The Easter long weekend — from Friday, 18 April to Monday, 21 April — is one of the best times to explore Melbourne and beyond. The weather’s usually perfect, the school holidays are in full swing, and the city buzzes with family-friendly events, local traditions, and easy day trips.
Here’s a handpicked list of the best things to do in Melbourne for Easter 2025, including free local events, seasonal activities, and unique tours you can book now.
Contents
- 1 Scenic Cruise with Searoad Ferries
- 2 Good Friday Appeal & Kids Day Out
- 3 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
- 4 The (Very) Big Laugh Out – Free Comedy Shows
- 5 Bendigo Easter Festival
- 6 Stawell Gift – Australia’s Historic Footrace
- 7 Chocolate Factory Visits & Tastings
- 8 Great Museum Easter Egg Hunt
- 9 Easter Sunday High Tea at 360Q
- 10 Melbourne Easter Markets
- 11 Coastal Highlights, Forest & Wildlife Tour
- 12 Yarra Valley Wine, Gin & Chocolate Tour
- 13 Phillip Island & Brighton Beach Day Trip
- 14 Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Tour
- 15 Grampians National Park Eco Tour
- 16 Wilson’s Promontory National Park Day Tour
- 17 Melbourne History & Donuts Walking Tour
- 18 Melbourne Balloon Flight at Sunrise
- 19 Highlights of Melbourne River Cruise
- 20 Impossible Occurrences: Melbourne Magic Show
Scenic Cruise with Searoad Ferries
The Scenic Cruise with Searoad Ferries operates between Sorrento and Queenscliff hourly from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The 40-minute ride offers beautiful views of the Mornington and Bellarine coastlines, with indoor lounges, outdoor decks, and the chance to spot dolphins or seals along the way.
It’s a peaceful, low-effort activity that still feels like an adventure. Kids love being on the water, and you can turn it into a full-day coastal road trip on either side of the bay.
Good Friday Appeal & Kids Day Out
Held on Friday, 18 April, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, the Good Friday Appeal’s Kids Day Out offers a huge indoor play space with rides, stage shows, activities, and live entertainment. Entry is free, with donations supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Everything’s under one roof and designed for kids aged 2–10. It’s fun, safe, and for a good cause — you’ll leave feeling good in more ways than one.
Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
Running from Wednesday, 16 April to Sunday, 20 April at Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building, this annual garden show features landscape displays, floral art installations, garden products, and interactive workshops. Gates are open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
It’s relaxing and easy to stroll through. Children under 14 get in free, and there’s plenty of room to explore, plus colourful setups that make great photo spots.
The (Very) Big Laugh Out – Free Comedy Shows
From Friday, 18 April to Sunday, 20 April, The (Very) Big Laugh Out takes over Federation Square and the State Library forecourt with street performances, circus acts, and comedy for all ages. Shows run throughout the day and are completely free.
It’s casual and come-and-go. You can pop by for 20 minutes or stay for an hour, and the energy keeps kids entertained without needing tickets or tight schedules.
Bendigo Easter Festival
The Bendigo Easter Festival returns from Friday, 18 April to Monday, 21 April at Rosalind Park. The program includes egg hunts, Chinese cultural performances, food trucks, dragon parades, markets, and a fireworks show.
It’s an easy day trip or overnight getaway. Kids will love the lantern parades and seeing the massive Dai Gum Loong dragon in action.
Stawell Gift – Australia’s Historic Footrace
The Stawell Gift is held from Saturday, 19 April to Monday, 21 April at Central Park in Stawell. It’s Australia’s oldest professional footrace, with sprint races, betting tents, food stalls, and a grand final on Easter Monday.
It’s a fun mix of sport and country carnival. You can sit on the grass, cheer on the runners, and let the kids roam with a hot jam donut in hand.
Chocolate Factory Visits & Tastings
Three chocolate factories — Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, and Panny’s Chocolate Factory on Phillip Island — are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (10:00 AM opening for Panny’s). Expect Easter-themed chocolate displays, tasting stations, and open-air cafés.
It’s chocolate. Need I say more? Kids can see chocolate being made, sample the goods, and take part in egg hunts and decorating stations.
