What to eat in Melbourne in November: Seasonal delicacies
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Night Noodle Market specialities
At November’s Night Noodle Markets, you can sample satay, ramen and creative desserts from many Asian vendors. Sharing dishes lets you taste more with friends. Arrive near opening on a weeknight to find shorter queues and easier seating by the river.
During the Polish Festival in November, Fed Square stalls sell pierogi dumplings, hearty stews and jam-filled doughnuts. It is an accessible way to sample Polish comfort food between museum visits, with dishes generally affordable and easy to eat standing up.
November is late spring turning to summer—delightful highs of 22°C (72°F) and a social calendar at its peak. The Melbourne Cup Carnival dominates the first week, with fashion, racing, and citywide celebrations. Music Week and Night Noodle Markets keep the city buzzing, while Christmas decorations begin to appear. It’s a month of anticipation, with locals and visitors alike soaking up the best of Melbourne’s culture, food, and outdoor life. November is festive, flavourful, and full of opportunity.
Pro tips for visiting Melbourne in November
Book ahead for Melbourne Cup Carnival events and popular restaurants.
Use public transport on Cup Day—many roads close and parking is limited.
Visit Night Noodle Markets early in the evening to avoid long queues.
Enjoy late-night shopping and early Christmas festivities.
Attend Melbourne Music Week gigs for local talent in unique venues.
Take advantage of weekday visits for quieter attractions.
Carry allergy medication for lingering spring pollen.
Explore Westgate Park’s pink lake if conditions allow.
Check for extended hours at museums and galleries during festival weeks.
Enjoy discounted lunch specials at city food courts and markets.
Festivals and events in Melbourne this November 2026
A week of elite horse racing at Flemington anchored by Melbourne Cup Day, a state public holiday. Crowds exceed 100,000 on key days, and corporate hospitality drives up prices. Public transport is the most practical way to and from the racecourse.
For about two weeks in November, Birrarung Marr becomes an Asian-style night market. Entry is free but food stalls see long queues from 7 pm. Go early on weeknights to experience the lantern-lit riverfront with slightly fewer people.
From late November to Christmas Day, central Melbourne hosts a coordinated Christmas program of trees, light projections and displays. Evenings are busy around City Square, Town Hall and Federation Square, especially close to Christmas and on Friday and Saturday nights.
A curated week of gigs and club nights in unusual venues from Town Hall halls to warehouses. It showcases local acts and fosters late-night activity. Some events are free, but headline shows and the festival hub can sell out, particularly on Friday and Saturday.
On a Sunday in mid November (date TBC within this day), the square hosts Polish food stalls, folk performances and craft stands. It is busy but compact, making an easy cultural stop while moving through central attractions.
Melbourne in November at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 22°C
Minimum temperature: 12°C
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Daylight
Around 14 hours 15 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 5:45am
Sunset: 8pm
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Key events
Melbourne Cup Carnival, Night Noodle Markets, Melbourne Music Week, Polish Festival at Federation Square
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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 layers, sunscreen, hat, allergy medication, rain jacket.
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Seasonal treats
Asian street food at Night Noodle Markets, spring lamb dishes, Christmas mince pies, Polish pierogi at Federation Square
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Melbourne in November
