Things to do
A guide to Melbourne events, attractions, outdoor adventures and more
Your ultimate guide to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2018
It's that time again: when hundreds of funny people vie for your chuckles in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (Mar 28-Apr 22). Join us as we meet the talented people behind the laughs, offer our tips for doing the festival right and our picks of the program. Looking for more things to do in Melbourne? Take a look at our bucket list.
The best secret gardens in Melbourne
If you've seen everything there is to see at the Royal Botanic Gardens, it might be time to stop and smell the flowers at these unsung gardens around Melbourne. Here you'll find gardens devoted to Australian natives, fancy ferns and some not-so-ubiquitous plants like cacti, rhododendrons, tulips and lotuses – perfect for when you need some green in your life. Want more green? These 10 national parks are within driving distance of Melbourne and here's our guide to getting your nature fix in the CBD.
Things to do in Melbourne
The best of Melbourne
48 hours in Melbourne
If you only have a little bit of time to spend but want to experience the best Melbourne has to offer, we have you covered. From lush parks and gardens to world-class museums and out-of-the-way secret bars, here is an itinerary to make the most of your precious hours. But where should you start? Here's our guide to where to stay in Melbourne. On a budget? Check out our cheapskate's guide to Melbourne.
Upcoming events in Melbourne
Open House Melbourne
Open House Melbourne is your annual weekend of stickybeaking into other people's properties
Mould: A Cheese Festival
A celebration of cheese is coming to the Meat Market
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The Auburn Hotel's 130th Birthday
This Melburnian corner pub has been pulling beers, sizzling steaks and serving as a community meeting spot for 130 years, and to celebrate the Auburn Hotel is hosting a Sunday shindig. The day will be packed out with entertainment and live music, with both families and furry friends both welcome. Out in the beer garden there will be face painting for the little ones from noon, and at 4pm there will be round of complimentary sparkling so you can charge your glass when toasts are made. There will also be a huge birthday cake, and happy hour drinks from 4pm to 6pm. In the evening, Adam12 will play a live set of acoustic pub classics, while the sparkling wine and beers keep flowing. Not many things in Melbourne have been soldiering on for 13 decades so head down and celebrate the Hawthorn East pub's legacy with a beer and a counter meal.
Side with Amex Melbourne | American Express x Time Out
What's better than a main meal? One with sides. Pay with your American Express card at these leading restaurants, and you'll be rewarded with a complimentary side for your first main meal ordered. Want to know more? Check out our Side with Amex FAQ. For more great offerings, return to the American Express casual dining guide.
10 midnight adventures in Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's late-night city. The list of venues proudly displaying AM close times is growing, and gone are the days when the only option for a midnight snack were convenience stores or a solitary kebab shop. What's more, midnight in Melbourne doesn't just have to be about clubs and live music venues (although there are tons of those, too!) – there's plenty more to discover, including film, singalongs and mini golf. The best part? Public transport runs 24 hours on Friday and Saturday, so whether you're heading out for an adventure or finishing work after dark, there's no excuse not hit the town and explore the night. Plus when it’s time to head home trains, trams, buses and coaches will take you there.
Kyle Kinane
American funny man Kyle Kinane is back in Melbourne again following his 2016 appearance at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and his 2014 Barry nominated debut. Having most recently appeared in Judd Apatow's excellent Netflix series Love, you may also recognise Kinane's voice from episodes of Bob's Burgers and Drunk History. Kinane will bring his own brand of conversational comedy to the stage at Melbourne Town Hall this April. His new show Dipshittery showcases his ability to weave intricately crafted jokes into laidback tales, so expect an evening of visceral laughs.
