The top 10 things to do in Melbourne in summer that should be part of your bucket list
When you get good weather in Melbourne, you also get the perfect excuse to look for fun activities that go well with the summer season. And it’s not just in the city center; even the nearby towns have something worth exploring.
The city has plenty of options to keep your summer days full. The best part is, there are activities that you can have fun with without spending even a dime.
Ready to make the most out of your summer? You might find something interesting in this list, or better yet, you can use this as a bucket list for your summer activities in Melbourne — your call!
1. Kick off your summer with The Australian Open
– Media credit: Australian Open
Website: https://ausopen.com
Address: Olympic Blvd
Phone: 1800 752 983
This annual tournament is one of the four major tennis tournaments in the world that’s classified as a Grand Slam. It’s typically held during the last two weeks of January, making it the very first grand slam of the year.
This tournament in Melbourne holds a smashing record in attendance, usually reaching millions of spectators across the qualifying and main draws.
You’re not just witnessing tennis matches because this event is also a full-blown festival. During opening week, you’ll get to watch charity matches and even a wild Red Bull where locals get to face off against the pros.
There’s also a ‘TOPCOURT’ that aims to lure the Gen Z audience with video games, VR tennis, and pop-up stores.
Many locals look forward to this game, and it’s a great way to start your year right and end your summer with a bang.
Pro tip:
Score a Ground Pass for opening week, where you’ll get access to music and practice viewing areas, and it’s way more affordable (and relaxed) than night session tickets.
2. Experience the Summer Night Market at Queen Victoria Market
– Media credit: Queen Victoria Market
Website: https://qvm.com.au/
Address: Queen St.
Phone: +61393205822
Operating hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday 6:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Your summer nights shouldn’t be boring, so why not shop ‘til you drop?
Every Wednesday night during the summer season in Queen Victoria Market, something vibrant and lively happens. Although it’s already bustling during the day, these nights bring a different kind of life with food, shopping, and entertainment.
Starting with the food, where the options are endless, over 45 food trucks line up offering diverse street food — including tacos, BBQs, and desserts. And don’t forget the cocktails and beers!
And then we have the shopping hub, where you’ll find quirky crafts, clothing, and handcrafted goods like jewelry.
From time to time, you’ll find a small cluster of people watching live entertainment.
Pro tip:
Plastic bags aren’t permitted in the market, so bring your eco-friendly bags to carry your goodies.
3. St Kilda Festival
– Media credit: St Kilda Festival
Website: https://www.stkildafestival.com.au/
Address: St Kilda
Phone: +61 3 9209 6306
If you want a summer weekend full of music, family activities, and community celebrations, then you’d better mark your calendars for the St Kilda Festival. This is a two-day event that usually falls on the second weekend of February.
Day 1 is usually about arts and culture, where indigenous and local artists grace the stage. Then comes day 2, where the big stage explodes with performances from over 70 bands and artists throughout the day.
Add to that the street performers, carnival rides, and market stalls — the place is just buzzing with fun and it’s the perfect spontaneous summer activity.
It’s known as the country’s biggest and longest-running free music festival, so it’s no wonder that many locals and tourists swarm this event.
Pro tip:
Skip the parking stress by taking the tram, even if they’re packed. And if you want to enjoy the activities before the crowd kicks in, arrive early, around 3 PM.
4. Road trip along the Great Ocean Road
– Media credit: Visit Great Ocean Road
Website: https://visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/
Directions:
This one isn’t your typical road trip. The drive to this 243-kilometer coastline is all about the little stops to truly appreciate the beauty of this Australian National Heritage.
You’re not only seeing beaches and rainforests; you’ll be passing through iconic landmarks such as Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and coastal towns.
Typically, a straight drive without stops will take about four to five hours to complete, but where’s the fun in that? Most travelers would dedicate two to three days to fully appreciate the sights and the activities.
Break the trip with stops at beaches or wildlife parks, or book a beachfront accommodation and watch the sun setting on the horizon.
Pro tip:
Make sure your tank’s topped up because fuel stations thin out past Apollo Bay.
5. Witness the penguin parade at Philip Island
– Media credit: Philip Island Nature Parks
Website: https://www.penguins.org.au/attractions/penguin-parade/
Address: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands
Phone: +61359512800
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
If you’re more into wildlife sighting experience, head to the Philip Islands during the summer and get to witness the penguin parade, where hundreds of penguins return from the ocean to their burrows on the beach.
Well-managed by the Philip Island Nature Parks, the penguins’ habitat is conserved and protected, so visitors don’t simply crowd the beach.
Instead, there are designated viewing areas and boardwalks that allow you to see the penguins up close without disturbing them.
