What to eat in Melbourne in October: Seasonal delicacies
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Vegan dining in Fitzroy
Melbourne’s spring is a good time to explore plant-based menus. On a September or October evening, try Latin-inspired vegan dishes at Smith & Daughters on Brunswick Street, pairing them with local wines in a neighbourhood known for inclusive dining.
October is one of Melbourne’s best months—comfortable highs near 20°C (68°F), longer daylight, and a packed calendar of racing, arts, and gaming events. Spring Racing Carnival brings style and spectacle, while Fringe Festival and Diwali add colour and creativity. Hay fever can be intense, but the city’s outdoor lifestyle is in full swing. Rooftop bars, open-air cinemas, and wildflower day trips make October feel fresh and cinematic. It’s Melbourne at its most dynamic and diverse.
Pro tips for visiting Melbourne in October
Bring antihistamines if you have allergies—spring pollen is intense.
Book tickets for Spring Racing Carnival and Fringe Festival events early.
Visit rooftop bars and open-air cinemas for the best spring evenings.
Take public transport to racecourses—trains are busy but faster than driving.
Explore wildflower trails on day trips outside the city.
Attend Diwali celebrations at Federation Square for food and performances.
Check for PAX Australia tickets—gaming expo sells out quickly.
Enjoy weekday visits to avoid weekend event crowds.
Use public transport for citywide events—parking is scarce.
Dress in layers for variable spring weather.
Festivals and events in Melbourne this October 2026
Key October race days like the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate anchor the Spring Racing Carnival. Racecourses are packed, and many racegoers stay in the CBD. Public transport to Caulfield and Moonee Ponds is extremely busy before and after each race meeting.
A major gaming expo at the Convention Centre, PAX fills South Wharf with attendees, cosplay and industry stands. Tickets usually sell out, and accommodation around the riverfront is in higher demand across the three days, especially for Saturday.
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.
Victoria’s largest running event includes multiple distances finishing inside the MCG. On race morning, selected CBD and bayside roads close and public transport runs early. Spectators line the route, and the area around the stadium is very busy until midday.
Around the date of Diwali (with a main event on a nearby weekend), Federation Square hosts performances, food stalls and a lamp-lighting ceremony. It is free and family-friendly, adding colour and sound to central Melbourne into the evening.
Melbourne in October at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 20°C
Minimum temperature: 10°C
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Daylight
Around 13 hours 30 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 6am
Sunset: 7:30pm
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Key events
Spring Racing Carnival, PAX Australia, Melbourne Marathon Festival, Diwali at Federation Square
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Crowds
Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.
