Enjoy festive thrills at Birrarung Marr with the City of Melbourne’s Christmas Carnival, open from Thursday 14 December to Sunday 24 December 2023.
The annual Christmas Carnival is like a chilled-out miniature version of the Melbourne Show or the Moomba carnival rides, with a handful of rides for each age group, carnival games where you can win huge plush toys, plus an iconic Ferris Wheel.
Melbourne Christmas Carnival
While entry to the carnival is free, tickets for each must be purchased at the ticket box on site.
A ride on the Ferris Wheel is one of the more expensive rides ($10 each or $35 for 4 people) but I think it’s a must-do to appreciate the great panoramic views of the city. Plus it’s the only ride that’s suitable for motion-sick people like me!
The other rides range from about $7 per ticket for the junior rides like the teacups, to $10 for carnival games to $12.50 for the Sky Rider, which will take you 35-metres in the air for more amazing views of the city lights – if you can deal with the spinning. Lady AB loves it!
There is a food outlet at the Christmas Carnival at Birrarung Marr serving carnival snacks – hot chips, donuts, that sort of thing – and free water fountains and picnic tables for when you need a rest. However, my vote is to eat at Federation Square instead, where you’ll get more choices.
The Christmas Birrarung Marr Carnival is a fun way to ring in the holiday season that’s suitable for younger kids right up to teens and adults. It’s not very big so expect to spend maybe an hour there to enjoy a few rides, a game and a snack.