IN SEASON
Summer in Melbourne
Melbourne is an all-engrossing city on an ordinary day, but in summer it amps up its charm, and one weekend is more than enough to prove how this southern city shines come summer.
WORDS Lana AL Habl
PHOTOGRAPHY: Chris Putnam / ALAMY
Bustling days languish into balmy sunsets and a kinetic cityscape if you happen to find yourself in Melbourne (Naarm) during the summer months. All you need is one weekend to discover there’s plenty to do as the city heats up and greets guests and locals with anything from festival vibes and rooftop views to river strolls and a spot of friendly sporting rivalry.
A GOOD SPORT
Summer in Melbourne is usually abuzz with world-class sporting events attracting enthusiasts from around the globe – but you don’t even need to be a hardcore fan to enjoy the vibe and camaraderie.
If you’ve secured your seats for the next Australian Open at Melbourne Park (January 13-26), expect top-tier matches courtside at the Rod Laver Arena or bask in the festival-like atmosphere at Grand Slam Oval with outdoor viewing screens, live music, and gourmet food stalls. Meanwhile, cricket lovers can head to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for test matches, including the renowned Boxing Day Test.
Wrap up either day with some well-earned pub fare and a summery cocktail. The iconic local favourite Duke of Wellington Hotel is a nine-minute walk from Rod Laver Arena and 15 minutes from the MCG. And if you didn’t leave your friendly rivalry court- or pitch-side, you can keep the weekend going and duke it out with a round of putt-putt golf: What the Putt in Brunswick (Bulleke-bek) is a fun option with three different themed courses.
TASTE OF SUMMER
A Melbourne summer is ideal for exploring some of the city’s exciting dining spots. Nestled beneath a pedestrian bridge in the middle of the Yarra River (Birrarung), floating bar Ponyfish Island is a bit of a hidden gem where you can mellow out with a spritz or negroni while soaking in panoramic views of the city skyline and lively riverfront. Its nautical-esque fitout makes Ponyfish Island feel like a summer hideaway from both the bustling city and reality.
Visit the National Gallery of Victoria and you have the perfect summer day brimming with arts and culture.
If Melbourne City on full view is what you’re after, head to Melbourne Skydeck for a more elevated experience. Here, you can take in breathtaking 360-degree views of a summer day in Melbourne or the lit-up city of an eve from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck with a drink in hand from Bar 88.
You can also take an immersive journey of discovery through 16 iconic Melbourne experiences with Melbourne Skydeck Voyager Theatre, or try the virtual reality Plank Experience where you’ll virutally balance on a plank above the city.Hey, you just created a text paragraph! Somebody once said that the pen is mightier than the sword — and that was in 1839. Just imagine, with the power of cutting-edge content experiences and the ability to distribute your content around the world in mere seconds, writing this paragraph could be one of the most influential things you ever do!
OUTDOOR WANDERINGS
One of the best ways to take advantage of summer is with any one of the myriad festivals, outdoor activities, and markets. Celebrating LGBTQIA+ arts and culture, the Midsumma Festival is a good place to start – this season it kicks off on the 19th January to the 9th of February. Pick and choose from live performances, art exhibitions, and parties throughout the city – and stick around for the signature Pride March on February 2nd. For music lovers, the St Kilda Festival is a highlight, with a day of live gigs from a mix of local and international acts set against the backdrop of the beach. And for something a little toned down but still in the theme of the outdoors, nature enthusiasts can unwind at the Royal Botanic Gardens with picnics, scenic walks, and outdoor cinema screenings, setting an idyllic summer scene. And what is summer during any weekend escape without a stroll through a market? Wind through stalls selling artisanal treasures and heaps of street food at the Sunday Markets at Southgate in Southbank, or get to the Queen Victoria Markets early (they’re open from 6am on Saturdays) for a local brew and a pastry before wandering the day away stall hopping.
THE DETAILS
Ascend to new heights at Skydeck and witness Melbourne in all its summer glory. With 360-degree views that capture the vibrant cityscape, it’s the perfect spot to appreciate the summer season. Or give yourself over to the world of virtual reality with Skydeck Voyager Theatre, or the virtual reality Plank Experience.