Left your shopping to the last minute, or just not sure what to get? These excellent experience gifts take mere minutes to book in and offer hours of enjoyment.

Blockbuster events to book

Yayoi Kusama
Until

Yayoi Kusama

From polka dots to pumpkins, Yayoi Kusama comes to NGV with a world-premiere blockbuster exhibition.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast the Musical
Until

Disney's Beauty and the Beast the Musical

Experience Disney's new enchanting musical, Beauty and the Beast.

Van Gogh
Until

Van Gogh

See Van Gogh reimagined with a world-first shared VR experience.

TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
Until

TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

The inspiring life story of the Queen of Rock, who didn’t just break the rules – she rewrote them.

Punting on the Lake
Until

Punting on the Lake

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

Imaginator
Until

Imaginator

An immersive experience that celebrates imagination, technology and play.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar

Experience a revived production of this iconic and unmissable musical.

Cats & Dogs
Until

Cats & Dogs

From cattle dogs to lap dogs, divine felines to cat superstitions, explore more than 250 works.

Dear Evan Hansen
Until

Dear Evan Hansen

Enjoy this brand new production of the Broadway smash-hit musical.

Sister Act
Until

Sister Act

Don’t miss the Broadway and UK smash hit musical, direct from London’s West End.

Australian Open
Until

Australian Open

An epic fusion of music, entertainment, brand new fan experiences plus blockbuster tennis.

The Nanny Exhibit

The Nanny Exhibit

An immersive exhibit showcasing the style and flare of the beloved ‘90s sitcom, The Nanny.

Antopia
Until

Antopia

Shrink down to enter the fascinating world of ants in a new interactive digital exhibition.

Foodie experiences, tours and tastings

Polymer Clay Earring Workshop
Until

Polymer Clay Earring Workshop

Create beautiful jewellery in this fun workshop.

Bakery Hill Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting
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Bakery Hill Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting

Learn how Bakery Hill produces its malts on a tour and tasting led by a distiller.

Barista Basics
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Barista Basics

Craft and perfect your coffee skills.

Learn to Cook Thai
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Learn to Cook Thai

Join a hands-on cooking class, featuring two of Thailand’s favourite dishes.

Rosso Coffee Experience: Specialty Coffee Roastery & Cafe

Rosso Coffee Experience: Specialty Coffee Roastery & Cafe

North Melbourne’s hub for coffee: expert roasting, gourmet food and hands-on experiences.

Chocolate Family Adventure Day
Until

Chocolate Family Adventure Day

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

River cruises and boat hire

Punting on the Lake
Until

Punting on the Lake

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

Melbourne River Cruises

Melbourne River Cruises

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

Kayak Melbourne

Kayak Melbourne

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

GoBoat Melbourne

GoBoat Melbourne

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

On a Boat

On a Boat

Experience the Yarra River by boat - skipper yourself or choose a skippered cruise.

Waterbikes Australia

Waterbikes Australia

Experience the latest in outdoor adventure: eco-friendly inclusive waterbikes.

Classic Steamboat Cruises

Classic Steamboat Cruises

Public and private cruises and transport to events along the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers.

Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat

Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat

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

Melbourne walking tours

Chocoholic Tours

Chocoholic Tours

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

Hidden Secrets Tours

Hidden Secrets Tours

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

Mystery Picnic: Melbourne Laneways
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Mystery Picnic: Melbourne Laneways

Solve clues, taste and collect pre-paid gourmet food on this unique foodie adventure.

The Complete Melbourne Walking Tour
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The Complete Melbourne Walking Tour

Uncover the best of Melbourne's laneways, history and more in our three hour walking experience.

The ultimate guide to walking tours in Melbourne

The ultimate guide to walking tours in Melbourne

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

Melbourne Sights Walking Tour

Melbourne Sights Walking Tour

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

Art, History, Food and Wine Walking Tour
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Art, History, Food and Wine Walking Tour

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

Sports Precinct Walking Tour
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Sports Precinct Walking Tour

Explore Melbourne's sports precinct on foot with a local guide, including a tour of the MCG.

