The 12 best things to do indoors in Melbourne to beat the unpredictable weather
We know that feeling — you think you’ve planned out the perfect day out with your friends, and then the weather just shifts. It’s even more annoying when your outfit gets ruined.
If you’re in a place like Melbourne that can pull a full 180 on the weather, the best course is just to play it safe and bond indoors. Forget amusement parks and the beach.
Looking for a place to dodge the heat or avoid the rain but still wanna have fun? Here are some fun indoor activities in Melbourne that won’t dampen your day, no matter the weather.
1. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
– Media credit: National Gallery of Victoria
Website: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/
Address: 180 St Kilda Rd
Phone: +61386202222
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
We’re starting strong with something that holds importance in the life of every Victorian: the National Gallery of Victoria. This is where Melbourne’s cultural pulse beats the strongest.
The gallery is split into two sites: there’s the NGV International on St. Kilda Road, and the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square. A third site, The Fox, is in the works as of this writing and is expected to open in 2028.
With collections that span centuries and continents, it makes for a quiet yet immersive activity for visitors.
Aside from the permanent collections displayed inside, there are also themed exhibits that run for a limited time. And it’s not just for adults, because there are exhibitions for kids that pop up occasionally, too.
Pro tip:
While the general admission is free, the special exhibits are ticketed, so it’s best to set aside a budget for them.
2. Holey Moley Golf Club
– Media credit: Holey Moley Golf Club
Website: https://www.holeymoley.com.au/
Address: 590 Little Bourke St.
Phone: +61370038901
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday to Saturday 11:00 am – 1:00 am
- Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Mini golf might seem like another pastime for some bored teens, but here at Holey Moley, you’ll see this simple activity in a new light.
If you want an activity full of color, pop culture, and competitive mini-golf rounds with friends, this place is something your ’90s kid heart would love.
But instead of the ordinary mini-golf setup of putters and golf balls, the “holes” are interactive and challenging, like a Simpsons couch and a Monopoly-themed golfing setup.
There are just so many options that you might not even know where to begin. But once you’ve started, it’s easy to lose track of time here.
And if you want to take the fun to another level, you can accompany it with food and cocktails from their menu.
Pro tip:
While mini-golfing is the main star here, you can also book other activities like karaoke sessions, escape rooms, and arcade games.
3. Auscarts Racing
– Media credit: Auscarts Indoor Racing
Website: http://auscarts.com.au/
Address: 50 Salmon St, Port Melbourne
Phone: +61396466015
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 9:30 am – 10:00 pm
This indoor go-kart venue is a 450-meter professional circuit that’s designed to mirror a real race experience at speeds up to 55km/h.
Beginners can try it out through a quick 15-minute session. However, if you’re going for a friendly competition with friends, you can book their packages like the Super Sprint, Monaco Challenge, Melbourne Grand Prix, and more.
You can even book it for exclusive events like birthdays and team-building sessions.
Auscarts is particular about access. Participants must be at least 13 years old, 145 cm tall, and weigh under 145 kg for better mobility in the karts.
And while they do have a bar inside, adult drivers must pass a 0.00 breath test before commencing, so save the toasts for later!
Pro tip:
Walk-ins are not always guaranteed, so it’s best to book in advance — especially for groups with eight or more members. If fewer, ring the place in the morning so they can squeeze you into the schedule.
4. Hardrock Climbing
– Media credit: Hardrock Climbing
Website: https://www.hardrock.com.au/
Address: 4/8 Franklin St.
Phone: +61396315300
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am – 6:30 pm
If you’re going for a test of strength and endurance without the scorching heat outside, you can go indoor rock climbing at Hardrock.
Inside are vertical walls up to 16 metres high, 44 top-rope walls, and four auto-belays. Routes range from grade 6 to grade 30, which makes the place perfect for first-timers and experienced climbers.
Don’t worry if you’re completely new to the sport — you can either rely on a guide or use the auto-belay wall if you’re going solo.
For kids, Hardrock Climbing often hosts youth clubs and holiday programs that are great for keeping them active during school breaks.
Pro tip:
There’s no need to book if you’re visiting casually. But if you’re going with a large group of 10 members or more, then you’re required to book a reservation.
5. iFLY Melbourne
– Media credit: iFLY Melbourne Indoor Skydiving
Website: https://www.iflyworld.com.au/
Address: 2 Burns St, Essendon Fields
Phone: +61 1300 435 928
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
If you think skydiving is only outdoors, then think again. iFLY believes that everyone should have the opportunity to experience flying; that’s why they’ve made this indoor space to enjoy skydiving without the fear of heights.
Here’s how the whole thing works: you’ll be inside a vertical wind tunnel, where you’ll fly gently on a cushion of controlled air.
And no, you’re not going to jump and then fall! Instead, the air will lift you up slowly, where you’ll have the same feeling of free-falling without the airplane jump.
Flyers can be as young as three years old!
Pro tip:
Your iFLY experience will last over an hour, including the briefing. If you want more time in the air, you are free to purchase additional flights.
6. Scienceworks Museum
– Media credit: Scienceworks
Website: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/
Address: 2 Booker St, Spotswood
Phone: +61 131102
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10 :00 am – 4:30 pm
If you have a curious mind about how science actually works, the Scienceworks Museum can help with that. This museum holds exhibits, a massive planetarium, and theatrical science shows.
One of the must-sees here is the planetarium. It’s a 16-meter domed theater with surround sound. The shows here will take you on journeys through the solar system, which typically last for 30 to 45 minutes.
Everything displayed here is a thing of the past and the future. There are interactive galleries that engage visitors with future-focused tech, human biomechanics, and more.
And nearby is a heritage station that displays 19th-century steam engines.
