With the Easter long weekend (7–10 April 2023) just around the corner, we've got the information you need to plan your best Easter yet. From attractions to events and the stores open across Melbourne, this guide will help you lock in your Easter plans.
Things to do during the Easter long weekend in Melbourne
Melbourne Zoo from Klook
Visit Australia’s oldest zoo which is home to over 300 animals from Australia and abroad.
Learn the art of shaking and stirring your favourite cocktails – so you can be the bartender at home, naturally. This class comes with a matching meze to tuck into.
Melbourne Highlights Sightseeing Cruise from RedBalloon
If your favourite thing to do over Easter is to sit back and relax, look no further than this 2-hour cruise with commentary and picture-perfect views of Melbourne’s best sights.
Location: Departs from Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank
If you believe that the long weekend is all about relaxing and catching up with family and friends then why not throw an activity into the mix with a learn-to-paint class? At the end you'll even have a unique artwork to show for it.
Entry to Enchanted Adventure Garden and Maze from Adrenaline
Drive south to the Mornington Peninsula for a relaxing day with the family. Wander among the mazes, puzzles and sculptures then relax on the green with a picnic.
If you’ve got kids at home eagerly awaiting the Easter Bunny’s arrival on 17 April, why not use up some of their energy by visiting the Moonlit Sanctuary?
It’s the perfect place for a family day out and you’ll meet some Australian native animals including koalas, wombat and dingoes. Feeling adventurous? Opt in for a kangaroo and wallaby feeding experience.
Be part of the artwork at ARTVO, an art museum that defies reality and lets you step into the picture. It's great for all ages and is bound to entertain the smaller members of the family with their big imaginations.
Location: Shop NCF, 07 Level/1 26 Star Cres, Docklands
If you’re yet to find your signature dish to take to dinner parties, spend the Easter weekend perfecting your culinary skills with a Thai food cooking class.
Location: This experience takes place in your own home
Grab 9 of your closest mates and spend a day on the water steering your own luxury boat down the Yarra. A fridge and esky are included so don't forget to bring some food and drink to share.
Steal away from the busy city today and immerse yourself in nature by walking the canopy of this local rainforest. It's a 1-hour, family friendly walk with plenty of stops for kids to learn about the habitat.
Looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush to fill the Easter long weekend? Enjoy some friendly competition with friends or family with a 30-lap go-karting experience at an indoor Port Melbourne karting track.
Melbourne Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast from RedBalloon
Make the Easter long weekend even more memorable with a hot air ballooning experience over Melbourne followed by a champagne breakfast located at the Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne.
Spend a night out on Yarra River and enjoy a 4-course gourmet dinner with a selection of drinks including beer, wine and spirits. If that doesn’t completely satisfy you, there’s tea, coffee, dessert and a cheese plate to follow.
Gumbuya World has all the makings of a fun family day out – from roller-coaster rides and wildlife encounters to themed food. There's even water slides and wave pools to cool your jets on balmy days.
Hang out with marine life at SEA LIFE as you make your way around 4 areas: Antarctica, Weird and Wonderful, River to Reef and Sharks Alive – all filled with some of the most popular creatures in the ocean.
Visiting Melbourne? Perhaps you're a history buff (or are the parent of one)? This ghost tour takes you through the city's spooky past where decadency and opium dens ruled the streets. Tours run from Friday to Sunday.
Note: The above is accurate as of 4 April 2023. Public holidays may affect normal trading hours. Contact the venue before visiting to confirm their trading hours for the Easter long weekend.
