It doesn’t matter whether you’re a traveller from overseas looking for a fun destination, or an Australian local who has never ventured south, a visit to the Victorian capital of Melbourne really should be on every traveller’s bucket list.
There is just so much to see and do in this great city. Some cities are famous for just one or two things. Melbourne seems to have it all.
If you love events, then Melbourne truly is the place to experience them. Let’s check out just some of the major events Melbourne plays host to each year.
Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
If you love your food and like to indulge in a wine or two, then you’ll enjoy this annual festival. It’s been running since 1993 and has grown so big that it’s now become a state-wide festival with more than 250 venues across the state of Victoria participating.
The festival runs for 17 days during the month of March, which is a really pleasant time of the year to visit Melbourne.
It’s all about sampling the wares of chefs, cooks, wine makers, sponsors and new businesses looking to make their mark. From snacks to indulgent dinners, there’s something to tantalise everybody’s taste buds at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Even the kids will love it (not the wine maybe).
The Annual Running of the Melbourne Cup
This is a horse race that actually brings an entire nation of people to its knees while it’s on. The event is really a week long affair of parties and glamour, fun and festivities, but when the actual Melbourne Cup race is on, everyone in the country stops what they’re doing to watch it.
It’s Australia’s most famous horse race and one of its richest. Each year, the best thoroughbred horses from across Australia and around the world enter the great race.
If you want to be a part of the fun, the race is held on the first Tuesday of November each year at Flemington Racecourse. If you want to be trackside to see the Melbourne Cup 2019 horses go round this year, then that’s the time to visit Melbourne.
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
Maybe this event doesn’t sound that thrilling unless you’re a garden lover, but there is actually a lot going on when it comes to the annual Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
Held in April each year at Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building, you can check out:
- Show Gardens
- Wedding Flower Displays
- Floral Competitions
- Indulge in a High Tea
- View Art Exhibitions
- Enjoy Regular Entertainment
- Sculpture Exhibition
- Participate in a Floral Design Workshop
- Visit the Great Hall of Flowers
- Boutique Gardens
- Landscape Show Gardens
- Gardens by Twilight
- RMIT Floral Fashion (Clothing Designs)
- And so much more…
You seriously won’t get bored visiting Melbourne in April and attending the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix
Melbourne plays host to the very first race of the Formula 1 season, and the racetrack in Melbourne is considered to be one of the best in the world to watch this once in a lifetime event.
Just like when Melbourne Cup time rolls around in early November, each March Melbourne goes into party mode when visitors, racers and staff all converge on the city for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Now, you don’t have to be a racing enthusiast to really enjoy a day at the track. It’s a truly awesome event with a lot more going on trackside other than just car racing.
If you are a racing fan, then you don’t want to miss this one.
Australian Open Tennis
One of the elite 4 tennis Grand Slam events, the Australian Open takes place during the second half of January each year.
Watch the very best tennis players in the world compete for Australian Open glory in the Men’s, Women’s, Doubles and Mixed Doubles events.
The venue is stunning Melbourne Park, an ultra-modern tennis facility located just outside the Melbourne CBD.
If you are looking for something exciting to do during a Melbourne summer, then the Australian Open is definitely worth a look.
