As the sun graces over our vibrant city, bestowing warm, fun vibes – it’s time we dive headfirst into what defines a quintessential Melbourne summer! With the mercury rising and the cityscape buzzing, we’ve put together our top 10 bucket list activities to transform your summer into an unforgettable adventure.
From getting your dose of Vitamin Sea at the local beach and vibin’ to music festivals, to sundown happenings and beer garden sessions – your sun-soaked checklist begins here!
Queen Victoria Summer Night Market
Spend balmy evenings with scrumptious street food, retail therapy, creative drinks, and live entertainment at the Queen Vic Summer Night Market. Expect a rotating weekly line-up of live music, unique finds made by local artisans, festival bars, and global street food trucks to satisfy your foodie side – perfect for hangouts with your mates or the whole family!
The fun begins at sundown every Wednesday night until 13th March, and the best part – entry is free!
For more information, visit summernightmarket.com.au
Afloat
Take to the air on Afloat, a floating bar that’s popped up for its 8th season on the Yarra River (Birrarung)! This year, it’s Afloat Viva Mexico, celebrating the country’s rich and vibrant culture with tacos, tequila, and all sorts of flavourful contemporary Mexican dishes!
Open from 11am until late every day, check out the full menu on afloat.melbourne.
Moonlight Cinema
Bring out your cushiest blankets, cushions, and snack baskets – it’s movie night! Give it an outdoorsy twist by taking it to Moonlight Cinema at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, and enjoy your flicks out in the fresh air. With films ranging from new releases to cult classics, so there’s something for everyone! Don’t worry if you don’t have food though, as they even have their own bar and kitchen for movie munching!
Get your tickets and check out the week’s program at melbourne.moonlight.com.au
NGV Triennial
For the artistic soul and cultural connoisseurs, make your way to the National Gallery of Victoria for the Triennial and experience some of the most exciting contemporary works in the world. Featuring over 100 amazing projects by 120 artists, designers, and collectives – you’re going to want to take your time with this, as it covers all four levels of NGV!
Entry is free. Visit ngv.vic.gov.au/triennial/home/ for more information.
Music Festivals
Nothing screams ‘summer vibes’ better than letting loose at a music festival! It’s that infectious community spirit, amplified by live music that just hits different – featuring both local and international artistes. Here are some of the hottest festivals you’ll wanna check out.
- Brunswick Music Festival, 3 – 11 March: An eclectic blend of music and culture, expect a remarkable line-up of over 60 gigs across 30 venues, with sonic innovators, roving entertainers, and incredible visual art collabs.
- Wine Machine: A true blue experience, with amazing food, wine, and music born from Australian soil!
Rooftop Bar-Hopping
Our favourite way to cool off? Hitting the bar at sundown! That is, rooftop bars! All you gotta do is head on up, sit back, and relax with a pint or a delicious cocktail – and watch the Golden Hour illuminate the city. Here are our top picks:
- Rooftop at The Provincial Hotel for funky cocktails and an extensive beer and wine list, as well as nibbles for the table.
- Rooftop Bar at Curtin House for a wide range of classic and signature cocktails, spirits, craft beers, and cocktails by the jug.
- Johnnys Green Room for a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired menu. The creative drinks celebrate Italy’s cocktail heritage, ranging from spritzy and smashable, to dark sips and powerful blends.
Alfresco Dining on Degraves Street
When in Melbourne, you can’t miss the iconic Degraves Street. Spot it by its characteristic street art, and discover how you can easily spend an entire day exploring this charming laneway. Browse through the unique offerings of boutiques, or dine alfresco while people watching or vibing to street buskers. And when you’re in need of a little pick-me-up, stop by any of the hole-in-the-wall cafes for a good old Melbourne-style coffee!
Brighton Beach Day
What’s summer without a trip to the beach? And none does it better than Brighton Beach, found just about 11km southeast of the CBD. The wide stretch of powder-soft golden sand makes for a delightful stroll as you soak in stunning panoramic views of the bay, while the gentle waves and bright blue waters can help you cool off in the summer heat. Remember to bring a camera for beach day snaps, and of course, plenty of sunscreen!
Edinburgh Gardens Picnic
Spanning 24 hectares of lush greenery, one of Yarra’s largest parks serves as the perfect spot for a picnic day. Open lawn areas, garden beds, and shady spots are connected by a network of paths, offering plenty of space to have your picnic setup (did we mention you can also bring your own alcohol?). But it’s not all bites and bevvies though, as the park also includes facilities like fenced playgrounds, barbecues, tennis courts, and skate facilities for a truly fun-filled day!
Beer Garden Sessions
Very few beats a perfectly chilled brew to help beat the heat! Melbourne is home to some truly exciting pubs and beer gardens, where you and your mates can kick back with an ice-cold pint or a crafty brew for more discerning taste buds. The BrewDog Bar is where you wanna be for cracking an epic craft beer, with weekly programs such as Tuesday Trivia and All-You-Can-Eat Wings to pair with your drinks.
If you’re looking for live music to elevate your drinking sesh, hit up spots like The Woodlands Hotel every Sunday, or The Retreat Hotel every Tuesday to Sunday. Wesley Anne also features some pretty sweet live gigs, with yummy deals on lagers for that after-work smash. Honourable and necessary mentions include The Garden State Hotel’s tiered Beer Garden, where one can have the ultimate outdoor beer experience surrounded by lush greenery and a breathtaking ficus tree tower.
So whether you’re spending your Melbourne summer getting sun-kissed or indulging in the eclectic bar scene – every moment is truly a celebration of our lively city’s unique charm. Get to ticking off this summer bucket list, and have yourself a season that’s nothing short of extraordinary and be sure to tag us (@togethercoliving) during your stay at Together Co-Living!
