Although the climate in Victoria is renowned for its unpredictability, it is a state that can be visited all year round, and you will often find pleasantly warm temperatures from October right through to May. Melbourne hosts numerous sporting events during the year, including the Aussie Rules Football final in September, the Melbourne Cup in November, the Boxing Day Test, the Australian Open tennis tournament in January and the Grand Prix in March. These are fantastic events to watch and you will certainly find Melbourne alive over these dates! For those who are interested in surfing, a visit to Bells Beach in Torquay around Easter is worth considering, as they host the International Surfing Competition that brings both professional and amateur surfers from all over the world.
Festivals & Events
Last two weeks in January: Australian Open, Melbourne
The cream of the international tennis world descends Melbourne Park on for Australia’s Grand Slam tournament.
February/March: Yarra Valley Grape Grazing
A weekend of fun, focussed on the local wine industry, which includes wine-making masterclasses, barrel races and live music, as well as chances to try your hand at grape pressing and, of course, sample some fine food and wine.
March/April: Formula One Grand Prix, Melbourne
The suburban roads around Albert Park transform into a haven for petrolheads for a weekend as the glamour, glitz and high-octane entertaiment of the F1 roadshow swings in to town.
Easter weekend: International Surfing Competition, Bell’s Beach
Arguably the top date on the world’s surfing calendar, this event draws the top professional surfers and enthusiastic amateurs alike to this marine park, to compete for thousands of dollars in prize money.
April/May: Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Australia’s premier comedy event draws acts from across the country and worldwide to perform in the city’s pubs, theatres and outdoor spaces, and includes workshops, a talent search, short film screenings and a comedy ‘Great Debate’.
Last Saturday in September: Australian Football League Grand Final, Melbourne
The culmination of the season for Australia’s national sport.
Last two weeks in October: Melbourne International Arts Festival and Fringe Festival
Melbourne International Arts Festival brings international-standard arts events to this vibrant city, while the Fringe provides a platform for innovative and contemporary performances. There are hundreds of events to attend from across the spectrum of the arts, including theatre, films, comedy shows and visual arts.
First Tuesday in November: Melbourne Cup
Australia’s most popular horse race supports an exciting four-day carnival, which includes fashion events, boot-sales and auctions, picnics and fine food, and, of course, a top-quality racecard.
Boxing Day: Test Cricket, Melbourne
60,000 spectators pack into the MCG for a carnival atmosphere and a display of some of the finest cricket in the world.