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

Firelight Labyrinth

Firelight Labyrinth

Descend into the depths and explore a mythical labyrinth of light and sound this winter.

RISING

RISING

A festival of new art, music and performance held each June in the heart of Naarm/Melbourne.

Leonardo Da Vinci
Until

Leonardo Da Vinci

Explore the life and legacy of the visionary artist, inventor, scientist and philosopher.

Monopoly Dreams

Monopoly Dreams

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

The Art of the Brick Immersive Experience
Until

The Art of the Brick Immersive Experience

See works of art crafted from LEGO bricks, in an immersive digital space.

Pharaoh

Pharaoh

A celebration of 3000 years of ancient Egyptian art and culture through more than 500 works.

Good Food and Wine Show

Good Food and Wine Show

Enjoy three delicious days of good food, good wine and good times.

Melbourne Design Week

Melbourne Design Week

Celebrating design with an eleven-day program of activities, exhibitions and installations.

Theatre and shows to book

WICKED the Musical
Until

WICKED the Musical

Broadway’s biggest blockbuster WICKED has flown into Melbourne.

Chicago the Musical
Until

Chicago the Musical

With a glittering score including All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle, Chicago is back.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

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

Cirque du Soleil: Luzia
Until

Cirque du Soleil: Luzia

Go on a vibrant journey through worlds filled with wonders and artistry with Cirque du Soleil.

Share House: The Musical

Share House: The Musical

There’s nothing wrong with living in a share house at the age of 35.

Tosca

Tosca

Opera's greatest thriller with sensational music, the best villain and an unforgettable ending.

RISING: One Song

RISING: One Song

One song, performed over and over by musicians running an obstacle course infused with energy.

RISING: Big Name, No Blankets

RISING: Big Name, No Blankets

A rock’n’roll story celebrating the trailblazing music icons, Warumpi Band.

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
Until

Mystery Picnic: Melbourne Laneways

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

History and Donuts Walking Tour
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History and Donuts Walking Tour

Discover the sweeter side of Melbourne on this walking tour.

Secrets of Melbourne Walking Tour

Secrets of Melbourne Walking Tour

Reemerge from a long lockdown and rediscover Melbourne through this entertaining 3-hour tour.

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 Tour
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Art, History, Food and Wine 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
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Mystery Basement Bar Hop

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

High tea experiences

Mother's Day High Tea at the Royal Exhibition Building

Mother's Day High Tea at the Royal Exhibition Building

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a unique high tea experience at the iconic Royal Exhibition Building.

Mother's Day High Tea

Mother's Day High Tea

Enjoy a special Mother’s Day High Tea in the Queen's Hall at State Library Victoria.

Mother's Day Luxury High Tea at Pan Pacific Melbourne

Mother's Day Luxury High Tea at Pan Pacific Melbourne

Treat your mother to an unforgettable luxury High Tea experience this Mother's Day.

The best places for high tea in Melbourne

The best places for high tea in Melbourne

Where to find fancy high tea, dessert high tea, gluten free high tea and more.

River cruises and boat hire

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.

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.

Pinot and Picasso
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Pinot and Picasso

Enjoy a creative experience built on connection and good times.

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.

More gift shopping ideas

Best Mother's Day gifts under $50

Best Mother's Day gifts under $50

Treat mum to treasures from Melbourne-owned brands and boutiques.

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.

Melbourne's best sustainable fashion brands and designers

Melbourne's best sustainable fashion brands and designers

Browse iconic Melbourne stores and designs from local creatives.

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.

Where to buy Melbourne’s best basics under $100

Where to buy Melbourne’s best basics under $100

From eco-jewellery to organic tees and tailored pants, here’s how to build the basics on a budget.

Melbourne's best homewares gifts

Melbourne's best homewares gifts

Gift the best lighting, indoor plants and interior decor.

Melbourne shops supporting local female designers

Melbourne shops supporting local female designers

Shop with feminist makers, non-binary designers and more amazing creators.

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

Last updated on Wed 1 May 2024

Only In The City

What's free in Melbourne this month

What's free in Melbourne this month

Everything to see, do and enjoy in Melbourne for free this month.

How to spend 24 hours in Melbourne

How to spend 24 hours in Melbourne

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

Melbourne's essential night-time events

Melbourne's essential night-time events

From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.

Discover more

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

The best Disney-themed gifts you can buy in Melbourne

The best Disney-themed gifts you can buy in Melbourne

You'll find this iconic character featured on all kinds of gifts from local stores

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.