10 experience gift ideas for under $50 in Melbourne

Things come and go, but memories last a lifetime. And in an action-packed city like Melbourne, you don't have to spend big to give a gift that will make a big impression. Whether you’re looking for an experience gift that's entertaining, educational, or exciting, our list has you covered.

For fun and excitement, nothing compares to Ace Karts high octane races. You can purchase a go karting gift voucher from our online store.

1. Go karting

Ace Karts in Albion is quite simply the most adrenaline-pumping bang for your buck in Melbourne. Our challenging outdoor track is 700 metres of pure excitement.

We have options for racers of all experience levels:

• Our high-speed Super Karts reach speeds of 75km/h.
• Our rookie karts are suitable for beginners and children aged 6 and up.
• We also have two-seater karts for passengers, where junior racers ride along with an adult.

Race sessions start from just $39, and our gift cards can be used to purchase race packages, drinks, snacks and anything in-store.

2. Melbourne Zoo

Let the kids go wild while learning about the importance of caring for animals and the environment. Melbourne Zoo is open every day of the year from 9am to 5pm. General admission for adults is $38, but kids under 16 are free on weekends, public holidays and government school holidays, meaning extra dollars for ice creams and stuffed koalas.

3. Trampoline park

A session at one of Melbourne's trampoline parks such as Bounce Inc will put a spring in almost anyone’s step. There are several other activities on offer here as well, including dodge ball, or ninja obstacle courses.  Entry starts from $10 for kids during the week.

4. Mini golf

There are plenty of places to tee of in Melbourne, including glow-in-the-dark mini golf under UV lighting and obstacle course mini golf. Some venues cater for kids as young as 3. For adults there’s even late-night mini golf with a full bar. Mini golfing experiences start at $10.

5. Luna Park

The historic Luna Park has been making special memories for over a century. You can take a relaxing spin on an old-school Ferris wheel, or try a nail-biting thrill ride such as the Power Surge. Entry is only $5, or you can buy an unlimited ride package for under $50.

6. Bike tour

Cruising around Melbourne on two wheels is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise. Or treat your special person to an electric bike rental for the day, and let them feel good about exploring in an eco-friendly way. Half day rentals are available, or hire an e-bike for a full day for $50.

7. IMAX movies

We live in the streaming age, but there's still nothing quite like the big screen experience. For a seriously big screen, it's hard to beat the seven-storey-high IMAX Melbourne Museum, where they screen classic blockbusters and fascinating documentaries daily. Kids tickets begin at $12, and adults at $23.

8. Indoor rock climbing

Your special person will need a head for heights for this experience, but it’s not all about taking a shot at Everest. Most indoor rock climbing venues welcome beginners and small children. If it’s their first time, allow 30 minutes or so to fill in all the waiver forms and complete the induction course. Rock climbing experiences start from around $30, including equipment hire.

9. Williamstown ferry

For a more cruisey option, give the gift of a Williamstown ferry ride. The journey goes from Southbank, though the Docklands, the Port of Melbourne, and under the Westgate Bridge, to the historic seaport of Williamstown, Melbourne’s first port settlement. Take in the historical architecture, beautiful beaches and parkland areas, or browse the shops and visit a café. Adult tickets start at $32 return. Children aged 4-14 are $14.

10. Aquarium

Buy a ticket to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, and your lucky recipient can find penguins, sharks, and a monster 750 kilogram crocodile. The aquarium's signature crawl-through heads-up display is an amazing glimpse into the fascinating underwater world of Port Phillip Bay. General admission gift vouchers are $42 for adults, and $28 for kids.

Need the perfect gift for a speed demon? An Ace Karts gift card is as close as they'll get to pro racing without a fireproof suit. We are located just 20 minutes from the CBD, off the Western Ring Road.