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.

Hot air balloons flying over the city.

Blockbuster events to book

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.

An ancient Roman marble bust with its nose chipped off, displayed on a small square plinth.
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Rome: Empire, Power, People

This Melbourne-exclusive exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Ancient Rome.

Two individuals talking to each other inside Melbourne Museum at night, with blue lighting.
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Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

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

Two people standing in front of a large pink spiky wall of speakers in an exhibition space.
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Reverb: A Journey into Sound

ACMI and RISING present Reverb: A Journey Into Sound, a major exhibition of vinyl culture and music.

An exquisite Cartier diamond tiara, suspended against a black background.
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Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: CARTIER

Featuring nearly 400 extraordinary jewellery objects, alongside rare archival materials.

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.

A group of four patrons dining in a heated glass dome on a rooftop with Melbourne's city skyline at night behind them.
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Sky Dome Dining

Dine beneath the stars in Melbourne's highest rooftop dome dining experience.

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.

Singers Ben Lee (seated) and Georgia Maq standing beside him with her hand on her hip and sunglasses on.

Ben Lee and Georgia Maq

Two great Australian songwriters team up for the Two Most Annoying People You Love tour.

A shirtless man wearing a bright orange suit jumps enthusiastically inside a distorted, circular panoramic view of a city square under a sunset sky.
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Melbourne Fringe Festival

Melbourne Fringe Festival returns with 500+ exciting, boundary-pushing arts events.

Illuminated panels with shades of red on a black background.
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Melbourne International Jazz Festival

A city-wide celebration of jazz, improvisation and boundary-pushing contemporary music.

Ragged-edge photo from contact sheet, two men, one with hands clasped in front of him, the other seated brushing his hair from his face.

The Teskey Brothers: 10 Years of Half Mile Harvest

Kicking off the Melbourne International Jazz Festival with a day of soul, funk, jazz and blues,

Adam Liaw, smiling with his arms folded.

An Evening with Adam Liaw

The beloved cook, writer and broadcaster shares his extraordinary story.

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.

Theatre shows and cinema events

A man dressed as Elton John with a white suit and comically tall top hat and high-heeled boots, stretching in a flamboyant pose.
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Elton John: Your Song

Matthew Hadgraft presents the music of Elton John.

Two actors wearing formal clothes in a spotlight on a theatre stage during a performance of Pretty Woman: The Musical.
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Pretty Woman: The Musical

A dazzling stage adaptation of one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time.

Six female performers on a purple lit stage in costumes and striking poses, all singing into microphones they hold in their hands.
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SIX the Musical

SIX the Musical makes its royal stage return to Melbourne's Comedy Theatre.

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.

Still from a Japanese Anime movie showing a woman warrior with blood on her face, with the snarling face of a wolf behind her.
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Spotlight on Anime Heroines

A film season showing four decades of Japanese anime, with female protagonists at the centre.

Dancers in a group leaping into the air with arms raised on ropes.
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Zerial

The ultimate cabaret spectacular, packed with powerhouse vocals, aerial performances and dance.

King Arthur and knights standing on stage in medieval dress.
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Monty Python's Spamalot

A riotous retelling of the adventures of King Arthur and his loyal Knights.

Seated audience watching the movie Phar Lap, a young Tom Burlinson with a chestnut horse.

Phar Lap in Concert

The Southern Cross Symphony performs the sweeping score live to accompany the acclaimed film.

The entrance to the Piccolo Teatro Magic Theatre with a neon sign above the rustic wooden door.

Smoke and Mirrors

Step into an intimate evening of sleight of hand, mentalism, dark storytelling and moody ambience.

A full orchestra on a stage in front of a large cinema screen showing a still from the movie Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Celebrate 25 years of The Fellowship of the Ring with Howard Shore’s score performed live.

A person dressed as Elton John, with big glasses and feathered shoulder pads, seated at a piano on stage with two spotlights.
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The Music of Elton: 40 Years of MSO x Elton John

The MSO celebrates the music of Elton John.

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 a production of My Fair Lady on stage, with the cast dancing.
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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

People holding glasses of wine, listening to a costumed tour guide in an underground cellar.
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Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour

Take a walking tour of haunted pubs and learn about the city's dark history.

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 young child wearing a yellow t-shirt and dark shorts standing near a seated, shirtless individual on a sandy beach or coastal area with a clear blue sky.

The Father's Day Founding Five: A Single Malt Whisky Tasting

Enjoy a collection of archival Bakery Hill single malt whisky, paired with stories from David Baker.

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.

A tour group gathered in front of a green neon 'Melbourne' sign, all laughing and enjoying themselves in a huddle.
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The Complete Melbourne Walking Tour

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

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 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.

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 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.

A display of savoury and sweet treats on a three tiered serving plate as part of a High Tea menu.
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High Tea at the Stamford Plaza

Relax and enjoy a High Tea in the heart of Melbourne.

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.

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.

Workshops and activties

Workshop class participants smiling in a studio setting, holding up mosaic pots and coasters they have made.
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Mosaic Making Workshop for Beginners

Learn the art of creating beautiful mosaics from start to finish.

Floral accessorie made from silk and beads.
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French Embroidery Workshop

Learn to craft an anemone brooch, from hand-dyeing silk to beadwork.

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 large group of people taking part in the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival, running across Princess Bridge over the Yarra River, with tall city buildings and trees in the background, set against a blue sky.
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Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival

The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival takes over the streets of Melbourne this October.

The best activities and attractions

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

Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade

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

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 shops

Find the best lighting, indoor plants 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 Mon 7 Sep 2026

Only In The City

Only in the City
Inside a bustling market hall

Things you can only see in the city

Uncover secret rooms, historic architecture and iconic landmarks found only in the city.

A family of four standing in a grand library with antique desks, large white walls and a dome ceiling.

Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.

Multiple plates on a white table cloth.

Things you can only eat in the city

Where to find the city's most iconic dishes.

Discover more

Bookshop with the walls lined with shelves of books.

Kay Craddock – Antiquarian Bookseller

Antiquarian and second-hand books, dating from the 16th to the 21st centuries.

Stationery on shelves inside Milligram store.

Milligram

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

Dungeon of Magic store doorway with posters and signage.

Dungeon of Magic

Retail gaming store specialising in board games, Dungeons and Dragons, and trading card games.

A 3D printed figurine of a wedding couple on top of a chocolate cake along with a 'Mr & Mrs' sign.

MiniReal

Transform you, your loved ones, or even your pets into detailed 3D miniature figurines.