Top 10 things to do with friends in Melbourne that make catching up worth it
As you get older, catching up with friends gets tough. In severe cases, you have to plan months in advance just so you can align your calendars.
Sound familiar? Then you’ll love these top things to do with friends in Melbourne that suit every budget, mood, and chaos level.
It’s especially built for grown-ups who deserve a big break from this dreaded thing called “adulting.” When plans finally come together, you all deserve something you’ll never forget, and it all starts with this list!
1. Have a little splurge at Queen Victoria Market
– Media credit: Queen Victoria Market
Website: https://qvm.com.au/
Address: Queen St.
Phone: +61393205822
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Thursday to Friday 6:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Saturday to Sunday 6:00 am – 4:00 pm
If you want to experience the raw Melbourne spirit right off the bat, Queen Victoria Market is one chaotic yet joyful destination. It’s perfect for a group of friends, in particular, as you can browse the items and try different food offerings together.
You’ll walk through a mix of open sheds, with hundreds of traders selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and steaming hot foods. Aside from the stalls, there are also a bunch of buskers scattered around.
The most popular stall is the American Doughnut Kitchen truck – home of Melbourne’s iconic hot jam doughnuts. And yes, they sell out fast, so you’d better get your hands on these delightful treats first, before anything else.
Pro tip:
Bring reusable bags and a little bit of cash! A lot of stalls don’t use plastic, and some of them accept cash only.
2. Bask in nature at Royal Botanic Gardens
– Media credit: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Website: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
If you and your friends are into nature appreciation, the Royal Botanic Gardens will give you a massive area of manicured lawns, sculpted beds, lakes, and woodlands. Not only that, but there are also a bunch of activities you can enjoy.
The place combines a Victorian-era aesthetic with plant conservation science. Today, nearly 50,000 plants of over 8,500 species thrive here.
You can opt for free guided walks like the daily botanical tours, seasonal “ClimateWatch,” and Indigenous-led “First Peoples” heritage walks. There are also themed tours like the “Secret Life of Birds” and forest therapy sessions.
If you prefer exploring at your own pace, just grab a map at the Visitor Centre.
Pro tip:
You don’t have to go anywhere else if you want to grab a quick bite. You can enjoy picnics by the lake, light cafe fare, or arrange picnic boxes from Curtis Stone Events and The Terrace Cafe.
3. Try kayaking on the Yarra River
– Media credit: Yarra River Melbourne
Directions:
Gliding through the heart of Melbourne is the Yarra River, where you can go kayaking with your friends. Only then will you see the magical city from this perspective.
Enjoy the views of Southbank, Victoria Harbour, and the iconic Eureka Tower.
These guided kayaking tours are run by professional operators like Kayak Melbourne, and it’s the perfect group activity because most of the tour operators require a minimum group of people.
Everything is carefully managed with guide briefs on strokes, boat etiquette, river levels, and more.
Pro tip:
If you want to enjoy sunset paddling with on-water meals, we suggest getting the twilight/moonlight tour. You’ll get to experience the sights of Melbourne just before sunset with a meal! There are fish & chips, pizza, pasta, and dietary options available.
4. Go indoor rock climbing at 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 – 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
If you want to bond over something challenging, Hardrock Climbing offers an experience that will take your breath away – literally.
This indoor rock climbing venue will have you pushing your boundaries, and the best part is, this place welcomes challengers regardless of skill level.
For first-timers, the staff will be happy to guide you through the essential safety procedures, proper harness fitting, and some belaying techniques.
This is the perfect place if you want to try it out as a group because they offer special packages for large groups, which typically include a dedicated instructor to oversee the whole session that lasts about two hours.
And get this, they also have facilities to cater to different group events such as birthdays, corporate gatherings, and more.
Pro tip:
Encourage friendly competition! Hardrock climbing offers engaging activities such as Speed Walls and Blindfold Climbing. It’s a nice way to test your problem-solving skills (just don’t test your friendship with it, though!)
5. Sing your heart out at Karaoke Sessions
– Media karaoke: Booths Karaoke
Melbourne has an impressive selection of karaoke lounges, many of which offer private rooms – perfect for belting your best (or worst) notes without any judgment from other people. Not sure about your friends, though!
Off-key or not, one thing’s for sure: you’ll have fun unleashing your inner Celine Dion or Michael Jackson.
Many karaoke establishments in Melbourne offer various room sizes that can accommodate everything from intimate celebrations to larger parties. They typically operate on an hourly rental basis.
Aside from singing, there’s also food and drink service, which takes a simple karaoke session to a more party-like vibe.
