10 Things to Do in Melbourne in Summer

Melbourne is Australia's most populous city and a favourite destination for international tourists. The city is a cultural hotspot and a great place to see some of the country's best scenery, especially in the summer from December to March when the beaches and the Great Ocean Road are the main attractions, although the city has much more to offer during this time of year.

Some of the best things to do in Melbourne during the summer include visiting the beaches of St Kilda, attending the Moomba Festival, experiencing Australian Day, catching a cricket match, touring picturesque Phillip Island, enjoying the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year and discovering some of the world's best sunsets from the Southbank waterfront.

Visiting Melbourne's St Kilda Beaches during the summer is a must-do experience for sun and sea lovers, especially during January and February when temperatures are the hottest of the season. Located just 6 kilometres from the city centre, St Kilda offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and lively coastal life.

These beaches offer wide stretches of golden sand and crystal clear waters that invite you to swim and relax in the sun. From St Kilda's main beach to the charming Elwood Beach, there' s something for everyone. Water sports enthusiasts will also enjoy kite surfing, windsurfing and paddle boarding.

Aside from the natural beauty, St Kilda is known for its vibrant seaside atmosphere. The area is lined with cafes, restaurants and bars offering a wide variety of dining options. You can enjoy a delicious lunch by the sea, sample handmade ice cream or relax in a café with panoramic ocean views, as well as opt for Melbourne's best hot air balloon rides.

St Kilda is also famous for its iconic St Kilda Pier. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline and it's also home to a number of attractions, including Luna Park, which offers fun for the whole family and is a great place to visit with kids in Melbourne.

A trip to the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne during the summer is an experience that will leave you in awe. This coastal route stretches over several kilometres of spectacular scenery, offering panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding nature.

During your journey, you'll enjoy unforgettable stops, such as the famous Twelve Apostles. These towering rock formations emerge majestically from the sea, creating a breathtaking and captivating sight. You can also explore Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and other highlights that are often included on the best Melbourne tours.

Summer is the perfect time to take this tour as the weather is warm and pleasant. You can enjoy the beaches and take breaks to swim or just relax in the sun. You'll also find plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring nearby national parks, such as Port Campbell National Park.

As you drive along the Great Ocean Road, you'll have the opportunity to stop at charming seaside towns that dot the route. Enjoy delicious meals at local restaurants, explore craft shops and immerse yourself in Australian coastal culture.

Attend Melbourne's Moomba Festival and immerse yourself in a vibrant, fun-filled celebration. This annual festival takes place on the banks of the Yarra River on the second Monday in March and attracts crowds of people of all ages. For several days, the city is filled with colour, music, parades and a wide range of activities to enjoy.

One of the main attractions of the Moomba Festival is the parade, which winds through the streets of Melbourne with floats, street performers and live bands. It's a lively spectacle that showcases the creativity and diversity of the city. You can also enjoy water shows such as water skiing competitions and jet ski displays on the Yarra River.

The festival also offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Young children can enjoy amusement parks, inflatable rides and creative workshops, while adults can take part in sporting competitions, open-air concerts and enjoy delicious food from street stalls. It's certainly an experience that qualifies as one of Melbourne's best food tours.

Moomba Festival is an opportunity to experience and celebrate Melbourne' s culture and community spirit. In addition to the main activities, there are also special events such as nightly concerts, art exhibitions and spectacular fireworks that light up the sky.

Experience Australia Day in Melbourne and soak up a celebration full of patriotism and fun. Held every 26 January, Australia Day commemorates the arrival of British settlers in Australia in 1788. In Melbourne, the city is dressed in red, white and blue, with a range of exciting activities to enjoy.

One of the main attractions of Australia Day in the city is the parade down Swanston Street, where you can enjoy colourful floats, bands and community groups. It's a festive spectacle that showcases the cultural diversity of this destination and runs until the early hours of the morning, making it one of the best things to do in Melbourne during the evening.

In addition to the parade, there are a wide range of events and activities to enjoy on Australia Day. You can head to the city's parks and gardens, such as the Kings Domain or the Royal Botanic Gardens, for outdoor barbecues, picnics with friends and family, and sports games.

You can also join in the celebrations on Melbourne's waterfront, where free concerts, water activities and fireworks shows are held in the evening. You can also enjoy Australian food at local markets and restaurants, tasting delicious dishes such as Aussie BBQ, pies and lamington.

Cricket is one of Australia's national sports and Melbourne has one of the country's most traditional teams, the iconic Melbourne Cricket Club, which plays in the Big Lash League, a nationwide tournament held between December and January that brings together the world's best cricket teams. Attending one of these matches during the summer will give you a taste of the passion and excitement of the sport.

The matches are played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This stadium is the largest in Australia, so watching a match at the MCG is a unique experience as you will be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere and be able to watch the game from the stands.

In addition to the MCC, Melbourne has another major team called the Melbourne Stars. This team also competes in the Big Bash League, a short-lived, high-voltage competition.

Attending a cricket match will allow you to enjoy the skill and strategy of the players, as well as the lively and festive atmosphere of the fans. You can join the enthusiastic crowd, cheer on your favourite team and enjoy the exciting moments the sport has to offer.

Visiting the bathing boxes of Melbourne' s Brighton Beach is an enchanting experience that will take you back to the golden age of the Australian coastline. These iconic beach huts, painted in vibrant, eye-catching colours, line Brighton Beach, creating a unique and picturesque scene.

