Things to do in Melbourne at night

Don’t wander aimlessly after the sun goes down. We’ve found Melbourne’s top nocturnal activities, from moonlight kayaking to game nights.

Driving in?

With more than 70,000 car spaces in the city, you’re never far from Melbourne’s best events. Book ahead at key parking providers to get the best deal.

Moonlight kayak tours

See the sun set over Melbourne from a different perspective. Kayak Melbourne offers sparkling nighttime tours along the yarra, with an active twist. But don’t panic, there’s no experience required. Departing from picturesque Victoria Harbour, this is an evening adventure like no other. You even get to dine while on the water. Before you paddle out, make a pitstop at the Light House. This Docklands building lights up every night with stunning abstract projections that show Melbourne's weather in real-time.

Tilt and flip in an amusement arcade

Call up your pals to play classic arcade games into the wee hours. Archie Brothers is the grown-up playground of your dreams. On Friday and Saturday nights at the new QV location, the fun rolls on until 1am. Keep the fun going and check in at Hijinx Hotel next door. This rainbow-bright experience is filled with ten larger-than-life puzzle rooms.

Barefoot bowl overlooking the city

Roll bowls barefoot with a view at the City of Melbourne Bowls Club. Nestled in the beautiful Flagstaff Gardens, you'll see the city skyline sparkle when the sun goes down. Grab some mates and book in a barefoot social game. The late session runs until 10.30pm and yes, there's a bar!

Explore the night sky

See the stars and planets like never before on an after-dark tour of the Melbourne Observatory. Get a fascinating history lesson as you admire the beauty of the night sky above. Learn how to use one of the two giant telescopes to peer through time and space. Then take a journey through to the moon and ponder the lunar landscapes.

Pop-culture mini golf

Putt your way through 27 pop culture–themed holes at Holey Moley. From Van Gogh’s bedroom to The Simpsons’ couch, play until 1am on weekends. Mingle with snacks from the Caddyshack Bar, then belt out tunes in the karaoke room.

Dreami Cake

Looking for a late night sweet treat? Find cute-as-a-button Pikachu macarons, ube cheesecake, chewy cookies and more at Dreami Cake on Little Collins Street. With a 9pm closing time on Fridays, this little tea shop is perfect for you and your friends to indulge. Be sure to a order bubble tea, matcha latte or fruity drink on the side.

Ice skate ‘til late

Rug up and embrace the chill with a lap around the ice rink. Whether you’re an expert or beginner, strap on your skates for a night of fun at O’Brien Icehouse. Brush up on your technique with a lesson or slide across the ice during the public skating sessions. They run until 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

Geek out over bottomless board games

Roll the dice after midnight on Saturdays at Fortress Melbourne. There are 80 board games in the library, from Azul to Uno, Monopoly to Catan. Book a table in the fantasy-themed tavern. And add the bottomless package for unlimited board game play, loaded fries and pizza.

Discover hidden coin booth karaoke

Private karaoke rooms and the odd open mic night are pretty well-known in Melbourne. Mini coin-operated singing booths? Not so common. Enter Kono, a hidden gem lined with disco-lit nooks perfect for solo or small group singing. Sing along to BUZZ ballads in Korean or English tunes until 3am. Or head to Heroes karaoke bar. You and your friends can all have a go at warbling like Bowie until 3am.

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, encounters with aliens – Ballers Clubhouse has ’em and more. Make a date to play as late as 2am on Saturday nights in Chinatown. Or head to the new Ballers in Carlton for ball pit karaoke and more until 1am on weekends.

Cult movie screenings

Cinema Nova hosts regular screenings of the hilarious cult film, The Room, famously dubbed the worst movie ever made. There’s a late-night session every month where “fans” of the movie delight in awkward dialogue and shaky film work. Expect a lot of yelling, cheering and spoon throwing. 

Take a haunted tour

Face your fears on a spinetingling guided tour of the historic Old Melbourne Gaol. The Hangman's Night Tour explores all the dark nooks and crannies of the gaol after-dark. You'll hear gruesome, grisly and very real stories from your guide, the hangman.