Summer weekend, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

In summer, Melbourne basks in long, golden days. The city kicks up its heels from first light until late (and sometimes the whole night long). Read more

In summer, Melbourne basks in long, golden days. The city kicks up its heels from first light until late (and sometimes the whole night long). Breakfast alfresco, stumble across a market or festival, then top off the day with drinks and dinner. Still not enough? Do it again the next day, to see a new and totally different side of Melbourne. Get set for the good life – from high culture to street culture, it's all here.

Friday night

Start the summer fun at Hosier Lane's Mexican cantina Tres a Cinco, or snag a table at Supernormal for delicious Asian-inspired feasting. Ascend for sunset cocktails at Melbourne's highest watering hole, Blossom Rooftop Bar.

Enjoy a fun-filled night of singing and dancing at a musical in Melbourne's iconic theatre district. Alternatively, celebrate those hot summer nights at The Malthouse or the Melbourne Arts Centre, for quality plays and performances.

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 the newly opened Melbourne Place on Russell Street.

Tres a Cinco

Bars

Frank Camorra of Movida fame lures your tastebuds to Mexico for top-notch tacos, tequila and ceviche. Salud!

Tipo 00

Restaurants

Wrap your fork around pasta made with passion and the restaurant's namesake, fine-grade 'tipo 00' flour, at this modern Italian pasta bar in the CBD.

HER Melbourne

Bars

HER is an entire building dedicated to the things Melbourne loves – modern classic food, sophisticated drinks, art, design, and music. From HQ Group (Arbory...

Urban soak bathrooms, large soak tub, local amenities, robes and shower.

Melbourne Place

Hotels

Melbourne Place, where urban luxury finds its perfect expression. Sitting on Russell Street with an east end location in the heart of the city, Melbourne...

Supernormal

Restaurants

There are few places more aptly named than Andrew McConnell's Asian-inspired eating sensation, awarded a chef's hat from Good Food Guide 2024.

Guests at a busy restaurant with pizza oven and pizza bar

Blossom Rooftop Bar

Bars

Blossom Rooftop Bar is Melbourne CBD's newest and highest rooftop bar. With a stunning industrial interior, adorned with artwork by acclaimed artist Lisa...

Saturday morning

Start your day with a steaming cup of coffee and enter ACMI to see the latest exhibition, or wander across Princes Bridge for a show behind the famous water-wall at the National Gallery of Victoria.

If sport's more your game, check out the Australian Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, 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.

HER Melbourne

Bars

HER is an entire building dedicated to the things Melbourne loves – modern classic food, sophisticated drinks, art, design, and music. From HQ Group (Arbory...

Australian Sports Museum

Museums

Become part of Australia's sporting history through sporting artifacts and multimedia displays at the home of Australian sport, the MCG.

ACMI

Art galleries

Venture into Fed Square and explore the world of film, television and digital media with year-round exhibitions, rare screenings and cultural events.

A young woman looks up, with projection behind her

The Story of the Moving Image

Exhibitions

Until 16 Jun 2025

Journey through the past, present and future of the moving image through interactive experiences, digital innovation and captivating stories in this unforgettable...

Test cricket match, MCG, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Boxing Day Test overview

What's on

This summer, book your seat for the Boxing Day Test and catch the biggest competition on the cricket calendar at Melbourne's iconic MCG.

Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT)

Aboriginal art

Connect with Aboriginal Victoria at the Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) - located in the cultural heart of Narrm (Melbourne) at Fed Square by the banks of...

Ponyfish Island

Bars

Clinging to a pylon beneath the pedestrian bridge over the Yarra to Southbank, you'll find a pop-up oasis of beer, coffee and tasty toasties.

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 Hazel on Flinders Lane and devour delicious dishes showcasing elevated brasserie-style cooking. Can't decide what to order? The chef's sharing menu never disappoints.

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.