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Arcade melbourne central

Fun Things To Do in Melbourne Central 

Now, we know that Melbourne Central is a, if not the, place to go for a spot of shoppping, but did you also know there are a bunch of fun things to do in Melbourne Central as well? To prove what we are talking about, here is a stack of Melbourne Central activities to try when those shopping bags are getting a little too heavy.

 

Things to do near Melbourne Central

Melbourne Central keeps the party going with plenty of activities both inside and near the complex. Here are some of our favourites:

Arcade Melbourne Central

B. Lucky & Sons Arcade Melbourne Central 

Melbourne Central might be a bit of a maze to the uninitiated, but there's no missing B. Lucky & Sons. This place is a neon-lit beacon, impossible to walk past without at least a glance. Inside, it's a vibrant blend of bar and adults-only arcade. You can sip on a spiked bubble tea while tackling a giant, two-person Space Invaders. 

The games light up the room with nostalgia, offering classics like Dance Dance Revolution and Mario Kart alongside chances to win cool prizes from claw machines and spinning wheels. And let's talk about drinks. Whether you're after an Espresso Martini or prefer a simple beer, wine, or bubbly, there's a beverage for every vibe. 

 

Escape Room Melbourne Central

Strike Escape Room Melbourne Central

Tucked away on the third floor of Melbourne Central, Strike Escape Rooms offers a hidden gem of an adventure. The first challenge? Finding the place. It's tucked within the sprawling Strike Bowling, so keep your eyes peeled.

Once you track it down, you have two thrilling options: Shutdown, where you must restore a sabotaged AI system, or the Old Haunt, a spooky mansion where you seek refuge from a storm and uncover hidden secrets. For $38 per person, you’ll solve about 20 puzzles within 60 minutes—roughly one puzzle every three minutes. It's intense, but you can use up to three clues if you get stuck, and if a puzzle proves too tricky, it eventually solves itself to keep the game moving. Warm up the brain and have a little fun!

 

Melbourne Museum

We have to list some very cool adjacent Melbourne Central activities that are not to be missed. For the standard ticket price of $15, you can dive deep into Melbourne's rich history at the Melbourne Museum, where you can start your journey at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The First Peoples exhibition offers an immersive experience of the history of Victoria before European settlement. Wander through the Milarra Garden, passing native plants on your way to a cave adorned with ancient rock paintings. 

Other must-see exhibits include the awe-inspiring skeleton of a Diprotodon, the largest marsupial to have ever roamed the Earth, and the free 45- to 60-minute tours which run twice daily (at 10:30 a.m. and in the afternoon, depending on demand). This is the perfect way to gain a comprehensive overview of Melbourne's fascinating past.

Shops near Melbourne Central

If you’ve shopped all of Melbourne Central, first of all, congratulations, you legend, secondly, keep going. There are plenty of great shopping options nearby, such as:

Queen Victoria Market

The closest Melbourne Central market just so happens to be the main one; Queen Victoria Market, a beloved spot for locals seeking the freshest fruit, veggies, meat, dairy, and smallgoods. It’s also a must-visit for tourists. To make the most of your Queen Vic experience, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Despite the trend towards cashless payments, Queen Vic still operates largely on cash. Know where the ATMs are: Queen Street has a few between the sheds and the food hall, and there’s a less busy one at the 7-Eleven on Elizabeth Street.

  2. Observe what others are buying to determine what's good so you’re not clueless when it’s your turn.

  3. The market is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. Save yourself the disappointment and remember these days.

  4. Always buy a borek, trust us, you won’t regret it.

  5. The hot jammies from the American Doughnut Kitchen van are legendary. A bag of five costs $6, and they’re worth every penny.

  6. If you have a table at the Night Market and see someone looking for one, let them know you’re leaving (finding a table at the Night Market can be a challenge, so help out fellow foodies by giving up your spot when you’re done).

  7. After being closed on Mondays, Tuesdays often see the freshest goods as stallholders restock.

 

Chadstone: The Fashion Capital

Chadstone, the Fashion Capital of Melbourne, is a world unto itself, dominated by the sprawling Chadstone Shopping Centre, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. There are high-end stores, lower-budget shopping, and more things to snack on that your tummy can handle.

For dining, Scott Pickett's Pastore is a highlight, renowned for its wood-fired dishes like kangaroo with macadamia and saltbush, and hand-made pastas. The menu at Altus, another onsite venue, offers upscale European cuisine, perfect for indulgent evenings. If you are heading to Chadstone, put a whole day aside as it's a big one

  • Location: 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone VIC 3148

  • Website: chadstone.com.au   

  • Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 9am - 5:30pm, Thurs - Sat: 9am - 9pm, Sunday: 10am - 7pm

Free Things to Do near Melbourne Central

Many people make the mistake of thinking Melbourne is an expensive place to have a good time in! Wrong. There are loads of cool, zero-cost things that you can do while still learning about history or the environment, and these are some of our favourites.

State Library Victoria

The stunning architecture aside, the historical significance of the library makes it something worth seeing. It's a peaceful part of the city, offering free exhibitions, quiet study spaces, and informative guided tours.

  • Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000

  • Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10am - 9pm, Friday to Sunday: 10am - 6pm

Shrine of Remembrance

A revered memorial honouring Australia's veterans, the Shrine is serene and offers panoramic views from the balcony. Head here, pay your respects and learn a little bit more about those who paid the ultimate price so we can enjoy Melbourne as we know it today.

  • Address: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001

  • Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)

Royal Botanical Gardens

If you love stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections, the Royal Botanic Gardens' walks, scenic views of the city skyline, and free guided tours are a must. Pack a picnic and relax.

  • Address: Birdwood Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141

  • Opening Hours: Open daily from 7:30pm until sunset

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are trams free in Melbourne?

In Melbourne's city centre, tram travel is complimentary within the Free Tram Zone. The free stops within the zone are pretty easy to identify. Remember, if your journey starts or ends outside the Free Tram Zone, you'll need a valid Myki card.

Where can I go out with friends and family in Melbourne?

Where can’t you go out! There is plenty to see and do in every section of Melbourne. We recommend starting in the CBD with shopping, dining and entertainment at Melbourne Central and working your way from there.

Where tourists can get a Myki?

Tourists can easily get a Myki card from several convenient locations:

Retail Sho ps : Purchase and top up your Myki card at hundreds of shops, including all 7-Eleven stores.

Myki Machines: Available at selected train stations and tram stops.

Mobile Options: Order a Myki card through the PTV app (note that delivery may take up to two weeks) or top up instantly with an Android phone using Google Wallet.

Premium Station Ticket Offices: These ticket offices offer Myki cards and top-up services.

How should I spend my day in Melbourne?

Pop over to Melbourne Central and do a spot of shopping, enjoy a delicious meal and catch a movie. You can also hit the arcade, or relax with a drink at the pub, all of which is inside of Melbourne Central’s walls.

Where to stay to enjoy all of the Melbourne Central activities

Stay in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, next to Hardware Lane, with Novotel Melbourne Central, a short walk to Melbourne's shopping precinct. Novotel offers a range of accommodation options with free access to all downtown precincts via the tram. Novotel Melbourne Central is the place to enjoy everything downtown Melbourne has to offer.