Eat. Stay. Play: Mad March

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival welcome thousands of visitors to Melbourne and Victoria’s regions annually, indulging in bespoke events that fill a labyrinth of restaurants, laneways, basements and dizzying rooftops across two weeks.

Iconic Victorian chefs are celebrated alongside produce from across the state, as well as a stunning array of wine, sparkling and prosecco that captures the many varieties made in the state’s backyard.

Where to stay?

Southbank is the place to be if the House of Food & Wine at the Malthouse Theatre is the destination, with Crown Melbourne and their range of hotels providing a high-end experience within walking distance of the action. The Langham is another option, as is the Crowne Plaza.

Where to dine?

No need to make a booking at a restaurant, visitors should pick an event from the vast Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and purchase tickets to attend today.

Where to wine?

There’s no better wine list than that of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Find an event to suit visitors tastes today.

Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix

Albert Park comes alive for the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix as the fastest cars in the world speed their way around the iconic circuit, before entertainment aplenty enthrals the thousands in attendance.

From motorsport fans, to those soaking up the glamourous atmosphere, Melbourne’s iconic motorsport fixture presents excitement, opulence and huge energy across one big weekend of racing.

Where to stay?

United Places and The Prince provide a boutique experience to unwind away from the track, with The Blackman, Pullman Melbourne and the Royce Hotel among the options on the iconic boulevard of St Kilda Road.

Where to dine?

The Prince Dining Room, Donovans, Matcha Mylkbar and Café di Stasio headline the action in St Kilda, with Lume and Kettle Black in Albert Park also delicious. Local produce, with an array of street food vendors, are on offer at the South Melbourne Market.

Where to wine?

Hotel Esplanade is back, bigger and better than ever, headlining the revitalised bar scene in St Kilda. Its neighbours include the Village Belle Hotel, Captain Baxter, St Hotel, Milk the Cow Fromagerie, Pontoon and Uncle.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

The colours of autumn and a good chuckle go hand-in-hand across the city as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival delivers a hive of happiness across the city’s theatres, pubs and clubs.

Comedians of all shapes and sizes take to stages citywide during the three-week program, shining a spotlight on the silly, the serious, the heart-breaking and the hilarious.

Where to stay?

Anywhere and everywhere. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival captures Melbourne and its neighbourhoods, so take a moment to explore the options and find somewhere to recover from a hearty belly laugh.

Where to dine?

A late-night-bite is the perfect way to continue the giggling after a night at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Try Shinjunko, Pizza Pizza Pizza, Magic Mountain Saloon, the Toff in Town, Bodega Underground and Butcher’s Diner.

Where to wine?

From a laneway laugh to a laneway lager, there’s something for everyone in Melbourne’s hidden network of alleys and side streets. Go to options include Romeo Lane, Bar Tini at MoVida, Arlechin, Cherry Bar, Section 8, Ferdydurke and Lily Blacks.