That’s the beauty of karaoke sessions – you’re free to sing as loudly or as badly as you like.
Pro tip:
Don’t be afraid to have fun. Karaoke sessions are meant to be enjoyed, even if you sound like a dying bird! Just let your personality shine through.
6. Experience the nightlife at Laneway Bars
– Media credit: Section 8 Melbourne
The nightlife in Melbourne is something you shouldn’t miss during your visit. The Laneway Bars, in particular, are where you’ll find most of the hidden gems that will give you a great night.
These Laneway Bars are hidden in narrow alleys behind Melbourne’s famed street art. They’re compact, lively, and perfect for small groups.
Some of the top spots are Section 8, a shipping container bar; Bar Ampère, an art deco venue; and The Croft Institute, a quirky science-themed bar with test-tube cocktails.
Honestly, there are a lot of options to choose from, from rooftop to basement bars, each with different themes and gimmicks.
Pro tip:
If you’re new to the laneway vibes and not sure where to start, there are guided tours like the “Uncover Hidden Laneway Bars.” This one visits four spots in a three-hour session.
7. Relax with feline friends at Cat Café
– Media credit: Cat Cafe Melbourne
Website: http://www.catcafemelbourne.com/
Address: 512 Swanston St, Carlton
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Friday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Saturday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Cat Café in Carlton remains the go-to spot for cat lovers in the city. The place has two floors: a ground-level cat lounge for interaction and an upstairs lounge for coffee, snacks, and cat-inspired merch.
Enjoy your favorite beverage and light snack in the company of the resident rescued cats, who roam around freely on both floors.
Quiet and respectful interaction is encouraged, which is why children under 8 are not allowed.
Also, you only play, pet, or relax with the cats. You’re not supposed to pick them up unless the staff tells you it’s okay to do so.
Pro tip:
Reserve ahead to secure a spot, as walk-ins are only accepted if space allows. Also, it’s better to arrive early because the sessions always start on time.
8. Unleash all the stress at The Smash Room
– Media credit: The Smash Room
Website: http://www.thesmashroom.com.au/
Address: Factory 1/60 Keilor Park Dr, Keilor East
Phone: +61 1300 166 729
Operating hours:
- Thursday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Friday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Time to channel your frustration into something fun! The Smash Room’s concept, where you smash/break things in an enclosed space, is getting immensely popular.
It’s an unconventional yet fun and effective way to release stress and share a laugh (or tears – if things get emotional in the middle of it).
The process is simple. You only have to wear protective gear and proceed to break various things like glassware and electronics using bats, crowbars, or even a golf club.
If you’re undecided, you can just throw stuff across the room!
If you’re celebrating a milestone (like a breakup or finally quitting your dreaded job), you can arrange with the staff to include personal things like printed photos or old office supplies.
Not only that, you can choose your own playlist to play in the background while you’re in session.
Pro tip:
Don’t skip the group photo wall! After your session, they usually offer a post-smash photo op against graffiti walls. It’s a nice keepsake to remember the experience.
9. Have friendly competitions with Go-Karts
– Media credit: Le Mans Entertainment
The go-karting scene in Melbourne is one of the most sought-after activities in the city, as it can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors.
Plus, you can set friendly competitions with the whole gang because most venues include electronic lap timers and leaderboards to give the experience a competitive atmosphere.
One of the most popular venues is Le Mans Entertainment. They offer multiple circuit types, electric karts, and even night racing.
Another hot pick is the Auscarts Racing in Port Melbourne, an indoor racing track with laser tag zones and a bar/café for after-race cooldowns.
Pro tip:
Many go-kart operators like Le Mans offer twilight sessions (from 5:00 pm onwards). If you want to enjoy cooler weather while go-karting, it’s best to opt for this one.
10. Try the themed dining experience
– Media credit: The Wizards Brunch
If you want something more than just a simple dining experience, Melbourne has some of the craziest and most creative themed dining spots out there.
The city just knows how to elevate your group outing by creating themes such as anime cafés, retro gaming restaurants, and more.
Take Easey’s, for example – a quirky burger joint where you dine inside a restored train carriage and the burgers are named after Melbourne’s train lines.
If you’re a Potterhead, there’s The Wizard’s Brunch and Dinner. The place is inspired by Harry Potter and offers potion-making cocktails, character role-play, and a three-course meal.
Another must-try is the Mjølner Melbourne, a Viking-themed fine dining restaurant inspired by Norse mythology.
Honestly, there are too many to mention, and we believe that the more you try to look further, the crazier it gets. There’s more than enough for you and your friends to enjoy.
Pro tip:
If encouraged, don’t be shy to dress up according to the theme!