How to Enjoy Melbourne During Night Time During Your Next Visit – Explore the City After Dark

 You might have been to Melbourne before, but you have not really experienced all of it if you have not gone out and explored it at night. Many cities look and seem one way by day but showcase a whole new side to them after dark. Once the sun goes down, you’ve got a chance to witness a different kind of magic. So, the next time you are in Melbourne, make sure to stay there overnight and try some of the following during your time in the city.

Victor Dam, At Dockland Melbourne (59443014), CC BY-SA 3.0

 Step One – View the City from Up Above

To really get an understanding of how the city transforms into something different at night, you need to go somewhere high up, so that you can get a holistic glimpse of the skyline after dark. What better way to do this and by catching a ride on a giant Ferris wheel? Located in the Docklands district, about a 7-minute drive away from Oaks Melbourne on Collins Hotel, one of the many Collins Street hotels, the Melbourne Star looms on the horizon. It is the biggest Ferris wheel that you’ll find in any Australian city and it lights up the sky at night with the neon-coloured lights that decorate it. The Melbourne Star, or The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel as it is officially called, is one of the major tourist attractions of the city. Many local and foreign visitors to the city alike queue up here for a chance to ride the wheel and get a bird’s-eye view of the glittering city sprawled out below. A ride on the wheel takes around half an hour. If this seems a little long to you, don’t worry – you can always opt-in for some additional perks to keep you busy during the ride (though it will cost you extra). What kind of perks are on offer? You can opt-in for things such as an alcoholic beverage (think wine and cocktails such as sangria). Of course, some people also book one whole cabin for themselves, so they have the freedom to use it as they please – think proposals! How much does a standard ticket for an adult cost? Roughly AUD 16.50.

 Step Two – Swap the Art Galleries for Bylanes Filled with Graffiti

Melbourne’s street art scene is quite impressive. Head out after dark and go bar hopping down the many streets and laneways, and while you are at it, take in the creative works of art that are plastered on the walls of many of these lanes. Some of the artworks look quite different when viewed at night, so even if you have seen some of them before during the day, it is worthwhile experiencing them after dark as well to enjoy a new perspective. What kinds of laneways are best for graffiti-viewing? Make sure to check out spots such as AC/DC Lane, Degraves Street, Union Lane, and Hosier Lane to name a few. Though a word of caution – exploration after dark always comes at some risk. So, make sure to travel in a group and not head down any path that seems too dark or isolated.

 Step 3 – Go Ghost Hunting!

If you are exploring Melbourne by night for the first time, it is imperative to experience something that will leave a lasting impression. Why not go ghost hunting at the Melbourne Gaol with your friends? You can also wander through the cellblock where infamous inmates were once kept. There are several night tours that are offered for the daring, and the gaol reopens after dark just for these (its normal closing hours are in the evening at 5 pm).