Summer weekend

Friday night

Start the summer fun at Hosier Lane's Mexican cantina Tres a Cinco, or toe-tap your way into Tippy Tay for delicious Italian fare. Ascend for sunset cocktails at Melbourne's highest watering hole, Blossom Rooftop Bar.

High kick your way on to Melbourne's Regent Theatre for Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Returning for a spectacular (spectacular) second season, it's running until 31 December 2023. Alternatively, celebrate those hot summer nights at Her Majesty's Theatre, where Grease: The Musical is showing from 31 December to mid-February.

After the curtain falls, keep the summer vibes going at HER Melbourne, with its double delight of indoor and rooftop bars. Craving something sweet? Drop into Supernormal or Tipo 00 for a delicious dessert.

With the weekend ahead, packed full of urban adventures, stay close by and dream of tomorrow at Dorsett Melbourne on Little Lonsdale Street.

Saturday morning

Start your day with brunch at Mabu Mabu's Big Esso in Federation Square. Help yourself to big and small sized share plates of seasonal produce, which incorporate incredible native flavours.

Enter ACMI to see the latest exhibition, The Story of the Moving Image, which dives deep into the history of film and television. Or wander across Princes Bridge for the NGV Triennial, a summer art extravaganza running from 3 December.

If sport's more your game, check out the Australian Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds, celebrating sporting greats and our most popular games.

Mad for cricket? The Boxing Day Test takes place at the MCG from the 26 to 30 December.

Saturday afternoon

Perhaps pack a picnic, hop in a GoBoat and cruise down the Yarra to see Melbourne riverside on a balmy summer afternoon. Land lovers can spread out gourmet goodies at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Or jump on a tour with the Koorie Heritage Trust, where an expert will guide you through the rich history of the world's longest continuous living culture.

Saturday night

Settle in for a meal of local Victorian produce at floating eatery Yarra Botanica or see in the sunset with a summery cocktail at Ponyfish Island, just under the Evan Walker Bridge

Sunday morning

Break your fast at Queen Victoria Market (QVM), fuel up on fresh coffee and pastries before a browse through specialty produce and gifts. Change pace and jump on a tram to Fitzroy. Wander through quiet, cobbled backstreets to check out the wares at popular Rose St. Artists' Market.

Cricket lovers should set the day aside for the unmissable summer highlight matches at the iconic MCG.

Sunday afternoon

Treat yourself to a stylish Sunday lunch at Victoria by Farmer's Daughters and maybe an early cocktail on the terrace. Take your taste buds on a culinary adventure to regional Victoria without leaving Melbourne's CBD.

If you have a head for heights, stop off along Southbank instead for 360-degree sky-high views from Melbourne Skydeck. Test your nerves and step out on the Edge, in a glass pod suspended almost 300 metres over Melbourne streets.

Sunday night

Catch the 96 tram from Bourke Street to St Kilda. See in the sunset from the esplanade and reward yourself with a delicious meal at Stokehouse. Finish up with a tipple at the The Espy, relaxing to the tunes of top local bands.