The best new things to do in Melbourne - and some won't cost you a cent
The Melbourne Cup is a huge draw card for the Victorian capital, but there is plenty more to see and experience if you're planning an extended stay in the city.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival starts on November 2 and runs for four days at Flemington Racecourse. There's live music performances, Fashions on the Field, and plenty of dining options.
But there is more to explore in the city. Here are some of the best things to do in Melbourne right now. And the best part, some things a completely free.
READ MORE: Surprising things you can do in the Whitsundays
The Melbourne Cup Carnival kicks off November 2. Getty
Events
If you're a sports fan and don't mind hanging in the city an extra week you can watch the Soccerroos take on Saudi Arabia at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on November 14.
Or maybe you're after a dinner and a show.
Beauty and the Beast is on at Her Majesty's Theatre until late December . TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is on at the Princess Theatre also until late December. And in late November, Sister Act The Musical kicks off at the Regent Theatre.
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Arts & Culture Experiences
The Story of the Moving Image exhibition, ACMI, year-round
From the first projections and optical illusions to the birth of film and beyond, moving images have the power to spark imagination, share stories and shape history. Discover how inventors, innovators and artists at the turn of the 20th century wielded light, split time and captured motion, heralding a technological revolution that continues today.
The Story of the Moving Image exhibition in on at ACMI. Supplied
The Australian Music Vault, Arts Centre Melbourne, year-round
The Australian Music Vault, developed by Arts Centre Melbourne in consultation with the music industry, is a celebration of the Australian contemporary music story – past, present and future.
The Australian Music Vault features a free, immersive exhibition showcasing Australian music, innovative digital experiences, and iconic objects from our Australian Performing Arts Collection.
The Australian Music Vault features a free, immersive exhibition. Supplied
Yalinguth Augmented Audio Experience, in Melbourne CBD and Fitzroy
In the Woi Wurrung language Yalinguth means 'yesterday'. This augmented audio experience shares history from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in the Yalinguth app.
There are two story walk experiences in Naarm/Melbourne - one in Ngár-go/Fitzroy and the other along the Birrarung/Yarra River in the CBD.
Enjoy one audio walk along the Yarra River. Getty
For the foodies
il Mercato Centrale is a new three-level food and drink hub, the first of its kind outside of its home in Italy, found in Melbourne CBD. You can shop for fresh artisanal food, order via QR code, and pick up when ready.
il mercato centrale recently opened in Melbourne Nine/Supplied
Drinks are available from bars, and seating is spread across the levels, as dining tables and lounge areas. The pizza was delicious and the Cannoli station not to be missed.
If you want to eat and explore at the same time, This Is Melbourne offer gourmet walking food tours to various locations.
Wellness
Once you're finished exploring there are some great wellness offerings to unwind as well.
Sense of Self , offers bathing, sauna, steam, massage and spa treatments in Collingwood. Otherwise, Comma in Cremorne is a boutique bath house and spa also worth checking out for some well deserved r&r.
