A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

An inspiring, exhilarating, energetic musical memoir.

A movie poster of Edward Scissorhands showing Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder in a garden setting.
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Edward Scissorhands in Concert

The MSO performs Danny Elfman's ethereal and emotive score live to picture.

Two performers wearing pale clothing, the man behind a women, whose arm he is hanging onto, against a cloud like backdrop.
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La Bohème

Puccini’s classic Bohemian love story is about youth, beauty, passion and heartache.

A scene from the musical My Fair Lady with Eliza Doolittle in a pink dress and hat and Henry Higgins in a tweed three-piece suit.
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My Fair Lady

Celebrating 70 glorious years since its debut, Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady returns to Melbourne.

A scene from Mrs Doubtfire The Musical with the protagonist dancing with three children.
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Mrs Doubtfire

It's a feel-good musical, poppets.

People dressed as characters from Fawlty Towers, with Basil strangling Manuel as Sybil talks on the phone.
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Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience

The global sensation returns with a fully immersive dining experience.

River cruises and boat hire

Three long narrow boats with people seated in them and a guide standing at the rear of each boat, punting on the lake at Royal Botanic Gardens.
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Punting on the Lake

Glide between the bays and islands of Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.

People seated in a river boat with outside seating, passing city buildings.

Melbourne River Cruises

Sit back and relax as your captain details the history of Melbourne on a river cruise.

A sunset view of kayaks on the water, looking towards Bolte Bridge in Melbourne.

Kayak Melbourne

Guided paddling tours through Melbourne along the Yarra River and Victoria Harbour.

A group of women on a boat toasting with champagne glasses with a pizza box on the table.

GoBoat Melbourne

Be your own captain by renting a picnic boat, with no boat licence required.

A group of people on a small boat on the Yarra River in Melbourne.

On a Boat

Experience the Yarra River by boat on your own private cruise.

A group of people riding yellow and red water bikes on the Yarra River, with Melbourne's city skyline in the background.

Waterbikes Australia

Pedal the Yarra by waterbike - an unforgettable adventure through Melbourne’s heart.

Boat travelling beneath a bridge on a river.

Classic Steamboat Cruises

Scenic cruises and transport to events along the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers.

Lady Cutler boat on the Yarra River with Melbourne Star Observation Wheel in the background.

Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat

Cruise Melbourne on the Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat, offering a range of cruising events.

Foodie experiences, tours and tastings

A plate of fluffy pancakes with ice-cream and chocolate over the top.
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Chocolate Family Adventure Day

Enjoy an all-inclusive, stress-free family outing filled with fun, creativity, and delicious treats.

People lined up at a cheese stall at Queen Victoria Market.
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Mystery Picnic Date: Melbourne Laneways

Solve clues and riddles to collect your special gourmet picnic on a unique foodie adventure.

Two different hands holding two wine glasses, resting on a restaurant's dining table, a plate of food and napkins also on the table.
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Mystery Sidedoor City: Wine and Asian Fusion Bites

Enjoy off-menu bites and paired drinks at a hidden Melbourne venue on this guided tasting adventure.

Dishes of Asian food with cutlery and glass on a table.
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Mystery Sidedoor: 5 Plate South East Asia Tasting Menu

Enjoy off-menu bites and paired drinks at a hidden Melbourne venue on this guided tasting adventure.

Dishes of food and drinks on a restaurant table.
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Putt, Wine and Taste Melbourne

A day of fun and flavour with mini golf and mystery dining in the center of the city.

Tour group standing on the steps of the Royal Exhibition Building.
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Romance, Glamour and Migrants: An Italian Food History Walk

Find out why Melbourne is obsessed with Italian food on this cultural and culinary walking tour.

A group of people in a circle listening to a speaker under a tree with a black van parked next to them.
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A Taste of Melbourne: Laneways, Boroughs, Bites and Brews

Taste the best of Melbourne on a half day city food and drink tour, departing morning or afternoon.

Melbourne walking tours

Two pink cocktail glasses on a dark bench.
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Mystery Rooftop Bar Hop

Solve clues to unlock rooftop bars, cocktails, snacks and stunning Melbourne city views.

A tour walking through the open doors of Boyd's modernist Domain Street apartment building in South Yarra.
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Walking Tour: Robin Boyd's Neighbourhood (Route #1)

A walking tour exploring the architectural streetscapes, landscape and local history of South Yarra.

