What to eat in Melbourne in March: Seasonal delicacies
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Smashed avocado on toast
Avocado on sourdough with feta, seeds or poached eggs is a brunch staple. In mild March weather, sit outside at Higher Ground near Southern Cross Station for a late-morning plate and coffee before afternoon sightseeing or the Grand Prix.
German-style grilled sausages in crusty rolls are popular fast lunches at Queen Victoria Market. In March, grab one between festival events, adding sauerkraut and mustard for a filling, budget-friendly meal on the go.
March ushers in early autumn with average highs of 24°C (75°F) and cooler nights. The city’s energy is event-driven: Formula 1 Grand Prix roars through Albert Park, Moomba Festival lights up the Yarra, and foodies flock to the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Daylight drops to about 12.5 hours, but the air is crisp and perfect for outdoor adventures. Foliage begins to turn, and crowds are lively but manageable. March is a sweet spot—still bustling, but with a mellow undertone that invites both excitement and relaxation. Road closures and festival buzz are part of the landscape, but the city feels accessible and alive.
Pro tips for visiting Melbourne in March
Book accommodation early if visiting during the Grand Prix—hotels fill up fast.
Expect road closures near Albert Park during race week; use trams for city access.
Reserve tickets for Melbourne Food & Wine Festival events—popular sessions sell out quickly.
Visit Royal Park’s wetlands for tranquil escapes during busy festival weekends.
Carry a light jacket for cooler evenings and changing weather.
Enjoy manageable crowds at attractions outside major event weekends.
Plan day trips to the Great Ocean Road or Yarra Valley—mild weather is ideal for exploring.
Use public transport for Moomba Festival; parking is scarce and roads may close.
Pack an umbrella for occasional autumn showers.
Take advantage of extended daylight for late afternoon city walks.
Melbourne in March at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 24°C
Minimum temperature: 13°C
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Daylight
Around 12 hours 20 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 7:10am
Sunset: 7:30pm
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Key events
Moomba Festival, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
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Crowds
Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.
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What to pack
Light jacket, scarf, umbrella, comfortable shoes, sun protection.
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Seasonal treats
Gourmet tastings at Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, fresh figs at local markets, street food at Moomba Festival, craft beer at Brunswick Music Festival
Moomba is a long-running free community festival over the Labour Day long weekend. Rides, food stalls, nightly fireworks and a river parade occupy Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens, creating heavy foot traffic and some CBD road closures across four days.
This 10-day program scatters special lunches, tastings and chef events across restaurants, riverfront venues and markets. It raises demand for popular eateries and wine regions, so reservations and event tickets should be secured well ahead of March.
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.
Albert Park is converted into a temporary street circuit for four days of Formula 1 and support races. Grandstands, fan zones and concerts attract over 300,000 attendees. Surrounding roads close, and accommodation prices spike, especially close to the lake and CBD.
Usually five days in late March (dates TBC within this range), this show fills Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building with designer gardens and floral displays. It is popular with day-trippers and families, so midweek visits are calmer than weekends.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Melbourne in March
