Things to See and Do
Things to see and do (mostly eat) in Melbourne
See and Do
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival conveniently takes place from the 19th to the 29th of March 2020. Book yourself a dinner by award winning chefs, try all the best local cuisine, and pair the very best food and wine that Melbourne has to offer. Most events are ticketed so be sure to book in quick!
The Visit Melbourne website lists all current events taking place in Melbourne as well as curated lists of things to depending on how long you have in the city.
National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. Situated over two magnificent buildings – NGV International and NGV Australia – the Gallery hosts a wide range of international and local artists, exhibitions, programs and events; from contemporary art to major international historic exhibitions, fashion and design, architecture, sound and dance.
Museums
Along with the National Gallery, Melbourne has a plethora of museums and exhibits you can explore.
Queen Victoria Market
A historic landmark spread over two city blocks, the Queen Vic Markets are a vibrant and bustling inner-city market where you can shop at over 600 small businesses for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, clothing and souvenirs. Night festivals and weekend events are also worth taking a look at.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is currently playing at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne. If you have a spare day and can grab some tickets, we highly recommend seeing this magical, wonderful show.
Theatre
If a Harry Potter play isn't quite to your taste but you would like to see some theatre or a show, please take a look at the many theatres and concert halls that Melbourne has to offer. Including the Arts Centre Melbourne, the Comedy Theatre, and Her Majesty's Theatre
City Laneways
Melbourne's laneways have plenty to offer in terms of hidden bars, famed restaurants, and constantly changing creative artwork. Take a look at the many tour groups offering guides around the city laneways and secret bars.
Victoria more broadly
If you are staying in Melbourne for more than a few days, we strongly recommend you explore the beauties of regional Victoria. From world-class wineries to beautiful bush trails and wide open coastal villages, Victoria has something for everyone. Take a look at Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges, Daylseford, St Kilda, Mornington Peninsula, and Philip Island for some penguins!
Food
Coffee, lunch, and afternoon tea will be provided on all three days of the conference. However, should you need an early coffee fix or dinner options, please see the hotly debated list below. People of Melbourne will debate the best places to eat for hours on end so approach with caution but do take the time to ask someone about their favourite Italian restaurant, explore Melbourne's laneways, and must-eat lists.
This list is by no means exhaustive!
Name | Suburb | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standing Room | Parkville | Great coffee |
| Carte Crepes | Parkville | Great coffee and crepes |
| House of Cards | Parkville |
Great coffee and light meals with a good conscience |
| Vertue Coffee Roasters Seven Seeds IMA Project Café | Carlton | Delicious brunch options |
| Heart Attack and Vine | Carlton |
Try the Porchetta sandwich for lunch and tapas for dinner |
| Shakahari | Carlton | All around tasty |
| Capitano D.O.C. | Carlton | Delicious pizza and pasta |
| Pidapippo | Carlton | Best gelati |
| Gerald’s Bar | Carlton North | Beloved local bar |
| Meat Maiden | CBD |
Underground restaurant that smacks you in the face with smoked meat |
| Tipo 00 | CBD | Well known Italian establishment |
| Chin Chin | CBD |
Popular Melbourne visit but can be hard to get a table. Get in early |
| Cumulus Inc | CBD | Pricey but delicious. Instagram dream venue. |
| Belles Hot Chicken | Fitzroy & CBD | Hot delicious chicken |
| Smith and Daughters | Fitzroy | Best known vegan place in Melbourne |
| Vegie Bar Transformer | Fitzroy | Wide-ranging and tasty vegetarian options |
| Bad Frankies | Fitzroy | Great bar and delicious toasties! |
| Above Board | Collingwood | Amazing cocktails |
| Stomping Ground | Collingwood | Locally brewed beer and good pub food |
| Bowl Bowl Dumpling | Collingwood | Cheap and amazing dumplings |