The bathing boxes are small wooden structures dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally, they were used as shelters for changing clothes and storing personal belong ings while people enjoyed the sea. Today, they are symbols of Australia's coastal identity and lifestyle.

As well as being a tourist attraction, bathing boxes are also an important part of the local community. Many of them are in the hands of families who have handed them down from generation to generation, and have become family treasures and symbols of pride that are worth touring, even if you are planning a short stay of about 3 days in Melbourne or less.

Brighton Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a sunny day. You can walk along the beach, sunbathe, swim in the crystal clear waters, take a kayak tour or just relax and admire the view from the huts on the shoreline.

Touring Phillip Island from Melbourne in summer is a fascinating excursion that allows you to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of this iconic island. Located just 140 kilometres southeast of Melbourne, this island territory is known for its beaches, rich marine life and famous penguins.

One of Phillip Island's main attractions is the Phillip Island Nature Reserve, where you can see Australia's largest penguin colony. At sunset, you can witness the unique phenomenon of penguins returning to shore after a day of fishing. What's remarkable about this is that it's one of the few places in the world where you can see these animals outside of the winter season.

In addition to the penguins, the island has beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing or just relaxing in the sun. You'll also find Healesville Sanctuary, a zoo that specialises in Australia's native animals and has one of the largest marsupial communities in the country.

Another must-see attraction on the island is the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. This racing circuit hosts thrilling motorbike and motor racing and also offers driving experiences for speed enthusiasts. In January, amateur drivers can also take part in competitions on the professional circuit.

The Australian Open in Melbourne during the first few weeks of January is an unrivalled experience for lovers of tennis and world-class sporting events. Held in January, this tournament is the first Grand Slam of the year and attracts the world's best players to the courts of Melbourne Park.

During the Australian Open, you can watch thrilling tennis matches with world-renowned players in action. From tennis icons such as Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic to up-and-coming stars, all have graced Melbourne Park Stadium for memorable moments.

The sports complex where the tournament is held offers a complete experience for fans. In addition to the main courts, there are multiple secondary courts where equally exciting matches are played. There are also food courts, shops and entertainment venues to enjoy during the breaks between matches.

The atmosphere at Melbourne Park during the Australian Open is vibrant and festive. Fans wear white, the traditional colour of the tournament, and cheer passionately for their favourite players. There are also special events, such as concerts and exhibitions, which add extra excitement and fun to the tournament.

Cinema under the stars at Moonlight Cinema in Melbourne during the summer is a magical and enchanting experience. This outdoor event takes place in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, giving moviegoers the opportunity to enjoy films in a relaxed and natural atmosphere.

Moonlight Cinema offers a selection of films in a variety of genres, from recent blockbusters to classic favourites. You can bring your own blanket or folding chair, find a comfortable spot on the lawn and enjoy the projection on a giant screen while the stars twinkle in the sky.

In addition to the movie, Moonlight Cinema offers a complete experience with delicious dining options. You can enjoy gourmet meals and snacks at the food stalls and bars available on site. You can also bring your own food and picnic to complement the experience.

Discovering the Melbourne sunset at Southbank during the summer is a magical experience that allows you to appreciate the beauty of the city as the sun sets. Southbank, located on the south bank of the Yarra River, is known for its stunning panoramic views of Melbourne and its lively atmosphere.

In the summer, the city's warm and pleasant weather makes the sunset at Southbank even more special, especially as sunset in January is around 9pm. You can stroll along the promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and spectacular views of the skyscrapers illuminated by the last rays of sunlight. You can also get there on Melbourne's best guided tours and watch the sunset from the waterfront.

In addition to admiring the beauty of the cityscape, Southbank offers a wide variety of dining options. You can choose from a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes with outdoor terraces, where you can indulge in delicious dishes while enjoying the relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.

Another prominent attraction in Southbank is the Crown Entertainment Complex Cinema, an entertainment complex that houses casinos, renowned restaurants, bars and theatres. You can enjoy fine dining, try your luck at the casino or catch a live show to complete your Southbank experience.

Temperatures in Melbourne during the summer are generally warm and pleasant, making it an ideal destination for enjoying the sunny weather. During the months of December, January and February, temperatures average between 25° and 30°, although on some days they can exceed 40°.

However, it is important to note that Melbourne can also experience wild swings in weather during the summer. Sometimes there can be days of intense heat followed by a sudden drop in temperature due to sea breezes.

Tourism in the city during the summer is significant due to a combination of pleasant weather and a wide variety of activities and events. During this time of year, both domestic and international visitors seek to enjoy Melbourne's beaches, cultural festivals, sporting events and vibrant food scene, especially during Christmas in Melbourne.

Please note that due to the influx of tourists, some attractions and venues may be busier during the summer. Therefore, I recommend planning your trip, booking accommodation and event tickets in advance, and considering visiting popular attractions at off-peak times.

Prices in Melbourne during the summer can vary depending on the demand and supply of goods and services. In general, it is important to note that this season tends to be busier, which can affect prices for accommodation, transport and tourist activities.

For accommodation, it is common for hotel and tourist accommodation prices to increase during the summer months due to higher demand. Therefore, it is advisable to book in advance to get better rates and find more options available. In addition, prices for flights and public transport may also increase slightly during this season.

Temperatures in Melbourne during the summer tend to be hot, although they can also drop at night, so it's advisable to pack the following in your suitcase:

• Lightweight t-shirts
• Lightweight trousers
• Comfortable shoes
• Lightweight coat
• Beach shoes
• Windbreaker
• Swimming costume
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat