The best group catch-up activities in Melbourne

Looking for a fun spot for this year's Christmas party? Play mini golf, experience virtual reality, and sing karaoke at these top spots for team bonding and catch-ups with mates this festive season.

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 Cirque Electriq. How do life-sized Mario Kart and Space Invaders sound? Add bubble-cup pops when you book in at B Lucky, or a popcorn-flavoured cocktail if you book at Archie Brothers.

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. And if you book a group session, you'll score a reduced entry fee. And there'll be an instructor to run through all the important safety stuff.

Kayak down the river at 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 under iconic Melbourne landmarks like Seafarers, Webb and Princes Bridge all while learning about the city's history and ecology from your trusty guide. Plus, dinner's included and it's served in your boat!

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 pork belly 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 Miami peach iced teas 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 just $60 per person you'll get one game of bowling, pizza and fries, a drink on arrival and your very own party host.

Play shuffle board 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 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 100 board games in their library, from Azul to Uno, Monopoly to Scrabble. If video games are more your thing, reserve a semi-private VIP booth and go ham with as much XBox, Switch and Play Station as you can handle. Or book a table in the fantasy-themed tavern. Add the bottomless package for unlimited board game play, loaded fries and pizza.

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, then belt out tunes in the karaoke room. Bookings are open online.

Swap reality for virtual reality

Don your VR headsets and challenge your mates to a battle at Zero Latency VR. Choose from all sorts of adrenaline-fueled 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. Continue the frosty theme with drinks at IceBar. Escape the Melbourne heat with temperatures of -10°C all year round. Or catch a nail-biting game of ice hockey with your sports-loving crew. Keep an eye on Instagram for ticket release dates.