Experience Melbourne, the major events capital!

December 31, 2023

Melbourne is known as the events capital of Australia. In addition to an impressive lineup of business events scheduled into 2025, Melbourne is undisputedly Australia's major sporting and creative capital. The city boasts a thriving annual calendar that includes the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Australian Open, Melbourne Cup Carnival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.

Get exclusive access to one of the major events facilities or sporting arenas for a unique social event or team building activity. Melbourne Convention Bureaus’(MCB) integration into Visit Victoria gives it an edge over local and international competitors in accessing these major events and generating opportunities for incentive groups that are new and immersive.

First class event experiences to embed into incentive programs:

1. Summer cricket season

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is Australia’s most iconic and celebrated sporting venues in Australia. Plan ahead and attend the infamous Boxing Day Test or a T20 Big Bash Game. Enjoy a bespoke VIP corporate experience and embark on a private tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), led by a dedicated MCG guide who will bring the stories and secrets of the ground to life. Taking guests behind the scenes from the exclusive members areas and hallowed turf – to the hidden terraces offering unbeatable views of the city skyline and Australian Open precinct, groups can discover the otherwise off-limits areas of the ‘G.'

2. Arts & culture events and festivals

Melbourne is hailed by many as Australia’s cultural capital. The city offers a stellar line up of cultural festivals and events throughout the year to leverage for an unforgettable incentive experience for delegates. A couple of key highlights include the inaugural RISING Festival or the annual blockbuster Melbourne Winter Masterpieces held at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). This year’s Winter Masterpieces will see NGV partner with the British Museum to present Pharaoh, a landmark exhibition that celebrates three thousand years of ancient Egyptian art and culture.

3. Formula 1™ Rolex Australian Grand Prix

Incentive groups or business event delegates can enjoy unique VIP experiences of the annual Formula 1™ Rolex Australian Grand Prix, where teams can enjoy a pit lane walk, bond in a premium, fully catered trackside viewing box, mingle with celebrity racing car drivers prior to the race. Available outside of the event is the option to recreate your own Melbourne major event experience with options including a lap around the Formula One Australian Grand Prix track.

4. The Australian Open (AO)

The Australian Open is one of the world’s most famous tennis tournaments and the first ‘Grand Slam’ of the year, when the world’s top stars converge on the courts at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena from mid-January. Melbourne & Olympic Parks is home to 31 internationally acclaimed Tennis Courts. Private tours of the renowned Rod Laver Arena Tennis Court can be organised for incentive groups as well as the once in a lifetime opportunity to play a game of tennis on one of the state-of-the-art show courts.

Want to plan your incentive program around one of Melbourne's major events?

With advance planning and assistance from the MCB, your next business event is guaranteed to be a winner. Submit an event enquiry for free support to build out a conference, meeting or incentive itinerary including VIP experiences, venue, accommodation and supplier recommendations.

Check in with the MCB team to get more ideas and information about the other major events coming to Melbourne throughout the year!