Great Museum Easter Egg Hunt
Running Saturday, 19 April and Sunday, 20 April from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Melbourne Museum Easter Egg Hunt turns the entire museum into a scavenger zone. It includes science shows, chocolate prizes, and full access to all exhibits.
It’s a good mix of activity and education. Kids get to run around with a mission, and parents get a break in air-conditioned comfort.
Easter Sunday High Tea at 360Q
On Sunday, 20 April from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 360Q in Queenscliff hosts its Easter Sunday High Tea, complete with sweet and savoury bites, sparkling wine, and views of the harbour. Booking is essential.
It’s a lovely reward after a weekend of activity. Best suited to families with older kids or teens who can appreciate a slower pace and pretty desserts.
Melbourne Easter Markets
Over Easter weekend, browse local stalls at:
- Queen Victoria Market: Friday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Fitzroy Gardens Easter Adventure: Sunday only, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
- Heide Makers’ Market: Saturday only, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Markets are easygoing and stroller-friendly. There’s always something to taste, make, or try — from face painting to petting zoos.
Coastal Highlights, Forest & Wildlife Tour
The Coastal Highlights, Forest & Wildlife Tour is a full-day trip along the Great Ocean Road, taking in beaches, rainforests, and native animal encounters. It runs daily with pick-up from Melbourne.
It’s a big day out but well-paced. The scenery keeps kids interested, and wildlife spotting gives them something to look forward to between stops.
Yarra Valley Wine, Gin & Chocolate Tour
The Yarra Valley Wine, Gin & Chocolate Tour visits boutique wineries, distilleries, and chocolateries in one of Victoria’s most scenic regions. Great for a parent’s day out or couples.
If you’ve got a babysitter lined up, this is a relaxing Easter escape with stunning views, cheese boards, and no driving needed.
Phillip Island & Brighton Beach Day Trip
The Phillip Island & Brighton Beach Day Trip includes the bathing boxes at Brighton, coastal lookouts, and the famous Penguin Parade at sunset. Perfect for families wanting wildlife and beach vibes in one trip.
Penguins, beaches, and animal encounters? Kids won’t stop talking about it. Plus, it’s a comfortable, well-paced tour.
Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Tour
The Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Tour combines a ride on the historic steam train through the Dandenongs with a visit to one of Victoria’s best wildlife parks.
It ticks every box — trains, kangaroos, koalas, and a scenic drive. Kids will love it from start to finish.
Grampians National Park Eco Tour
The Grampians Eco Tour is a full-day experience visiting waterfalls, lookouts, and Indigenous heritage sites with guided bushwalks and lots of photo ops.
Best for older kids or teens who enjoy nature. You’ll stretch your legs, learn something, and take in epic views.
Wilson’s Promontory National Park Day Tour
The Wilson’s Promontory Day Tour covers white-sand beaches, native wildlife, and scenic bushland in one of Victoria’s most beloved national parks.
Wombats, wild beaches, and wombat spotting? What’s not to love? Just make sure the kids can handle a bit of walking.
Melbourne History & Donuts Walking Tour
The Melbourne History & Donuts Tour takes you through laneways and hidden corners while tasting some of the city’s best artisan donuts.
It’s short, tasty, and fun. Kids love the sugar hits, and you’ll pick up some quirky facts along the way.
Melbourne Balloon Flight at Sunrise
The Melbourne Balloon Flight at Sunrise gives you panoramic views over the city before breakfast. Flights run over Easter, weather permitting.
This one’s for older kids or teens. It’s a bucket-list experience and the views are unforgettable.
Highlights of Melbourne River Cruise
The Highlights of Melbourne River Cruise sails along the Yarra River with live commentary and views of landmarks like the MCG and Southbank.
A calm sightseeing option that’s easy on the legs. Ideal for little ones and grandparents alike.
Impossible Occurrences: Melbourne Magic Show
Impossible Occurrences is a live magic and mentalism show in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Shows run on Easter weekend and are held in an intimate theatre at the Marriott Hotel.
It’s clever, funny, and interactive. It’s a great way to end the day with school-aged kids.