Pro tip:
If you’re a regular visitor, you can join the museum membership club, where you’ll get free general entry to Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, and the Immigration Museum. Also, you’ll get discounts on special exhibitions, parking, cafes, and more.
7. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
– Media credit: SEA LIFE Melbourne
Website: https://www.visitsealife.com/melbourne/
Address: King St.
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
An aquatic adventure doesn’t sound so bad for an indoor activity in Melbourne if you’re spending it in a place like the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
This 2.2 million-litre oceanarium is the home to over 10,000 sea creatures from 550 different species, including sharks, seahorses, penguins, and more.
Inside the aquarium, you’ll get to explore a total of 12 themed zones where you’ll find educational sessions and interactive feeding opportunities for some animals like rays, sharks, and even the famous saltwater croc, Pinjarra.
One famous zone is the Penguin Playground, where you’ll get to witness King and Gentoo penguins in a frosty habitat with real snow and ice.
Aside from the sightseeing, there are a lot of activities here, including a VR experience, private dining, and more.
Pro tip:
If you’re into an exclusive experience in the aquarium, you can purchase an admission for early entry plus breakfast. This includes early entry before the crowds arrive and a buffet-style breakfast.
8. ArtVo Immersive Gallery
– Media credit: ArtVo
Website: http://www.artvo.com.au/
Address: Shop NCF 07, Level 1/26 Star Cres, Docklands
Phone: +61396001118
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
We’ve all seen hyper-realistic paintings that know how to play with our eyes. At ArtVo Immersive Gallery, you’ll get to play with over 80 hand-painted, interactive 3D artworks across themed zones.
As you step inside this world of optical illusion, you’ll get to explore the polar ice caps, the forest, the ocean, and space.
It’s a self-guided gallery suitable for all ages and any group size. The best thing about this experience is that visitors are allowed to touch the art, pose, and take photos, as if they were part of the installation.
A quick walkthrough here might only take an hour, but if you’re so into it and you want to take the perfect shot, you can stay a little longer.
Pro tip:
Your ticket is actually valid for 12 months, so even if you miss your initial booking, you can use your ticket for another day.
9. Melbourne Central Shopping Centre
– Media credit: kmartfacemask_
Website: http://www.melbournecentral.com.au/
Address: Cnr LaTrobe and Swanston Streets
Phone: +61399221122
Operating hours:
- Saturday to Wednesday 10 :00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday and Friday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
This place is an iconic mall in Melbourne with over 276 stores spread across six floors. It has everything from local retailers to high-end brands and international fashion labels.
Not only that, you can also catch the latest movie screening at the HOYTS cinema and play your favorite game at the arcade zone.
If you get hungry along the way, there’s a hub of restaurants and cafés inside as well.
The best advantage here is probably the fact that Melbourne Central is also a transport hub, sitting above the railway station. It makes a seamless five-block indoor corridor for shuffling through the Golden Mile.
So, if you don’t feel like going outdoors, Melbourne Central is an easy spot for an air-conditioned day out for families, couples, and friend groups.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the hidden museum space on the lower ground of the Shot Tower. It displays the importance of lead bullet production from the 1890s.
10. TRAPT Bar & Escape Rooms
– Media credit: TRAPT Bar & Escape Rooms
Website: https://www.traptmelbourne.com.au/
Address: 377 Lonsdale St.
Phone: +61390880870
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
If you want something thrilling and filled with mental challenges, the TRAPT Bar & Escape Room is the place to be. When you visit, make sure you bring some friends because trust me, you’re going to need them.
Once you’re with your team, the clock will start ticking. You’ll be given 45 to 50 minutes to navigate the rooms and solve the puzzles.
You’ll go through five rooms, and you need to solve the current room before you can proceed to the next one. All of the rooms can be played in any order.
The key here is to keep your eyes open as the puzzles will definitely challenge how you think through things, so be prepared for anything!
Whatever the result is, the bar is always ready to celebrate with you (or console you!)
Pro tip:
If you’re a first-timer and you don’t know where to start and which path to take next, TRAPT recommends this order.
11. Bounce Inc.
– Media credit: Bounce Inc.
Website: http://bounceinc.com.au/
Address: Hangar 4, 236 Wirraway Rd, Essendon Fields
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday and Saturday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Bounce is the perfect playground if you prefer an activity that requires high energy. And it’s not just for kids — any age is welcome here as long as you’re free-spirited and your joints are up for it.
The whole place is filled with interconnected trampolines, slam dunk courts, big bags, and other bouncy stuff.
You can do anything you want here; flip into the big bag, run The Wall, cliff jump — anything! You can do it all.
And while we did mention that the place is suitable for all ages, all children under 12 years old must be accompanied and supervised by a guardian at all times. Any supervising guests are welcome to enter and spectate for free.
Pro tip:
We recommend wearing athletic clothing with some stretch or long-sleeved shirts. Anything is fine as long as it’s comfortable and doesn’t restrict your movement.
12. ACMI
– Media credit: ACMI
Website: https://www.acmi.net.au/
Address: Federation Square, Flinders St.
Phone: +61386632200
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is a national museum in Australia for screen culture. You’ll definitely enjoy your time here if you’re a tech nerd or a creative.
You’ll see displays of over 900 films, TV, video games, and art artifacts. When you arrive, you’ll be given “The Lens,” a handheld, take-home device that you use to collect the displays you discover during your tour.
Your collected data will then be curated into an online collection.
Aside from the interactive exhibitions, ACMI also screens classic movies that you can watch in their two cinemas.
Pro tip:
ACMI can be accessed via Flinders Street and Fed Square. The Flinders Street entrance is more accessible for visitors using mobility aids.