Melbourne on Boxing Day is a buzz with activity. If you are in the centre of the city the retails stores will be opening slightly late to massive crowds of bargain hunters lining up for the incredible Boxing Day sales. And make sure you don't get in the way of these fanatical shoppers when they are about to get their hands on a good discount item.
You'll probably need refreshments when you take time out and we have some great restaurant and cafe ideas.
And if you are just on the skirt of the CBD near the Melbourne Cricket Ground you will notice people on a pilgrimage to the traditional opening of the Boxing Day Test cricket match.
A gorgeous city with lots to do and widely applauded as one of the worlds most liveable cities you will find lots to do at at parks and venues along the Yarra River, CBD, Federation Square and Southbank, South Wharf and Docklands.
Have a great Boxing Day in Melbourne
Boxing Day Melbourne 2025 Ideas for Things to Do
Post Christmas, the traditional Boxing Day Sales are on all over the shopping precincts. Melbourne shopping can be fun and also there are many places open for east and drinks to aid recovery from all the celebrations. So whether it's a restaurant, bar, pub, club, hotel or other we hope these ideas will make your Boxing Day in Melbourne that little bit better.
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Amora Hotel Riverwalk
Boxing Day Accommodation
Score your tonne with accommodation at the Amora Riverwalk this Boxing Day. Close to all the cricket action at the MCG and Great River Yarra views, what more could you want?
Deluxe Melbourne Accommodation.
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Hophaus
Boxing Day Dining
Need a break from the Boxing day Sales? That's okay. Treat yourself to a great meal and drinks and recharge at this fantastic venue.
Recharge and Refreshment by the Yarra
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Ludlow Bar & Dining Room
Boxing Day Eats
Ludlow Melbourne is a crowd favourite. Take a break from all the Boxing Day sales and treat yourself to some great food and drinks.
Refreshments with a Riverview
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Young & Jackson
Boxing Day
Are you busy shopping at the Melbourne Boxing Day Sales? Right across from the Flinders St Railway Station is the iconic Young and Jackson Hotel and away from the busy streets it provides a refreshments retreat. Stop by for a cool drink or put your feet up this Boxing Day and dine in for lunch! The team at Y & J look forward to seeing you come thru the doors!
Spend Boxing Day at Melbourne Icon.
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BearBrass
Boxing Day Rushing By
While people are rushing to get the latest bargain, take a breather and watch on from Bearbrass . Or if you are heading to the Boxing Day Test then Bearbrass will be the place to be for a snack and a refresher before you go or to digest afterwards.
Refreshments by the River.
All the ideas for things to do in Melbourne with friends and family keep coming this Boxing Day. We've tabled a quick version to help you and your friends get out and about on this Big Day.
Melbourne Boxing Day Things to Do
Here is our Melbourne Boxing Day summary guide of things to do. Ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner in great Melbourne restaurants, hotels, pub and venues to help celebrate this awesome December Big Day!
| LOCATION | VENUE | EVENT | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Yarra | Temperance Hotel
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Boxing Day LIVE Sport | Temperance Hotel is a vibrant Chapel Street destination for Boxing Day live sport, offering plenty of screens, a lively crowd and an easy-going summer atmosphere. Ideal for catching the cricket with friends in the heart of South Yarra. Book your Boxing Day spot |
| Melbourne | The Duke of Wellington
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Boxing Day Sport on the Screens | The Duke delivers an unbeatable CBD setting for Boxing Day sport, with multiple screens and a buzzing pub atmosphere perfect for a full day of cricket and summer action. A classic Melbourne choice for December 26. Reserve your table for Boxing Day. |
| Port Melbourne | Rubira's
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Boxing Day Seafood | Awesome seafood at Rubira's. The best Boxing Day dining. Make sure you plan ahead and book a table. |
| Melbourne | Morris House
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Boxing Day Eats & Drinks | Morris House brings a fresh, modern feel to Boxing Day with relaxed dining, vibrant flavours and stylish indoor and rooftop spaces. It's a great option for long lunches, catch-ups and refreshing post-Christmas celebrations. Secure your Boxing Day booking. |
| St Kilda | Village Belle Hotel
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Boxing Day Sport by the Beach | Village Belle offers a lively St Kilda atmosphere for Boxing Day live sport, combining beachside energy with spacious indoor and outdoor areas. A perfect place to enjoy the cricket and settle into the summer holiday mood. Lock in your spot for Boxing Day. |
| Melbourne | Turf Sports Bar & Grill
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Boxing Day Sport | The Turf Sports Bar is a favourite for Sports! With Cricket on the screens and some great grub catch all the action at Turf. Book your table for the Boxing Day Test. |
| Melbourne | Pilgrim
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Boxing Day Serenity | Ah the Serenity away from the crazy Boxing Day sales in Melbourne's retail strips. The quiet drift of the slow flowing Yarra River meanders by as you can relax at Pilgrim. Great tasting treats and quenching beverages to match. |
| Melbourne | Bourke St Imperial Hotel
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Boxing Day Treats | Treat yourself to some great food and drinks this Boxing Day at the Bourke St Imperial. Right at the top of the CBD and only a short trip from all the action of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. |
The Big Days of Summer just get Bigger
If you have got past the Melbourne Boxing Day sales or festivities then it's time to look forward to New Year's Eve. We rate NYE in Melbourne one of the most wonderful events in the Big Days Calendar. So make sure you get your skates on and get organised for New Years Eve Melbourne.