A geek's guide to Melbourne
Melbourne is known for many things: a vibrant arts scene, good coffee, and a great geek culture.
A geek to me is someone who is so passionate about something they need to share it outwardly, gravitating towards others who share the same enthusiasm in their own lives.
So from this geek to all the others out there, here is my geek’s guide to Melbourne.
Cosplay and convention connoisseurs
Melbourne has conventions year-round. Whether you’re a gamer, anime and manga fan, or pop culture enthusiast you’ll find something you enjoy.
Supanova
At the Melbourne Showgrounds, you’ll find Supanova Comic Con & Gaming; one of Australia’s biggest fan conventions focusing on sci-fi and fantasy film and TV.
Supanova always brings an impressive roster of guests to Australia and to its many conventions whether it’s in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth.
This is a chance for fans to meet their favourite celebrities, see local and interstate cosplayers, peruse the many exhibitor stalls, visit the artists in artist alleys, or participate in the vast range of activations, panels, and activities the convention has in store for them.
PAX Australia
A Melbourne exclusive, PAX is a 3 day expo featuring some of your favourite gaming and tech brands showcasing their new, upcoming and existing titles.
It also features indie developers debuting new games, a console section (where you can relive the nostalgia of N64), panels, cosplay and so much more. PAX Australia is an Aussie gamer’s paradise.
Unlike Supanova and OZ Comic Con, PAX Australia has always been a Melbourne only event and thousands of gamers flock to Melbourne in the later part of the year to attend.
Oz Comic-Con
A two-day convention where gamers, musical theatre lovers, fandom fantatics, cosplayers and more congregate to celebrate their love and passion for fandom.
Similar to Supanova, Oz Comic-Con is a convention that happens in multiple cities, primarily Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane but it has also featured in Adelaide and Perth.
At Oz Comic Con, you will find unique exhibitors who stock the latest in geeky paraphernalia, local artists selling handmade goods and artwork, cosplay parades and competitions, fandom themed trivia, panels featuring your favourite international celebrities as well as panels by the community, lip sync competitions and more!
Most recently Oz Comic-Con announced a holiday themed convention in December which gives cosplayers and fans a chance to showcase their holiday themed costumes as well as stock up on gifts for the silly season.
Metro Comic Con
And if all that wasn’t enough, Metro Comic Con debuted in 2023. This two-day convention’s unique offering is that it is laid out like a metropolitan city, with each sector of the city housing a different part of the convention.
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Pop Culture and comic book enthusiasts
Tucked away in the side streets of the Melbourne CBD, you will find nuggets of pop culture goodness.
From stores that specialise in anime and manga collectables and toys, to those that feature a wide variety of geeky merch for any fandom.
Critical Hit – Anime and Gaming
Located on Little Collins street, is Critical Hit – Anime and Gaming. Stocked to the top shelves with Q Poskets, Pop Funkos, plushies and figurines, it’s a must-visit for fans of anime, manga or gaming.
Minotaur Entertainment
Further up Little Collins street, you will find the two-story pop culture mecca – Minotaur Entertainment.
On the entrance level, discover pop culture collectables from cult franchises like Doctor Who and Fast & Furious, with Disney merch also in abundance.
On the lower level of the store, you will find comic books, sci-fi and fantasy novels, board games, card games and entire sections dedicated to Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and my favourite, Harry Potter.
Whether you are a casual or a die-hard pop culture fan, make sure to check out Minotaur - the people are friendly, and the range is endless.
All-Star Comics
If you prefer comics over collectables, then All-Star Comics is the place to go. Located on Queen Street, just up the road from Flinders Street, you will find all the comics your inner geek desires, from DC to Marvel, indie artists, and even some local talent.
There’s also a kid's section for the younger comic fans where they’ll be sure to find something they love.
The aesthetic and vibe of the store is very homely, plus the staff are knowledgeable and friendly and will happily show you around.
Theatre lovers
If you’re more gleek than geek you’ll already know Melbourne boasts an incredible theatre district. While the stage is not every geek’s go to, you’re sure to find a play or musical that tickles your fancy.
The long standing home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the Princess Theatre had its final witches and wizards grace the stage in July. But don’t fear, until December you can sing along to your heart’s content at the critically acclaimed Mamma Mia!
Around town this year you'll be spoiled for choice with productions of Miss Saigon, Grease, Chicago, and Moulin Rouge! My NRMA members can also get their hands on discounted tickets for Andrew Lloyd Webber's sensational Phantom of the Opera.
All in all, Melbourne has an abundance of geek culture to offer, so no matter what you’re into, you’ll find something here.