It’s more ideal to visit in the summer because you can expect a larger number of penguins since longer daylight hours give them more time to fish before heading home.
Pro tip:
It’s highly recommended to secure your tickets in advance, most especially during summer since it’s the peak season. And if you’ve got a little money to spare, you can upgrade for a closer look, like the Penguins Plus or underground viewing.
6. Ride the Puffing Billy Steam Train
– Media credit: Puffing Billy Railway
Website: https://puffingbillyrailway.org.au/
Address: 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave
Phone: +61397570700
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday to Sunday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
If you opt to ride the Puffing Billy Steam Train, you’ll know what it’s like to step back in time and be worlds away from busy city life.
The open-sided carriages let passengers lean out and dangle their legs over the edge, giving unobstructed views as you pass by the lush mountains. This has been tradition for generations and don’t worry, passengers are carefully supervised by the operators.
Puffing Billy was originally built in the 1900s to transport goods and passengers. Now, it’s one of the major attractions in Melbourne.
The trip is slow and relaxing, with stops at Lakeside or Gembrook. These stops will give you the chance to check out the kiosks and get some souvenirs or food.
Pro tip:
Stay on track via their website if you’re aiming for a themed ride. Puffing Billy runs “Evening Dine & Dance” and “Steam & Cuisine.” Kids will also love the Thomas the Tank Engine-themed days.
7. Swim in Rock Pools at Sorrento
– Media credit: Aussie Hot Spots
Directions:
Address: Sorrento VIC
Sorrento Back Beach is known for its rock pools, offering the chance to explore some aquatic creatures and swim. These natural pools form when seawater collects in the rocky hollows during low tide.
Alongside this, you can also enjoy walks, picnics, and stunning views of the ocean.
So, for any individual, couple, or group looking for a fun seaside getaway, this might be the spot. It’s perfect for families with kids, as the waters in these pools are calm and parents don’t have to worry about waves.
Pro tip:
Bring sturdy footwear, preferably reef shoes, since the rocks can be slippery and uneven.
8. Surf at Australia’s surf capital, Torquay
– Media credit: Surfing Victoria
Directions:
If you’re looking for the best beach to surf in Melbourne during summer, look further than the birthplace of the Australian surf industry. Everyone is welcome here, including beginners.
Surfing in this coastal town means you have all the options to practice your skills. Beginners usually flock to Torquay Front Beach and Fisherman’s Beach, where the waves are gentler.
If you feel confident with your skills, you can go straight to Bells Beach, the place where the current is stronger.
And if we talk about lessons, Torquay is full of surf schools that offer both private and group coaching. You’ll often find these classes sell out especially in the summer.
Pro tip:
Stay a night if you can. Torquay’s surf town is also fun in the evening with live music, markets, and beach bonfires.
9. Ride the City Circle Tram
– Media credit: Tai Sangchaypiengpen
Starting point directions:
If you don’t want to get so far away from the city but are still looking for a fun summer activity, hopping aboard the City Circle Tram is the easiest and the most convenient way to explore the CBD.
Aside from the fact that it’s cost-free, you’re also free from all the hassle of walking or transferring transportation from one point to another.
The iconic tram takes a loop around the city, passing major attractions like Federation Square, Parliament House, the State Library of Victoria, and more.
There’s even an audio commentary that points out these landmarks as you pass them.
During the summer, the tram becomes very useful especially to those who want to skip the busy and hot streets of the city, so patience is a key here. Sometimes, it’s worth waiting for the next ride.
Pro tip:
Since the trams are also a form of transportation, the morning and evening rush will surely take the fun away if you’re there for the tour. In this case, it’s better to aim for a midday or early afternoon ride.
10. Beat the heat at Good Heavens
– Media credit: Good Heavens Rooftop Bar
Website: https://www.goodheavens.com.au/
Address: Level 2/79 Bourke St, Melbourne
Phone: +61394532882
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Thursday to Saturday 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
There’s always a rooftop bar that knows how to toast the season, and Good Heavens is one of them.
The cocktail drinks here may sound playful, but they’re polished and fit right in the summer. Their cocktail menu leans into tropical flavors and summer classics like Mai Tais, spritzes, slushie cocktails, and plenty of local craft beers and wine.
Although it’s a bar, it’s not as chaotic as the others. Oftentimes, the guests here are workers unwinding or just friends casually catching up.
There’s also a barbecue restaurant downstairs that’s worth a stop if you want a meal before your toast at the rooftop.
Pro tip:
Happy Hour runs every weekday from 3 PM to 6 PM. During this time, you can score cheaper cocktails and beers.