The second most visited city in Australia, Melbourne, sometimes referred to as Australia's cultural capital, is a hub for sport, music, theatre, comedy, art, literature, film, and television. The city hosts numerous annual cultural celebrations and festivals of different kinds, like the Melbourne International Arts Festival or Moomba.
Melbourne has a lot to offer to visitors. Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, Crown Casino, Southbank, Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Docklands, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, Melbourne Observation Deck, Arts Centre Melbourne, and Melbourne Cricket Ground are among the most popular tourist destinations that you can visit in Melbourne in December.
What makes Melbourne in December special?
Australia experiences summer from December to February and Melbourne’s weather in December makes it an especially lovely time to visit. The festive period arrives in Melbourne in December and the city is bedecked in lights and alive with celebrations all over. It is one of the busiest times of the year, especially for tourists who want to take advantage of the great outdoors, enjoy the sunlight, and explore the beaches. Melbourne also offers a number of gorgeous tourist spots and seaside locations that are ideal for visiting in December. Some of the country's most well-known cultural landmarks are located in Melbourne.
UNESCO has designated Melbourne as a City of Literature and as the world's centre for live theatre, live music, and street art. Melbourne is jovial, lively, and at its most beautiful in December, with Christmas markets, special events, concerts and exhibitions serving as the proverbial cherries on top.
December weather in Melbourne
Summer officially starts in Melbourne in December. The hottest temperature in December is between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius. It is more common to have cooler and more pleasant evenings. Due to Melbourne's generally excellent weather this month, December is also the busiest travel month.
Melbourne in December: Things to do
1
Pixar Putt
Pixar Putt will take you to infinity and beyond this December. Some of Pixar's most cherished films served as inspiration for Australia's popular open-air mini golf phenomenon. This time you can expect Toy Story, Cars, Monsters, Inc., Turning Red, Soul, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, Inside Out, Luca and Pixar’s newest release, Inside Out 2.
December Timings:
Thu-Sat: 9:30am-6pm
Mon-Wed: 10am-5pm
2
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Go exploring in December! Along with daily farming activities and digital quests centred around the Heritage Farm, Churchill Island offers a variety of walking and cycling routes that are all free to enjoy.
154/156 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922,
Australia
Getting There ›
3
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Enjoy the peaceful, natural surroundings at Victoria's wonderful, family-run Ballarat Wildlife Park! Get up close and personal with a wide range of native and exotic species, such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, crocodiles, and more. They even conduct live events where you can watch birds in flight, get up close and personal with friendly wombats, and learn about various snake species.
December Timings
Mon-Sun: 9am-5pm
250 Fussell St, Ballarat East VIC 3350
Australia
Getting There ›
4
Melbourne Zoo
At the Melbourne Zoo, you may see more than 300 different animal species. Observe Asian Elephants, Sumatran Tigers, kangaroos, red pandas, young penguins, capuchins, and other exotic animals. Purchase tickets for the Melbourne Zoo to gain entry to all animal enclosures at your leisure and to take in an informative presentation on the animals' everyday life.
December Timings
Mon-Sun: 9am-5pm
Parkville VIC 3052,
Australia
Getting There ›
5
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Melbourne's Ultimate Indoor LEGO Playground! Go back to a time when you weren't concerned and just be a kid. Take advantage of the rides, 4D movies, and building opportunities!
December Timings
Mon-Fri: 10:30-2:30pm
Sat-Sun: 9:30am-5:30pm
Level 2/1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone VIC 3148,
Australia
Getting There ›
6
Philip Island Cape Woolamai Cruise
Take a boat tour from San Remo to Cape Woolamai to see some amazing Phillip Island scenery. You will be able to see some of the most breathtaking sites the island has to offer as you float along the shore. As you pass beneath the Phillip Island Bridge, look out at the steep granite cliffs and caverns surrounded by the azure ocean.
December Timings:
Mon-Sun: 9am-5pm
Phillip Island, VIC,
Australia
Getting There ›
7
Healesville Sanctuary
The Healesville Refuge, a renowned sanctuary where visitors may experience Australian wildlife in its native habitat, lies tucked away in the middle of the Yarra Valley. This sanctuary is essential to Australia's efforts to save endangered species of wildlife. Meet cute native animals up close, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, platypi, dingoes, and birds.
December Timings:
Mon-Sun: 9am-5pm
Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777,
Australia
Getting There ›
8
Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs
Away from the bustle and throngs of Melbourne, enjoy the Mornington Peninsula's beautiful coastline. Visit Portsea, a beachside community that serves as the Peninsula's centre for scuba diving. Take a look at Sorrento's alluring beauty. Your knowledgeable tour guide will fill you in on the background and details of this mesmerising shoreline while you lose yourself in the tranquillity of the Peninsula.
December Timings:
Mon-Fri: 7am-11pm
Sat-Sun: 5am-11pm
140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939,
Australia
Getting There ›
9
Guided Tour of the Great Ocean Road
There are numerous attractions along Australia's most beautiful coastline, the Great Ocean Road, including the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. Make your way to the Memorial Arch, the historic entryway.
Southern Cross Station, Docklands, Victoria
Australia
Getting There ›
Melbourne in August: Events to look out for
Christmas Carnival
All of December
Explore one of Melbourne's favourite laneways under the stars for a special night market series with holiday fare and fantastic shopping at Queen Victoria Market. Walk the laneway collecting handcrafted Christmas ornaments and locally created gifts before feasting on delectable street food and summer beverages from the top food carts and trucks in the city.
