The Easter long weekend in Melbourne runs from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April 2026. It is one of the highest-demand travel periods in Victoria, with major events, regional festivals, and family activities across Melbourne and the surrounding regions.
This guide lists confirmed Easter events in Melbourne for 2026, including free activities, ticketed experiences, and day trips.
Contents
- 1 Best Easter Activities in Melbourne 2026
- 2 Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out Melbourne 2026
- 3 Bendigo Easter Festival 2026 (100th Anniversary)
- 4 Twinkle Hollow AR Easter Egg Hunt Docklands
- 5 Skyline Melbourne Easter Egg Hunt South Wharf
- 6 Bellarine Railway Easter Specials
- 7 Scenic Ferry Ride: Sorrento to Queenscliff
- 8 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2026
- 9 Stawell Gift 2026
- 10 Chocolate Factory Experiences Victoria
- 11 Melbourne Easter Markets 2026
- 12 Best Day Trips from Melbourne Over Easter
- 13 Melbourne Experiences to Book Over Easter Weekend
- 14 What to Book Early for Easter in Melbourne
- 15 When to Visit Melbourne Over Easter
Best Easter Activities in Melbourne 2026
Top options include:
- Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
- Bendigo Easter Festival (100th anniversary)
- Twinkle Hollow AR Easter Egg Hunt at Docklands
- Skyline Melbourne Easter Egg Hunt at South Wharf
- Bellarine Railway Easter steam train rides
- Chocolate factory visits across Victoria
- Great Ocean Road and wildlife tours
These events cover indoor, outdoor, free, and paid options for families and couples.
Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out Melbourne 2026
Held on Friday, 3 April 2026, at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Key details:
- Free entry
- Live shows and entertainment
- Interactive play zones
- Supports the Royal Children’s Hospital
This is the largest family-focused indoor event in Melbourne on Good Friday.
Bendigo Easter Festival 2026 (100th Anniversary)
Runs from Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April 2026 at Rosalind Park in Bendigo.
Main highlights:
- Torchlight Procession on Saturday 4 April
- Gala Parade on Sunday, 5 April, featuring Dai Gum Loong
- Awakening of the Dragon ceremonies
- Food trucks, markets, and live entertainment
This is Victoria’s largest regional Easter festival and draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Twinkle Hollow AR Easter Egg Hunt Docklands
Runs at The District Docklands until 6 April 2026.
Experience format:
- Augmented reality egg hunt
- Designed for ages 5 to 9
- 30-minute guided sessions
- Chocolate reward at completion
This is one of the few tech-based Easter activities in Melbourne, offering a structured alternative to traditional egg hunts.
Skyline Melbourne Easter Egg Hunt South Wharf
Runs on 28 to 29 March 2026 at the Skyline Precinct, South Wharf.
Key details:
- Timed sessions by age group
- Limited capacity per session
- Advance booking required
- Includes a discount for the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel or mini golf
Best scheduled during the school holiday lead-up rather than Easter weekend.
Check Skydeck Availability and Price
Bellarine Railway Easter Specials
Runs from Saturday 4 April to Sunday 5 April 2026.
What to expect:
- Heritage steam train ride from Queenscliff
- Easter Bunny meet-and-greet at Lakers Siding
- Short family-friendly journey
This is a simple, low-effort outing suited to younger children.
Scenic Ferry Ride: Sorrento to Queenscliff
Operated by Searoad Ferries, running hourly from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Key features:
- 40-minute crossing
- Views of Port Phillip Bay
- Indoor lounges and outdoor decks
- Dolphin and seal sightings
This works well as a half-day coastal activity or part of a longer road trip.
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2026
Runs from 25 March to 29 March 2026 at Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building.
Important timing note:
This event finishes one week before Easter.
Highlights:
- Over 100,000 attendees annually
- Show gardens and floral displays
- Workshops and retail stalls
- Twilight sessions until 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday
Best positioned as a pre-Easter school holiday activity.
Stawell Gift 2026
Runs from Saturday 4 April to Monday 6 April 2026 at Central Park, Stawell.
Event features:
- Australia’s oldest professional footrace (144th year)
- Sprint heats across the weekend
- Easter Monday final
- Family-friendly carnival atmosphere
This is a strong option for a regional day trip with a sports focus.
Chocolate Factory Experiences Victoria
Popular locations include:
- Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
- Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie
- Panny’s Chocolate Factory on Phillip Island
What to expect:
- Easter-themed displays
- Chocolate tastings
- Kids activities and demonstrations
Check opening hours directly, as they vary over the Easter period.
Melbourne Easter Markets 2026
Confirmed options include:
- South Melbourne Market
Open Thursday 2 April, Saturday 4 April, Sunday 5 April
Closed Good Friday - Lygon Street Market
Easter Sunday 5 April - Queen Victoria Market
Hours vary, confirm closer to date
Markets provide flexible, low-commitment activities with food, crafts, and entertainment.
Best Day Trips from Melbourne Over Easter
Great Ocean Road Wildlife and Coastal Tour
Full-day experience with beaches, rainforest stops, and wildlife encounters. – Check Availability and Rates
Yarra Valley Wine, Gin and Chocolate Tour
Suitable for adults and couples. Includes wineries, distilleries, and food stops. – Check Availability and Rates
Phillip Island and Brighton Beach Day Trip
Includes Penguin Parade, coastal views, and Brighton bathing boxes. – Check Availability and Rates
Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary Tour
Steam train ride plus native wildlife park visit. – Check Availability and Rates
Grampians National Park Eco Tour
Waterfalls, lookouts, and guided bushwalks. – Check Availability and Rates
Wilsons Promontory National Park Day Tour
Beaches, wildlife, and walking tracks. – Check Availability and Rates
These tours operate daily over Easter and typically include Melbourne pickup.
Melbourne Experiences to Book Over Easter Weekend
Melbourne River Cruise (Yarra River)
Relaxed sightseeing with city landmarks and commentary. – Check Availability and Rates
Melbourne Balloon Flight at Sunrise
Early morning flight with panoramic city views. Weather dependent. – Check Availability and Rates
Melbourne History and Donuts Walking Tour
Short guided tour with food stops and local history. – Check Availability and Rates
Impossible Occurrences Magic Show
Live magic and mentalism show in Melbourne CBD. – Check Availability and Rates
Booking early is recommended due to high Easter demand.
What to Book Early for Easter in Melbourne
High-demand activities include:
- Bendigo Easter Festival accommodation
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade tours
- Puffing Billy train tickets
- Balloon flights
- Easter egg hunts with limited sessions
Booking at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance improves availability and pricing.
When to Visit Melbourne Over Easter
Best timing depends on preference:
- Early (late March): fewer crowds, more availability
- Easter weekend: peak events and atmosphere
- Post-Easter: quieter travel with fewer events
The weather is typically mild, averaging 20 to 23°C during the day.