What to eat in Melbourne in April: Seasonal delicacies
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Meat pie at the footy
A handheld beef pie with tomato sauce is classic stadium food. April’s cool afternoons suit watching an AFL game at the MCG with a hot pie bought from concourse kiosks, eaten in your seat as you follow the action.
Basket-steamed or pan-fried dumplings pair well with unpredictable April evenings. Chinatown on Little Bourke Street is packed with no-frills spots where you can share plates of pork, prawn or vegetable dumplings before or after a Comedy Festival show.
April brings true autumn to Melbourne—days are mild (highs near 20°C/68°F), nights cool, and parks glow with turning leaves. The city calms after the summer rush, except for the Easter long weekend and ANZAC Day, which bring local families and reflective ceremonies. Comedy takes over with the International Comedy Festival, and the air is tinged with anticipation for winter. It’s a time for cozy evenings, crisp walks, and cultural immersion. Crowds ebb and flow with holidays, but the city’s pace is gentle and welcoming. April’s blend of golden light and festival laughter makes it quietly unforgettable.
Pro tips for visiting Melbourne in April
Reserve tickets for Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows—popular acts sell out quickly.
Plan visits to attractions around Easter and ANZAC Day—some sites close or have reduced hours.
Attend the ANZAC Day dawn service for a moving local experience; arrive early for the best spot.
Book restaurants in advance for Easter weekend—many fill with local families.
Carry a light rain jacket for steady autumn showers.
Explore parks for peak foliage early in the month.
Visit museums and theatres for cozy indoor activities during cooler evenings.
Check public transport schedules for holiday changes.
Enjoy quieter city streets outside major event weekends.
Take a ghost tour at Old Melbourne Gaol for a unique autumn night out.
From late March through April, hundreds of stand-up, sketch and cabaret shows fill theatres, pubs and town halls. Even weeknights are lively around Town Hall and nearby bars. Popular acts and weekend sessions sell out, so buy tickets in advance.
Usually held over the Easter long weekend (dates TBC within this early April range), this family carnival at Melbourne Showgrounds offers rides, showbags and farm animals. It is busiest with local families on weekend afternoons and can affect traffic in Ascot Vale.
On 25 April thousands gather pre-dawn at the Shrine of Remembrance for a solemn service, followed by a morning veterans’ parade along St Kilda Road. The atmosphere is quiet and reflective. Many shops open only after midday due to trading restrictions.
April hosts the first full month of Australian Football League matches at the MCG and Marvel Stadium. Weekends in particular see big crowds, loud pub viewing parties and busy public transport. Tickets for blockbuster games like Easter Monday and ANZAC clashes should be secured early.
Melbourne in April at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 20°C
Minimum temperature: 11°C
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Daylight
Around 10 hours 30 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 7:30am
Sunset: 6pm
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Key events
Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Easter Show, ANZAC Day Dawn Service & Parade, AFL season opening rounds
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Crowds
Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.