Christmas Myer - Myer Melbourne
Nov 17, 2024–Jan 5, 2025
Since 1956, the Australian Christmas tradition has been associated with the Myer Christmas Windows. Don't miss the Myer Mural Hall which is recognised as Australia's most famous art decor interiors. This year there is something special lined up, visit to find out!
Melbourne December essentials
LanguageEnglish
Time zoneGMT+10
Country Code+61
Socket Type I
CurrencyAustralian Dollar ($)
Melbourne Weather in December
With a low of 13°C and a high of 24°C, Melbourne's December temps are pleasant. In Melbourne, December typically has between 3 and 8 days of rain. It is a good idea to carry your umbrella with you so that you won't get caught in inclement weather.
What to pack for a trip to Melbourne in December
December is party time! Pack a couple of flashy or little black dresses or dressy casuals as Aussies enjoy celebrating the holiday season with BBQs, pool parties, and evenings out at rooftop bars because of the country's balmy temperature. We suggest you dress in layers so you can adjust according to the day’s weather and sightsee accordingly. Sunglasses and comfy shoes are the most essential accessories to pack for any season. Don't forget the sunscreen as the sun is strong here.
Melbourne Accommodation In December
The second-largest city in Australia, while lacking an expansive harbour, recognizable bridge, or opera house, rivals Sydney as the nation's commercial, creative, and cultural hub. Numerous factors contribute to this city of roughly five million people consistently receiving the title of "World's Most Liveable", including the enormous parks, inner-city beaches, excellent public transportation, and easy access to attractions throughout the state.
Getting Around Melbourne in August
Electric trains, buses, and tramcars—the latter of which is a recognisable sight in the city—make up Melbourne's well-integrated public transit system.
Trams - Melbourne's trams are both a tourist destination and a renowned cultural icon. Heritage trams run on the free City Circle route that circles the CBD. Within the central city's Free Tram Zone, trams are free and operate round-the-clock on weekends.
Buses - Nearly 300 routes make up Melbourne's bus network, which mostly serves the outer suburbs and bridges the gaps between rail and tram services.
Trains - The City Loop, a mainly subterranean subway system surrounding the CBD, serves as the hub for the 222 suburban stations on 16 lines that make up the Melbourne metropolitan rail network.
Melbourne in December: What to eat
Most nations have a longstanding tradition of eating roast ham for Christmas. However, Christmas in Melbourne can be rather hot, so it’s best to serve and eat it cold on the big day. The same goes with turkey as well.
Where to eat: Andrew’s Choice Smokehouse
Pavlova is a light and refreshing substitute for dense cakes and is made with meringue and topped with lots of cream and fresh fruit. Although it takes some getting used to, pavlova will almost certainly be a part of every Christmas buffet in Melbourne.
Where to eat: Newmarket Hotel
Oysters are a much-loved indulgence on Christmas Day. Many Melburnians like to eat this delectable, light starter before the enormous meal. On a sultry day in Melbourne in December, try these perfect appetisers and relish in their cool and delicious flavours.
Where to eat: Philippe
Prawns are a traditional Christmas Day appetiser in Australia. Christmas Day in Australia wouldn't be complete without seafood, usually prawns, making an appearance on the menu at least once.
Where to eat: Flower Drum Restaurant
A leftover tradition from colonial times, Christmas pudding is a delicious dried fruit pudding that is typically served as a part of the holiday meal. Early versions of the dish were created in mediaeval England using dried fruit, suet, breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, and spices along with liquids like milk or fortified wine.
Where to eat: Trattoria Emilia
Tips for visiting Melbourne in December
- Purchase your tickets and book your accommodations in advance as December falls in the peak tourist season, which means you must plan ahead to get the best deals.
- There are many special events before, during and after Christmas in Melbourne. Do some preliminary research before booking your trip to plan the perfect itinerary for an enjoyable experience in Melbourne.
- The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is something you must not miss if it's December and you're in Melbourne.
- Apply sunscreen liberally before going out or heading to the beach to soak up some sun.
- Enjoy free screenings of all time Christmas favourites at Federation Square.
FAQs
The weather is usually warm and pleasant during the day and cooler in the evenings. However, even then, Melbourne in December can experience four seasons in a day.
Pack a couple of party-wear outfits, clothes you can layer on, your favourite t-shirt and jeans, a light jacket and a raincoat for your trip to Melbourne in December.
You can visit the Legoland Discovery Centre, attend Christmas markets and events, enjoy a guided tour of the Great Ocean Road, experience the local wildlife, or just take in the city’s attractions in Melbourne in December.
Yes, whether you are a solo traveller, travelling with friends or with kids, there are a lot of festivals and celebrations you can enjoy in Melbourne in December. As ‘tis the season to be merry, you can celebrate along with the Melburnians at any of the many Christmas events happening around the city.
As Melbourne in December is a lively and busy city, with school holidays and pleasant weather making it crowded, it is best to book your stays and experiences in advance. Also, keep plenty of buffer time to count for traffic and crowds.
Some tips for your enjoying your trip to the city are: find out which events you would like to visit in Melbourne in December and try to reserve your spots as early as possible, get a Myki card needed to use the public transportation, and apply plenty of sunblock before heading to the beach.
Avoid drinking in public places as it is illegal in Melbourne, avoid driving around in Melbourne in December as it is crowded and navigating the turns can be tricky and dangerous, especially during the peak tourist season, and avoid swimming in the Yarra river.
To make the most of your trip to Melbourne in December, take advantage of the great weather and explore the outdoors. Visit the nature parks and sanctuaries, go on a cruise, and participate in outdoor events like shopping in the Christmas markets and seeing the classics in Moonlight Cinema.