Mystery Basement Bar Hop

Mystery Basement Bar Hop

Solve clues to unveil three hidden venues and enjoy pre-paid drinks and snacks.

Best gigs to book

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Chinese New Year

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Chinese New Year

The MSO celebrates cross-cultural connections through music at this celebratory performance.

Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert

Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra bring to life Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Crystalline Resonance: Final Fantasy Piano Concert

Crystalline Resonance: Final Fantasy Piano Concert

Final Fantasy melodies come to life under the fingers of virtuoso pianists.

Boris Brejcha

Boris Brejcha

German techno phenomenon Boris Brejcha returns this January for a massive show.

Kygo: World Tour Part Two

Kygo: World Tour Part Two

See the global superstar, producer and DJ in concert, with special guests Cyril and Xandra.

Richard Clapton

Richard Clapton

Spend an evening with this revered singer and songwriter and his band.

Workshops and hands-on activties

Mosaic Class: Turkish Lamp Workshop
Until

Mosaic Class: Turkish Lamp Workshop

Learn about ancient mosaic art and create a beautiful Turkish lamp.

Paint and Sip Class: Ceramic Bowls and Plates
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Paint and Sip Class: Ceramic Bowls and Plates

Immerse yourself in the delightful and creative experience of Paint and Sip class.

Resin Art Class: Tray and Cheeseboard
Until

Resin Art Class: Tray and Cheeseboard

Make abstract art and discover the magic of working with resin.

The best activities and attractions

Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade

Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade

The Royal Exhibition Building opens its doors to a unique view unseen for 100 years.

Cinema Nova

Cinema Nova

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

Melbourne Skydeck

Melbourne Skydeck

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

Oche

Oche

A blend of superlative cuisine, cocktails, and state-of-the-art electronic darts gaming experience.

Ballers Clubhouse

Ballers Clubhouse

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

Holey Moley Golf Club

Holey Moley Golf Club

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

Kingpin Crown

Kingpin Crown

Entertainment destination at Crown, with bowling, laser tag and the Playtime arcade.

Heroes

Heroes

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

Yum Sing House Restaurant & Karaoke Bar

Yum Sing House Restaurant & Karaoke Bar

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

Fortress Melbourne

Fortress Melbourne

Fortress Melbourne is the home of games, located over two levels inside Emporium Melbourne.

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

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

O'Brien Icehouse

O'Brien Icehouse

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

Monopoly Dreams

Monopoly Dreams

Enjoy a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience, featuring games and challenges.

More gift shopping ideas

The best Father's Day gifts under $50

The best Father's Day gifts under $50

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

The best hidden shops and pop-ups in Melbourne

The best hidden shops and pop-ups in Melbourne

Find secret stores, fashion pop-ups and more.

Melbourne's most instagrammable shops

Melbourne's most instagrammable shops

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

Where to go late-night shopping in the Melbourne CBD

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.

Melbourne's best homewares gifts

Melbourne's best homewares gifts

Gift the best lighting, indoor plants and interior decor.

Melbourne's most iconic shops

Melbourne's most iconic shops

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

Melbourne's best gifts for kids

Melbourne's best gifts for kids

Treat the kids in your life to a little something special from Melbourne's best boutiques.

Last updated on Fri 27 Dec 2024

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How to spend 24 hours in Melbourne

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From secret street art to seasonal events, you’ll find something for everyone.

11 reasons to leave work on time

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Get the best happy hour deals, cheap tickets to amazing shows and more.

Discover more

Dymocks

Dymocks

Large bookstore with a huge range in the basement of Collins234.

Metropolis Bookshop

Metropolis Bookshop

Metropolis carries a specialist range of books focusing on art, design, popular culture and more.

Kay Craddock – Antiquarian Bookseller

Kay Craddock – Antiquarian Bookseller

Antiquarian and second-hand books, dating from the 15th to the 21st centuries.

Milligram

Milligram

Milligram carries 50 leading international and local stationery brands, along with cards and gifts.