Check out our guide to Whats On in Melbourne in January 2023. The return of major events and markets, plus some fun new exhibitions and shows to enjoy!
Melbourne is the home of events – from major international sporting events and shows to smaller and more intimate shows. This means there is something for everyone when you visit. Not only does Melbourne have some fantastic, engaging attractions, but festivals, markets, and theatre shows as well.
In January 2023 some of our regular favourites return – some after two year’s hiatus. But in addition, some welcome new events are about to hit town. So check out are guide and start planning your schedule so you can fit it all in.
Whats On in Melbourne in January 2023
Summer Night Market – QVM
The Queen Vic night market is back! The market is held every Wednesday evening and features food stalls, pop-up bars, activities and live music. There are cuisines from around the world from Europe to Asia, to South America and more. There will be over 125 shops, stalls and activities to explore. This is a popular summer pastime and one not to be missed on your visit.
Outdoor Cinema – Moonlight Cinema
Outdoor cinema is a great way to enjoy Melbourne on a summer evening. Head to the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens for their Moonlight Cinema sessions. The 2023 program has the usual mix of blockbuster hits and cult classics. You can bring a picnic or grab some food from the onsite food trucks.
Australian Open
In January the world best tennis players will visit Melbourne to battle it out for the year’s first grand slam. Our most popular sport event, the Australian Open has plenty of action on and off the courts. There will be hundreds of matches across mens, womens, doubles and juniors. But you can also enjoy the food, drinks and entertainment in the areas surrounding the courts.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is premiering for the second time in Melbourne, with a shorter version of the original play. The streamlined single-play is half the length of the original but still provides all the magic and wizardry that you are hoping for.
The Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera is coming to the Arts Centre Melbourne for the first time in the centre’s 35 year history. Australian star Josh Piterman is in the title role and supported by Amy Manford as Christine and Blake Bowden as Raoul. This iconic show will be brought to life in Melbourne by director Laurence Connor, with original costume designs of Maria Björnson.
NGV Friday Nights
NGV Friday Nights is back for a summer season in 2023 in a celebration of music and art. The line-up will feature some of Melbourne’s most boundary-pushing artists across disco, glam rock, jazz and soul. Neo-soul superstar Nai Palm will headline on opening night, with Electric Fields, Kee’ahn, Banoffee and Billy Davis also on the program.
Rone
Street artist Rone who will be the second artist in residence at the Flinders Street Station ballroom. His installation, ‘Time’, will be spread across 11 themed rooms, with Rone’s distinctive female figures flanked by vintage-style objects and a haunting soundscape.
Flash Forward
Flash Forward is Melbourne’s most ambitious street art project, with over 40 large-scale works in the laneways of Melbourne. Among the program are Celeste Mountjoy’s ‘Your Turn’ on Little Lonsdale Street – which stands over six metres tall with vibrant colours. Flash Forward is slowly coming to life as pieces seem to pop up across the city overnight. To take a tour, download the printable map from the Flash Forward website.
Take a day tour from the city
There’s a lot to explore in the city this summer, but plenty to discover outside of it as well. Here are some tours you can take to enjoy the summer atmosphere, Australian wildlife and scenic landscapes in January.
Sunset Tour of the Great Ocean Road
Our Great Ocean Road Sunset tour is an ideal way to spend a summer day. Cruise along the Great Ocean Road later than the other tour buses to avoid the crowds. View surf beaches, the Memorial Arch and koalas in the wild. Then explore Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps and finish up at the 12 Apostles for sunset
Phillip Island Wildlife Tour
Discover many unique Australian animals on this one day tour to Phillip Island. Start with a visit to the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes, then on to Moonlit Sanctuary wildlife park. Here you can hand-feed kangaroos and koalas, and get up close to the koalas. Then it’s on to Phillip Island to take in the coastal views and watch the incredible Little Penguins waddle across the beach at the nightly Penguin Parade.
Gourmet Tour of the Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is a gourmet wonderland with cellar door and farm gates in abundance. Our tour takes you to the best locations to taste the best local produce. You’ll enjoy wine tastings at two different wineries, plus lunch at a third. You’ll also get to taste cheese, chocolate, fruit, juices, icecream and more.
Tour to the Grampians National Park
Venture into the Grampians with your guide to spot wildlife and experience incredible natural wonders. Visit two waterfalls, take a walk through a rocky gorge called the Grand Canyon and spot kangaroos. You can also admire the views from many different scenic lookouts along the way.
Check out our fill range of tours here!
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
