Melbourne, Australia is a happening place every single month of the year. If you plan to travel to Victoria’s capital from interstate or overseas, you’ll never get bored in Melbourne. That’s a fact. The city never sleeps, so there is always something to see and do.
Let’s see what’s on offer for visitors and locals alike during the month of November, right before the Australian summer kicks in.
#1 – Melbourne Music Week (MMW)
The word “week” is a little deceptive, as this is actually a 10-day music festival that takes place every November in the southern capital.
Showcasing some of the very best local talents in the music biz, MMW takes place in a number of key venues around the city. The music is not just about music for music’s sake. The event also incorporates the vibe, feel and history of Melbourne in every lyric sung and every chord played.
Some of the best venues in the city participate and your ears will be exposed to a melody of sound that’s really unique to this particular part of the world.
#2 – The Mind, Body and Spirit Festival
Sounds really interesting, but what exactly is this festival all about?
This is where the world of psychics all get together for a convention and you are the centre attraction.
There are seminars and workshops, psychic readings galore and countless ways to unravel your past, discover your future and even get in touch with friends and loved ones who have passed over to the other side.
There is actually a lot going on at the Mind, Body and Spirit Festival, so it’s definitely worth checking out. If you’re into this sort of thing, it’s also a shopper’s paradise, with plenty of relevant items and trinkets for sale throughout the event.
#3 – November Means Melbourne Cup Time!
The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most famous horse race, and it’s the only sporting event that actually brings the entire country to a standstill when the race is on. No matter where people are in the country, everyone is glued to a television to watch the Melbourne Cup horses travel 3200 metres to see who will be crowned the ultimate winner.
What is even better is if you can get to Melbourne for the week-long Melbourne Cup Carnival as there is plenty happening. Better yet, get trackside at Flemington Racecourse and watch the race live with tens of thousands of other excited fans.
It’s seriously one of the best times of the year to visit Melbourne, so do it if you can.
#4 – Frankston Christmas Festival of Lights
Now November might sound a little early, but when it comes to setting up and displaying Christmas lights in Oz, we like to get in early so there’s plenty of time to enjoy it.
About an hour’s drive south of the Melbourne CBD is the suburb of Frankston. This area plays host to the annual Christmas Festival of Lights.
Davey Street comes alive with Christmas lights in late November, but that’s not all. There’s an entire night of entertainment and fun, as well as a visit from jolly Santa Claus himself.
If you love lights and you enjoy Christmas, then get on down Frankston way in late November.
#5 – Grapevine
Grapevine is all about fine wine and music, combined in one killer November festival. To help soak up all that delicious wine, there is plenty of food on offer as well.
Along with a fine selection of wines to sample, there is a really eclectic array of music and musicians on offer during Grapevine.
The event takes place at Rochford Winery and is definitely worth a look for music and wine lovers alike.
#6 – Night Noodle Market
Birrarung Marr in Melbourne is the location of this iconic yearly event, so get along the banks of the Yarra River and sample the wares of all the merchants who want to tantalise your taste buds.
Along with loads of food and delicious noodles, there are streets parades, live music and all sorts of entertainment going on throughout most of November.
The venue is located right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, so if your hotel is in town, you’ll be able to walk to the Night Noodle Market.