Hand holding up a bitten chocolate, with two people in background, blurred.

Chocoholic Tours

This chocolate walking tour visits some of the city's best chocolatiers with exclusive experiences.

Group of people on a walking tour of Melbourne.

Hidden Secrets Tours

Indulge and discover the city's hidden charm with Melbourne's original laneway walking tours.

Three people standing on a street corner as a tram passes by

The ultimate guide to walking tours in Melbourne

Guided tours that weave through Melbourne's hidden gems, foodie spots and street art.

Tour guide talking to a crowd of people with Melbourne city skyline in the background.

Melbourne Sights Walking Tour

Uncover the stories behind Melbourne's landmarks, gardens and events on this walking tour.

People walking past stencil artwork of cats on a white wall in a Melbourne laneway.
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Art, History, Food and Wine Tour

The perfect introduction to Melbourne – street art, curious tales, wine tasting and tapas.

A red cocktail with a cloudy dome, on a black tray next to two strawberries.
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Mystery Basement Bar Hop

Solve clues to unveil three hidden basement venues and enjoy prepaid drinks and a snack.

High tea experiences

A high tea experience featuring a tiered stand filled with pastries and savoury bites.
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Afternoon Tea at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

An exquisite selection of tea-time delights inspired by history and crafted with native ingredients.

A checked tablecloth with a High Tea spread on top with pink teacups and teapot and plates of cakes and sandwiches.
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Picnic High Tea

Enjoy a High Tea picnic against a backdrop of stunning city views.

Cheese and wine display on a table near a window.
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High Cheese

A bold three-tiered journey showcasing local and international cheeses, inspired by fire and water.

A tiered High Tea plate of savoury and sweet food served at Hello Kitty and Friends cafe.
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Hello Kitty and Friends High Tea

Enjoy a charming daily high tea, made for sharing little moments of joy with friends.

A three-tier stand of high tea food items, a bottle of sparkling and two glasses, arranged on a wooden table with bunches of native flora in the background.
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Native High Tea

Discover Australia through a new expression of High Tea at The Westin Melbourne.

An array of Christmas-themed High Tea sweet and savoury treats on a white table alongside champagne glasses and two red-wrapped presents.
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FestiviTea

Enjoy three tiers of handcrafted sweet and savoury delights at this Christmas-themed High Tea.

A children's themed three-tiered platter of high tea treats, alongside a teddy bear, drinks and Christmas baubles.
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Le Petit FestiviTea

Little ones can join the festive celebrations with a high tea just for them.

A three-tiered high-tea offering with cakes and small savoury bites, someone pouring tea from a pot.

Collins Coffee House

Modern Australian cafe located in a heritage building, specialising high tea and brunch.

A formal round table set for afternoon tea with empty tables and chairs blurred in the background.

The Windsor Hotel's Afternoon Tea

A century-old tradition, afternoon tea at The Windsor is an unmissable experience.

Large glass exterior window of a cafe showing three levels of assorted cakes and desserts on display, surrounded by floral arrangements.

The Tea Rooms 1892

Located in Melbourne’s famous Block Arcade, the Tea Rooms are steeped in history.

Dramatically lit, brightly couloued patisserie against a black background.

Oxi Tea Room

Afro-Asian tea room serving modern high tea and desserts with unique Taiwanese and Kenyan teas.

Customers seated at cafe tables in a room with mirror and plants.

Hopetoun Bake Shop

A modern English bakery by Hopetoun Tea Rooms, offering biscuits, cakes, scones and sandwiches.

Customers sitting on stools behind a white napery table with three-tiered cake stand and glasses of bubbles.

The Tea Room

Enjoy morning or afternoon tea at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Workshops and activties

Woman in blue dress sitting in a garden, with face upturned.
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Forest Therapy

Unwind with forest therapy (shinrin-yoku) and immerse your senses in nature.

A person pouring out a measure of Aperol into a metal measuring cup.
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Cocktail Making Class

Mix, shake and sip your way through the ultimate cocktail class in a hidden Melbourne bar.

Hand holding a brush over marbled pattern in a water bath.
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Water Marbling Workshop

Learn the art of water marbling and apply it to textiles.

