The best group catch-up activities in Melbourne

Play mini golf at Melbourne's newest arcade

A mini golf course and a huge arcade all under one roof? Now you’re talking! PLAYit is the perfect place for games and good times. Grab a club and putt your way around 9 themed holes with your besties. Then test your skills with motor-cycle games, air hockey, digital bowling, claw machines and heaps more.

Puzzle and play at Hijinx Hotel

Check in at technicolour dream world, Hijinx Hotel. This rainbow-bright experience is filled with ten larger-than-life puzzle rooms. Solve spooky puzzles, play mind-boggling games and make a splash in the ball pit. Then celebrate your success with a bite at the diner. Book online for groups of up to 30. The deluxe package includes five rooms, pizza and fries for the group and a cocktail on arrival for $52 per person.

Visit a digital theme park

Calling all thrill seekers: an indoor VR rollercoaster has landed in Docklands! Part of the Dreamrace experience, you'll twist, turn and flip upside-down on this epic ride. Once you've regained balance, race your mates on the VR motorbikes. Or bring out your inner Ninja Warrior on the Spartan obstacle course.

Kayak down the river by moonlight

If you and the group are feeling adventurous, book in for a sunset kayak session. Start your paddling at Docklands then cruise down the river at nightfall. You'll float past Melbourne's iconic tall ship Polly Woodside, down through stunning Southbank and beneath the historic Princes Bridge. Plus, dinner's included and served on board!

Enjoy a game of golf just 3km from the city

Rev up the cart and practice your swing at Royal Park Public Golf Course – just 3km from the city. These sprawling grounds feature nine holes and a putting green to test out your skills before you begin. If you’ve come without clubs, don’t fret. There’s a hire shop on site for all your equipment needs. For the beginners, book in for a group lesson held on Saturday mornings.

Throw electronic darts in a futuristic cocktail spot

There’s a new bar sport in town, and this ain't your dad's darts. Gather your crew and book a semi-private booth at sleek electronic darts bar Oche. Expect real steel-tipped darts and a board that keeps your score for you. To keep you sated without skimping on game time, there’s finger food with a gourmet flair. Think brioche sliders, popcorn chicken and square-cut pizza.

Bowl a perfect game

Book a lane at Kingpin Crown and bowl your team over with your perfect aim. Once you've bagged a few strikes, head to the bar for a round of tropical spritzes and New York-style hot dogs. Then play your way through over 150 games in the retro arcade. For hassle-free planning, book a 'let the good times roll' package at Strike Bowling. At $52 per person you'll get a game of bowling, pizza and fries, a drink on arrival and your very own party host.

Snap pics in a Korean-style photo booth

Korea's selfie sensation has landed in Melbourne. Take a tenner to Hama Film and stage a mini photoshoot. There's a hilarious range of props, from avocado helmets to sparkly sunnies, and five rooms to choose from. Customise your pics on the screen and immortalise your day out in print. If you ask us, this has to be one of the cutest keepsakes to share with your besties.

Take your mates to an inner-city climbing wall

Did you know there’s an indoor climbing wall in the middle of the city? Get the crew together and test out your skills at Hardrock Climbing. You don’t have to be an expert either. There are over 100 routes at all different levels, including walls up to 16 metres high. If you book a group session, you'll score a reduced entry fee. Plus there'll be an instructor to run through all the important safety stuff.

Play shuffleboard in a multi-level party palace

Get the gang together for a spirited round of shuffleboard at Ballers Clubhouse. Who will have the mix of luck and skill to hit the target? Table tennis, darts, old-school shuffleboard – this super fun spot has it all. For the best value night out you can't go past the express combo for $30, ping pong, shuffleboard, and pool. With all that activity you'll be ready for refreshments so grab a drink and a bite to eat in the bar. Lock it in and book online now.

Shout it out loud at karaoke bars

At Heroes karaoke bar, your group can all have a go at warbling like Bowie. Depending on your shyness levels, book a private room or break into song in the open-mic space. Belt out a tune with a side of Cantonese food and '60s kitsch at Yum Sing House. The private karaoke booths upstairs at LKF Bar are inspired by Hong Kong neighbourhoods. Or reserve a VIP room at Ocean 12. You'll get a dedicated bartender, access to the luxe menu and a private balcony.

Geek out over bottomless board games

Roll the dice with your teammates at Fortress Melbourne. There are over 80 board games in the library, from Articulate to Catan, Scrabble to Cluedo. If video games are more your thing, reserve a semi-private VIP booth and go ham with as much Xbox, Switch and PlayStation as you can handle. Or book a table in the fantasy-themed tavern. Add on a board game package which comes with pizza, karaage chicken, fries and a drink.

Play pop culture mini golf

Nothing hits quite like a round of mini golf at Holey Moley. Tap your way through 27 pop culture–themed holes. Have a put in Van Gogh’s bedroom. Transport yourself to Springfield on The Simpsons’ couch. Or wander through a life-sized Monopoly board. Once you've worked up an appetite, mingle with wine and snacks from the Caddyshack Bar. Bookings are open online.

Swap reality for virtual reality

Don your VR headsets and challenge your mates to a battle at Zero Latency VR at The District Docklands. Choose from all sorts of adrenaline-fuelled experiences like zombie outbreaks, player vs player shoot offs, puzzle-solving games and more. At Virtual Room, you and your group will come together to solve tricky puzzles and challenges. Make a booking for up to four players to enjoy this escape room adventure.

Learn to ice skate

Whether you’re an expert or beginner, an ice skating session is always fun at O’Brien Icehouse. Remember to wear warm socks, gloves and a beanie. Or catch a nail-biting game of ice hockey with your sports-loving crew. Keep an eye on Instagram for ticket release dates.

Tilt and flip in an amusement arcade

Take a load off, loosen that tie and get the gang together for classic arcade games at B Lucky & Sons or Archie Brothers. How do life-sized Mario Kart and Space Invaders sound? Pizzas and burgers are in high supply at B Lucky. Or grab a fairy floss flavoured cocktail at Archie Brothers in QV Melbourne or Docklands.