Discover Melbourne, every bit different

Melbourne is a lot of things, almost too many to list! From a huge calendar of world-class events to tiny laneways packed with new bars and eateries, there is something surprising around every corner for every taste. It’s what makes Melbourne, well, Every bit different.

Ask any local – Melbourne is all about the vibe. The captivating energy has to be felt to be believed, with an autumn event line of must-see exclusives that is second to none, and the endless supply of unique experiences waiting to be discovered.

Come for the events, but stay and play on for all the other bits too.

Melbourne’s awesome autumn events

The always buzzing bit

From experiences that get those taste buds tingling to adrenaline-fueled sporting events and belly-aching laughs, there’s something on in Melbourne for everyone this autumn.

Here’s a taste of some of the action:

Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix (21-24 March)

Hot on the heels of the Australian Open comes another stellar sporting event you don’t want to miss. Head to Albert Park to enjoy some high-octane F1® action, meet your favourite drivers, and enjoy live entertainment, brand activations and world-class hospitality.

Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (15-24 March)

Guest chefs, patissiers, restaurateurs, winemakers and foodies descend on Melbourne for Australia’s biggest food and wine festival. Take walking tours of Melbourne’s gastronomic neighbourhoods, sample celebrity-concocted snags, and experience everything from sake tastings and high tea to gelato classes and community feasts.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival (27 March – 21 April)

Australia’s biggest ticketed event and one of the top three comedy festivals in the world brings comedy’s best talent together for a month of standup, improv, theatre, cabaret, pub crawls, musicals, street performances, dining experiences and much more. There’s plenty of Kiwi talent in the lineup alongside Aussie and international stars.

Rip Curl Pro, Ethan Ewing. Photo credit: Ed Sloane.

Rip Curl Pro (24 March – 5 April)

Sixty years on, the Rip Curl Pro remains one of the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions, attracting thousands of spectators to Bells Beach, only 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Melbourne. Come for the surfing action and stay on for a roadie along the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives.

Groundhog Day the Musical (until 21 April)

Based on the classic movie, this brilliant production comes to Melbourne direct from a record-breaking season in London. With music and lyrics from the quick and clever wit of Tim Minchin, this unmissable musical will play at the Princess Theatre until 21 April.

BBC Earth Experience (now on)

Combining state-of-the-art audio visual technology with incredible footage taken from around the world, this unique event experience is a journey through the natural world across all seven continents, narrated by the one and only David Attenborough.

Eat and drink

The can’t talk, eating bit

Melbourne’s culinary and café scene is unparalleled both in Australia and abroad. The city’s filled to the brim with food trucks, degustation menus, cappuccinos and craft beer – with new foodie experiences constantly emerging. So, loosen your belt and strap yourself in.

Here are some of our current favourites:

Eat

Gimlet at Cavendish House: Classic cocktails, wood-fired meats, oysters and premium seafood in the beautiful and heritage 1920s Cavendish House.
Pellegrini’s: This family-run Bourke Street institution has been going for fifty years. Pull up a seat at the counter for strong coffee, traditional Italian fare and bucketloads of charm.
ARU: The hearth at the centre of this place lends it a cosy atmosphere and the food a distinctive smoky flavour. The cuisine is inspired by the ancient seafaring routes between China, Indonesia and northern Australia.
Straight Outta Saigon: This memorable eatery serves up Vietnamese flavours against a 90s hip-hop backdrop. The salads, stews, noodle and rice dishes are packed with flavour, and there are plenty of vegan and veggie options too.

Curious.

Drink

Morris House: This triple-level bar and rooftop in the heart of Melbourne has recently been redesigned and reopened. Enjoy a live comedy show in the NYC-inspired basement, grab some pub favourites in the dining room, or sip a cocktail on the rooftop and soak up some live music and city views.
Little Lon Distilling Co: Once upon a time this cosy 20-seat bar and distillery served up illegal booze to 19th century Melbournians. These days it’s all legit, with its handcrafted small batch gin made on site.
Curious: This subterranean cocktail bar off Flinders Lane is an intimate space where you can enjoy classic and bespoke cocktails, small bites and sharing plates – all night long.
Good Heavens: Good times and good vibes await at Good Heavens, Melbourne’s largest rooftop bar. Colourful and creative cocktails are accompanied by delectable eats from restaurant Fancy Hank’s, including brisket loaded fries and smoked cauliflower cheese party pies.
Johnny’s Green Room: This rooftop bar in Carlton recently swapped its former pool hall atmosphere for a more sophisticated rooftop party in Rome vibe. Expect great pizza, city views, decent tunes and good times.

Play

The play on and on and on bit

Passion and creativity take centre stage, woven into the very fabric of Melbournian life. Check out these cultural destinations and embrace experiences that are a little left field:

MONOPOLY DREAMS Melbourne: This fully immersive experience whisks you right into the delightful world of MONOPOLY, complete with Bank, Water Works and a themed café. Just remember to stay out of jail!
ACMI: The Story of the Moving Image: Follow the history of the moving image, from the turn of the 20th century to the present day through captivating stories and mesmerising exhibits.
Koorie Heritage Trust - JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live : Dive into this celebration of late artist Josh Muir and his distinctive aesthetic of vibrant colours, geometric patterns, and exploration of cultural identity across a range of mediums.
NGV International: An absolute must-visit for culture lovers, the National Gallery Victoria is hosting its Triennial until 7 April, in addition to its permanent collection of over 75,000 works. Come see the work of 120 artists, designers and collectives at the forefront of global contemporary practice.
Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria: This heritage-listed green space offers never-ending delights and new discoveries with the changing seasons. This autumn, wander the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, try the Japanese art of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and enjoy the final dates of Australia’s favourite openair cinema.

NGV International.

Stay

The utterly, utterly relaxed bit

Stay and play with these unique accommodation options that position you in the heart of the unique experiences Melbourne has to offer:

Pullman Melbourne on the Park: This iconic hotel is right in the heart of Melbourne’s sporting and entertainment district, the perfect location for all those autumn events. Enjoy warm, contemporary furnishings and gorgeous views out to East Melbourne, Fitzroy Gardens and the MCG.
Ink Melbourne Southbank: This bold and colourful hotel is designed for the next generation of travellers who like to think outside the box, its inclusive spaces encouraging connections between curious, creative minds.
W Melbourne: The darkly lit, understated elegance of the rooms at this luxury hotel are designed to reflect the city’s style. You’ll enjoy discovering the different spaces in this hotel as much as you’ll love its Flinders Lane location.
Quincy Hotel Melbourne: Light, bright and bold, this hotel’s spaces are inspired by Southeast Asia, and its menus are too – from the banh mi and bubble tea at the ground floor cafe to the elevated street-food inspired by hawker markets at Salted Egg.

W Melbourne's pool.

Ready to go?

Whether you’re going for the first or fifteenth time, one thing’s for certain: discovery and surprises lie around every corner in Melbourne. Whether it’s events, world-class restaurants or a new rooftop bar, endless new experiences await.

TAKE ME THERE!