A cylindrical mosaic glass table lamp featuring a colourful orange and yellow daisy pattern, being made at a craft workshop.
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Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop for Beginners

Create your own glowing mosaic lamp in a class suitable for beginners.

A person using a small brush to create a dot pattern design with turquoise and white acrylic paint on an orange ceramic mug, as part of a creative workshop.
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Coffee and Create: Paint Your Own Cup

Paint your own coffee cup to keep while listening to a live DJ.

Hands holding up coastal seashell wind chimes featuring delicate floral painted designs on the bottom scallop shells.
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Decoupage Seashell Wind Chime Workshop

Create your seashell wind chime in this relaxing, beginner-friendly decoupage workshop in Docklands.

The best activities and attractions

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel at dusk

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

See Melbourne from a whole new perspective.

People walking around the outdoor balcony area in front of the Royal Exhibition Dome.

Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade

See the Royal Exhibition Building like never before on a Dome Promenade Tour

Purple velour-covered seating in an intimate cinema space.

Cinema Nova

Cinema Nova is Melbourne's home of quality arthouse and contemporary cinema.

Gold-plated Eureka Tower skyscraper and cityscape against the city skyline and blue sky with clouds.

Melbourne Skydeck

This 300m high public observation deck captures everything that is special about Melbourne.

A group of friends playing darts at Oche Melbourne, with platters of food on the tables near them.

Oche

Oche Melbourne - Darts with a twist

Circular doorway illuminated with pink neon and a ping pong sign.

Ballers Clubhouse

Melbourne's largest bar and games venue, in the heart of Chinatown.

Exterior of Holey Moley mini golf venue at night.

Holey Moley Golf Club

Holey Moley offers a mini golf course and bar with 27 themed holes plus a karaoke room.

Laughing person in front of bowling alley lanes lit by red light.

Kingpin at Crown Melbourne

An entertainment destination with bowling, laser tag and the Playtime arcade.

Blurred images of people singing and enjoying themselves at a karaoke bar, one person holding a microphone in front of her friend's face.

Heroes

Vibrant and lively vertical laneway of private karaoke rooms, open mic karaoke bar and rooftop bar.

Patrons seated at tables inside a restaurant eating and drinking.

Yum Sing House

Modern Asian dining and a late-night bar with the hedonistic spirit of 1960s Hong Kong.

People laughing and having fun on MotoGP arcade games.

Archie Brothers

One-stop entertainment venue with arcade games, bowling lanes, dodgem cars and cocktail bar.

People skating in an indoor ice rink with disco lighting.

O'Brien Icehouse

An ice arena for public skating and ice sports events, located in Docklands.

A giant ball pit with brightly coloured geometric patterns and neon shapes on the walls.

Hijinx Hotel

No beds here. Just ball pits, bold colours, brain-teasing challenges and a lot of laughter.

More gift shopping ideas

two shoppers browse a store with taxidermy

The best Father's Day gifts under $50

Where to buy the best affordable gifts for Father's Day.

A woman browsing in a stylish home decor and fashion boutique. A giant paper lamp is in the foreground.

The best hidden shops in Melbourne

Find secret stores, iconic hidden gems and more.

A perfume store with an art deco interior and large arch windows.

Melbourne's most instagrammable shops

Our guide to the best looking shops in Melbourne, guaranteed to light up your Instagram feed.

A woman in a bookstore

Where to go late-night shopping in the Melbourne CBD

Whether you're looking for a last-minute gift or browsing after class, these stores are open late.

A woman browsing in a boutique with accessories and a large Akari lamp.

Melbourne's best homewares gifts

Find the best lighting, candles and interior decor.

A person walking past an old book store with windows full of rows of books on display

Melbourne's most iconic shops

These iconic Melbourne shops are home to some of the city's most colourful retail characters

Bouquets of flowers for sale in a shop.

Gifts and homewares

From homewares to handcrafts or vintage items, it's easy to find that special gift in the city.

A gift shop with taxidermy animals everywhere.

Rare shops you can only find in Melbourne

Melbourne is full of unique shopping spots you can only find in the city.

Need a little extra help with your purchase? The Melbourne Visitor Hub now has a representative from Experience Oz available to help visitors book tickets to shows, experiences, walking tours and more. This new service is open daily, from 9am to 5pm.

Last updated on Fri 16 Oct 2026

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A couple browsing in a luxury candle boutique.

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