November is one of the best times to explore Melbourne – the weather is warm, the city is buzzing, and the calendar is packed with festivals, live music, art, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, a culture explorer, or simply looking for something unforgettable to do, here are our top picks for November 2025.
1. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Yarra Valley – Global Ballooning
To begin your Melbourne adventure on a high – take to the skies with Global Ballooning Australia, the only 4th generation aviation owned ballooning company in Australia. Join over 150,000 people who have floated gently above the Yarra Valley at sunrise, witnessing the landscape come to life: golden morning light spilling over rolling vineyards, the winding Yarra River, and mist drifting through the valleys.
You may even spot kangaroos bounding through the fields below. This is more than just a flight – it’s a moment of pure serenity and one of the most iconic 5-star ways to experience Victoria.
Yarra Valley (only approx. 50 mins from Melbourne CBD)
Don’t miss out on our Christmas gift offer – elevate your gifting with a truly unforgettable experience.
2. Day of the Dead at Cactus Country
Get ready for a vibrant Mexican celebration right in regional Victoria! This November, Cactus Country transforms into a glowing fiesta for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – two unforgettable nights of colour, culture, and live entertainment under the stars.
Expect fire dancers, mariachi music, face painting, Mexican street food, and a breathtaking traditional altar surrounded by towering cacti. Friday is a Family Fiesta, while Saturday is an Adults-Only night of dancing and festivities.
📍: Cactus Country, Strathmerton VIC
📅 ：7 – 8 November 2025
3. International Rose Garden Festival – Morwell
Celebrate the beauty of thousands of blooming roses at the International Rose Garden Festival. Set in the award-winning Morwell Centenary Rose Garden, this festival features live music, creative workshops, food trucks, and a delightful Devonshire Tea from the CWA.
Friday evening brings a Kids Disco and illuminated night garden, while Saturday is filled with family-friendly entertainment, local market stalls, and garden talks from celebrity horticulturalists.
📍: Morwell Centenary Rose Garden, Morwell VIC
📅 ：7 – 8 November 2025
4. Skywhales Across Australia – Touring Exhibition
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Patricia Piccinini’s spectacular Skywhales take to the sky. These monumental hot air balloon sculptures – Skywhale and Skywhalepapa – explore themes of family, care, and evolution through breathtaking aerial art.
Catch them at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery as part of the Skywhales Across Australia national tour.
📍: Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, VIC
📅 ：8 November 2025
5. Thursday Twilight Train – Puffing Billy Railway
Step back in time aboard the Twilight Train, one of Melbourne’s most charming after-dark experiences. Every Thursday evening in November, Puffing Billy chugs through the Dandenong Ranges at sunset, offering breathtaking views of towering mountain ash and fern gullies.
The 3.5-hour round trip includes a stop at Lakeside Visitor Centre, where you can dine, explore, or simply soak up the tranquil twilight atmosphere.
📍: Departs Belgrave Station, Dandenong Ranges
📅 ：Every Thursday in November 2025 – Bookings are a must!
Step into Little Warsaw right in the heart of Melbourne! The Polish Festival transforms Federation Square into a bustling European marketplace filled with music, dancing, and authentic Polish flavours.
Browse stalls of amber jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, glass ornaments, and artisanal crafts, while enjoying live performances and a taste of traditional pierogi and Polish sweets.
📍: Federation Square, Melbourne CBD
📅 ：16 November 2025
7. African Music & Cultural Festival
Celebrate diversity and joy at the African Music & Cultural Festival, a three-day event full of rhythm, food, dance, and community. With live music, fashion shows, street food, and cultural showcases from across Africa, this festival brings the spirit of the continent to Melbourne’s city centre.
📍: Federation Square, Melbourne CBD
📅 ：21 – 23 November 2025
8. Live at the Gardens – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Round out your month with unforgettable nights of music under the stars. Live at the Gardens returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens for another incredible concert series, featuring acts like Franz Ferdinand, The Living End, and Miami Horror.
Set within the beautiful Observatory Precinct, it’s the perfect blend of nature, music, and summer energy. Bring a picnic rug, some friends, and soak in the magic of live music surrounded by lush greenery.
📍: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
📅 ：21 – 30 November 2025
From sunrise balloon flights to twilight trains, floral festivals to outdoor concerts, November is bursting with experiences that capture the essence of Melbourne. Whether you’re looking for family fun or romantic adventures, there’s something special waiting for you this month.
