I just adore this time of year. Hot days, sunny skies and if you’re one of the lucky ones, plenty of time to unwind, recharge and participate in fun summer activities.
I definitely am lucky this year, as I’ve taken a whole month off work (at my full time job).
So I’ve been researching lots of fun things to do around Melbourne this month and have come up with a nice list of activities which I hope you’ll love!
See a movie in the great outdoors
Summer is the best time of year to grab a bean bag or deck chair and watch a movie under the stars, and Melbourne definitely doesn’t disappoint with its choice of open air cinemas.
If you’re after a ready made experience Rooftop Cinema in the heart of the city is the perfect choice. Surrounded by the Melbourne skyline and with a convenient bar also present, it is the perfect place to finish off a night out on the town.
If you prefer more of a picnic scenario head to Barefoot Cinema in Ripponlea or Moonlight Cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy the show. Both venues have food and drink available, but if you are so inclined, you can bring your own picnic baskets with delicious food to enjoy.
Let’s not forget the Coburg Drive In too. Step back in time and enjoy a film in the comfort of your own car. Kids under 12 also get in free all year round!
Eat, drink, shop and dance at a summer market
To me summer is not complete unless you visit a few summer markets. There’s nothing better than spending a balmy evening surrounded by local craft, food and music.
The Queen Vic Summer Nights Market is undoubtably Melbourne’s best known summer market with over 60 global street food stalls, and more than 100 specialty stalls & bars.
However, don’t discount the South Melbourne Night Market which is also comes alive between Jan-Feb with a feast of street food, market stalls and entertainment.
Also worthy of an evening summer stroll, is the St Kilda Twilight Market, nestled beneath the palm trees at ‘The O’Donell Gardens’ next to Luna Park and a hop skip and jump form the beach.
Enjoy yourself at a festival
One of my favourite ways to experience summer is to attend some of the great festivals that Melbourne has to offer.
Every year I look forward to So Frenchy So Chic, The French pop garden party housed at Werribee Mansion. Bring your own French inspired picnic hamper, purchase a bottle of champagne at the bar, dance away the afternoon and of course enjoy the ‘joie de vivre’.
The Vida – Latin Summer Festival held at the Royal Botanic Gardens is another must attend event that runs over three days and celebrates the food, culture and music from countries all over Latin America. I’ll likely be at the churros stand!
Spend a leisurely day at an art gallery
I love to do this anytime of the year, but sometimes it’s nice to step out of the sun and have a leisurely day immersing yourself in art and culture.
Heide Museum of Modern Art is definitely one of my favourite galleries in Melbourne and the perfect sport to explore Australian art and art history. Currently showing the work of Mirka Mora in the exhibition ‘Pas de Deux – Drawrings and Dolls’, this magical gallery displays both paid and free exhibitions, stunning architecture and fifteen acres of gardens and sculpture park to explore.
NGV never disappoints with its always impressive exhibitions. The gallery is currently showing ‘Escher X Nendo – Between Two Worlds’, a must see collection of M. C. Escher‘s work in dialogue with the work of acclaimed Japanese design studio, nendo. If you fancy a night out, NGV also opens its doors on Friday nights where you can enjoy, food, drinks and music too.
If you don’t mind a drive the Bendigo Art Gallery is also worth the trip, especially whilst they are exhibiting the exhibition ‘ Frida Kahlo – Her Photos’, a series of photographs that belonged to the artist herself and document her life and inspirations. If you want to explore a little more of Bendigo during your visit check out this post)
Indulge in a bottomless lunch
I love a good weekend lunch during the holidays and Melbourne has some great bottomless lunches to feast on.
Fargo & Co is the perfect place to go for brunch as it features bottomless mimosas, prosecco or moscato plus a brunch item of choice for only $55.
Available Saturdays & Sundays from 11am til 2pm.
Belle’s Hot Chicken is a personal favourite of mine and on weekends they offer a bottomless lunch option which gives you a serve of Chicken & Waffles and 90 minutes of bottomless Bloody Mary’s and Prosecco for just $50.
Bodega Underground is your go-to for a Mexi-brunch and on Saturdays you can book yourself in for a 90 minute 5-course feast of delicious Mexican food with bottomless cocktails including Bloody Mary’s, Palomas, Mimosas and Micheladas for $55.
Head off on a road trip
Time off + summer = Road trips!, Why not jump in the car and head off into nature to experience some of Victorias best parks and views.
Cactus Country has been on my ‘must visit’ list for a while now and I think this summer I am finally going to tick it off said list. Approximately 3 hours from Melbourne, this is the largest Cacti garden in all of Australia and showcases over 4,000 species of cacti and succulents from all around the world. It looks absolutely stunning and I cannot wait to check it out.
The Great Ocean Road is the quintessential Victorian summer road trip. Walks on the beach, surfing, fish and chips, sunsets, waterfalls, the 12 Apostles… what else could you want?
The Dandenong Ranges are a little closer to Melbourne if you’re after a quick day trip. Perfect for a little getaway if you want to get into nature as there are many walks and gardens. Alternatively you might enjoy an afternoon of wine in the Yarra Valley, or a ride with the kids on Puffing Billy.