The Ultimate PAX Aus Melbourne Guide 2025: Where to Eat, Play & Chill

Heading to Melbourne for PAX Aus 2025? Whether you’re here for the panels, cosplay, tabletop marathons, or endless gaming booths, you’ll definitely want to make the most of your trip outside the convention halls. Melbourne is packed with gamer-friendly eats, quirky activities, and late-night hangouts that are perfect for recharging between sessions (or keeping the party going after the expo floor closes).

Here’s your PAX weekend survival guide to the city:

☕ First Stop: Melbourne Coffee Fuel

Melbourne = coffee capital. Before hitting the show floor, fuel up with a latte and some freshly baked treats. If you’re staying in the CBD, check out iconic cafés around Degraves Street, Manchester Press, or The Butter Room. A good late is basically the Melbourne equivalent of a health potion.

🎮 Dive into ACMI’s World of Games Exhibit

Gamers, this one’s unmissable. ACMI’s World of Games exhibition takes you on a nostalgic (and futuristic) ride through gaming history. Explore heavy hitters like Minecraft, Final Fantasy XIV Online, The Elder Scrolls Online, SimCity, and Stardew Valley, plus classics like World of Warcraft, The Sims, Neopets, and the most hyped upcoming title, Hollow Knight: Silksong. It’s the perfect pre-PAX warm-up or post-con cool-down.

🪓 Axe Throwing at Maniax – Release That Con Crunch

Long day in the expo halls? Relieve the stress by channelling your inner Viking. Maniax Melbourne (right in the CBD) lets you throw axes for an hour or two, and it’s honestly so addictive. We went recently, and we’re still talking about it. Perfect for squad activities, or even a solo rage-release before heading back to the convention floor.

🍜 Fuel Up: Cheap & Iconic Eats in the CBD

Con life = hungry life. Luckily, Melbourne is stacked with cheap, delicious eats:

  • Khaosan Lane – Thai barbecue, icy beer towers, and wild snacks (yes, deep-fried duck beaks if you’re adventurous). Don’t miss their nightly specials: $9.90 wings on Friday, or Hot & Sour Beef Soup for just $21.90.

  • Izakaya Domo – Next door and giving full Tokyo vibes. Think skewers, sake, and izakaya classics that hit the spot after a long day of panels and demo queues.

     

🌃 Big Games Night Out 2025 – Thursday 9 October

Before PAX officially kicks off, Melbourne’s Big Games Night Out is the ultimate pre-party. Think live gaming activations, esports showdowns, cosplay parades, and pop-up arcades taking over the city streets. It’s free, it’s huge, and it’s the best way to start your weekend adventure.

🔑 Escape Room Energy at Escape Artistz

Need a break from screens? Test your brain IRL at Escape Artistz. Current rooms include: Green Hospital, Dragon’s Dungeon, and Return to Thebes. Perfect for squad bonding, puzzle-lovers, or just leaning into the spooky vibes of October.

🍻 Bartronica: Melbourne’s Gamer Bar

When the expo floor closes, Bartronica is the ultimate gamer afterparty. Retro arcade machines, Mario Kart battles, and a chill food + drinks menu make it the go-to hangout. Grab a booth, crack open some tinnies, and let the good vibes roll until late.

Whether you’re here for the cosplay competitions, indie showcases, or just chasing loot (both digital and edible), Melbourne has your PAX Aus weekend covered. From caffeine boosts to axe-throwing chaos and gamer bars, you’re set for an unforgettable games week.

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