Top events in Melbourne and its surrounds over the Easter long weekend
Flinders Easter Market: With over a hundred stalls filled with local produce, craft and trinkets, and stacks of kids entertainment from jumping castles to pony rides, there's something for everybody at this market. It runs on a gold coin donation which goes to the Flinders Cricket Club and CFA. B.A. Flinders Cricket Ground, 9 April
Luna Park Autumn Easter Holidays: Melbourne's iconic theme park is getting a seasonal makeover with Easter egg hunts and bunny acrobats. Book your spot now to snatch up some of the 30,000 chocolate eggs hiding around the park. Luna Park, 8–9 April
Good Friday Community Fun: While the little ones get stuck into the Easter egg hunt and face painting, you can try your hand at barefoot bowling or a raffle. All proceeds are donated to the Royal Children's Hospital. Flemington & Kensington Bowling Club, 7 April
Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Lots of laughs are in store at this annual comedy festival. School aged kids will be entertained by day with a line-up of free family entertainment, but if you'd prefer to steer away from that crowd, the late-night showcases run until midnight. Melbourne Town Hall, 29 March – 23 April
Peppa Pig's Aquarium Adventure: Everyone's favourite pig is coming to SEA LIFE. Grab your booklet before you head on in and help Peppa count starfish, find hidden seahorses and more. Meet and Greets are also available from 10am-3pm daily. 7-25 April.
City of Champions @ LEGOLAND Discovery Centre: Packed with fun and adventure, little builders can take on big builds as LEGO City Minifigurines take over LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Collectable limited-edition trading cards, star stickers and souvenir wallets are all up for grabs. 7-23 April.
Easter Weekend at Warratina Lavender Farm: The Easter Bunny is dropping eggs everywhere and at Warratina Lavender Farm kids can 6 egg tokens that they can trade in for a bag of chocolate eggs. Warratina Lavender Farm, 8–9 April
Easter at Mt Buller: If you're up for a weekend away, there's stacks of fun waiting at Mt Buller. On the agenda this long weekend is a mountain-high fun run, Easter Village market and a giant Easter egg hunt. Mt Buller, 8–9 April
Free things to do in Melbourne during the Easter long weekend
Have a picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Dust off the picnic blanket, pack some snacks and sandwiches for a lunch in the gardens.
Take a drive down the Great Ocean Road. Take the scenic route down Melbourne's Great Ocean Road. The endless views are sure to keep everyone entertained.
Relax on Tideways Beach. If the sun is out then this strip of coastline is the perfect quiet weekend getaway.
Spend a day at Fitzroy Gardens. From Sinclairs' and Cooks' Cottages to the fairies and water statues, there'll be plenty to do come Easter weekend.
Hike through the Dandenong National Park. Discover the great outdoors with a day out amongst the tree lines.
Take to the coast at Half Moon Bay. Its lengthy sandbank means you can enjoy the waves with your family without the crowding.
Visit the William Ricketts Sanctuary. If the statues are anything to go by, this one puts a fairytale spin on your walk through the park.
Walk through the Organ Pipes National Park. What a better way to spend the weekend then seeing some of nature's best work at the Organ Pipes National Park.
Go back in time with a trip to Fort Nepean. Take the whole family out on the walk up to Fort Nepean. Bring a blanket to enjoy the afternoon down by the beach.
Explore Kitty Miller Bay. Between the long stretch of beach and the shipwrecks left on the shore, there's so much to enjoy at Kitty Miller Bay.
See the latest deals for the Easter long weekend in Melbourne
Deal
Up to 72% off things to do in Melbourne
Available on select dates and activities including bike tours, river cruises, diving, skydiving, classes and more.
Available on select stay dates from December 2023 – December 2024, including during Christmas and New Year's Eve. Destinations include Northern Suburbs, Southbank and more.
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates on destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and high teas. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates. Activities include getaways, wine tours, attraction admissions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 60% off activities, experiences and things to do
Valid on select dates including holidays such as Christmas, New Year's and more depending on the destination. Destinations include Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Dubai, Australia, London and the US. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates on hot air balloon flights and scenic flights. Destinations include Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Sydney, Whitsundays, Gold Coast and more.
Courtney Edwards was associate travel publisher at Finder. She has a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism and sub-majoring in English from Western Sydney University and a Certificate II in Tourism. She discovered her love for travel while completing a semester abroad in England and travelling around Europe. Outside of work, you’ll find Courtney visiting new brunch spots and planning her next adventure.
Here's our guide on what you can do in Sydney this Easter long weekend.
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