As the most liveable city in the world, for the second year in a row, Melbourne is quite simply the people’s city. Need to get around? We’ve got trams, trains, buses and even city bikes. Need a quick bite or a lazy graze? Cafes and eateries pepper the laneways and streets of Lady Melbourne. So with summer fast approaching it’s time to clear the schedule because here are just 20 things to do in our fair city.
- Melbourne Zoo – Spend the day travelling through a world of wildlife but local and international. Marvel at Mother Nature’s creations and take a well-deserved rest on the greenery – ice-cream in hand.
- Abbotsford Children’s Farm – With a spare couple of hours up your sleave Abbotsford Children’s Farm is just the ticket with baby animals for show and a café offering a menu of home-grown goods.
- Infinity pool at the Aldelphi – Sometimes the best thing on a hot day is a dip in the pool. The CBD’s best kept secret has got to be the Adelphi Infinity Pool, look over the edge of the building all from the safety of 20-storey building.
- Ready to escape the cityscape? Grab your transport of choice and head 40 minutes from the city, to Half Moon Bay beach. Enjoy the summer rays before taming that grumbly tummy with lunch from the local fish ‘n’ chippery.
- Heide Museum – Located in the suburb of Heidelberg, Heide Museum was once a creative community belonging to Sunday and John Reed. Built in 1935 the site was home to many artists including Sidney Nolan and Albert Tucker. These days you can visit the three separate galleries or simply walk around the grounds of the estate.
- Queen Victoria Market – Open Tuesday through Sunday, this iconic market plays host to local craftsmanship and quality goods. Come early for the fresh produce including fish and vegetables or come later for a simple browse.
- Royal Botanical Gardens – Stocked up with a picnic basket full of yummy food? Well what better place to enjoy the flavours of the city then with a picnic in the picturesque setting of Melbourne’s biggest garden. Take the train, tram, or free tourist shuttle bus.
- Hire a Melbourne city bike – With 50 Melbourne Share Bike Stations spread across central Melbourne you can cycle the streets of the CBD or, if you’re keen to escape the city grind, head toward the Yarra River Trail, which will take you through the north eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
- Hard Rock – Climb the walls of the city’s indoor rock climbing facility while taking in the CBD’s views. We recommend going in groups of three so you can each have a turn of climbing and spotting.
- Visit the Eureka Tower – Loving the views? Take a walk to the Southbank and enter the world’s second tallest residential building, the Eureka Tower. With an exiting glass skydeck on the 88th floor don’t look down, instead marvel at the 360 degree view.
- City Circle Tram – Sometimes the most rewarding things are the ones you find yourself. So why not jump one of the free city circle tram. See something of interest? Hop off and then just as easily hop back on when you’re ready for your next urban discovery.
- Guided Tours – If you’re concerned about missing out a much-loved street, café or street art wall, there are a number of organised tours that can take you there. Check out http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au for more information.
- The National Gallery Victoria – Escape the heat and enter a while world of international artwork. With free entry to the permanent gallery there is little reason not to take a look.
- Paddle out into the bay as the sun goes down and the city lights come up. No experience necessary: instructors will have you sailing away from either St Kilda or the Docklands in no time.
- Mini-golf is the only sport that gets better as it gets smaller. (In your face, table tennis.) There are two 18-hole courses at Mini Golf Wetlands, Wheelers Hill – one outdoor, one indoor – might be Melbourne’s best.
- Luna Park – Let your hair down and embrace your inner child at Melbourne’s iconic theme park. There’s fairy floss and rides galore.
- Drink a beer at Ponyfish Island – like a floating island, this is one bar that whets your whistle without the need of a towel. There are even heaters for those more cooler times.
- Enjoy a beverage at one of Melbourne’s many rooftop bars including: Madame Brussels, Rooftop, Carlton Club, Siglo and the Alysbury.
- Feel like trying something a little different? The Rebound Leisure Club is a multi-purpose fitness venue with monthly nude swim nights that have been running for over 30 years. Bring a plate for the 9pm shared supper – and lots of towels to sit on, of course.
- Take a picnic basket and watch a film at the Botanical Garden’s Moonlight Cinema. Open from January 2013.
