Summer is a wonderful time in Melbourne. The laneways are filled with warm vibes and ice cold drinks. Pubs and bars, festivals, events, and beaches spill over with keen locals and travelers alike. It’s hard to be anything but happy in a city that celebrates the warmer season wholeheartedly. But what to do? We’ve got a few ideas.
Festival Fun
Summer is festival season, that much is true. But which ones to go to? So Frenchy So Chic, found in the gardens of Werribee Mansion in early January gives you a taste of the European without having to leave our shores. French food, French music, French Champagne. Enough said. For something with local and international acts, Rainbow Serpent, brings together music, art, workshops, gardens, and a more sustainable approach to festival life, while Beyond the Valley combines music and luxury camping in their two day festival.
www.cartellmusic.com.au/sfsc
www.rainbowserpent.net
www.beyondthevalley.com.au
Watching Movies in the Elements
Outdoor cinema is a must-do for every summer in Melbourne. This year marks a special year for outdoor movie watching as Rooftop Cinema – within Rooftop Bar at the top of Curtin House in the city, is celebrating 10 years of drinks and moving pictures. Over the years they’ve welcomed over 100,000 movie lovers and don’t plan to stop here. Head there for cult classics and new films. If rooftops aren’t your thing, there is a range of other outdoor cinemas across the city from Moonlight Cinemas in the beautiful botanical gardens, Ben & Jerry’s Open Air cinema on the shores of St Kilda, and for a more alternative experience, head to Shadow Electric in Abbotsford Convent.
www.rooftopcinema.com.au
openaircinemas.com.au/
www.moonlight.com.au/melbourne/
shadowelectric.com.au/tix/
Ice Cream Tour of Melbourne
Hot weather and ice cream go together like gin and tonic. And we’re really spoilt for choice in Melbourne when it comes to good frozen desserts. For creativity and flavours you can only dream of head to Gelato Messina on Smith Street in Collingwood (and soon to be more outlets). You’ll find everything from Apple Pie gelato with chunks of fresh pie to blood orange sorbet. For a more purest gelato experience head to Pidapipo on Lygon Street where you’ll find gelato made in true authentic Italian fashion. N2 Extreme Gelato on Brunswick Street gets scientific creating their frozen treats using liquid nitrogen. They then create unique flavours like milo crème brulee and raspberry and cacao nibs.
www.gelatomessina.com
www.pidapipo.com
n2extremegelato.com.au
Beer Garden and Rooftop Lazing
A summer in Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without a lazy afternoon spent drinking the hours away in a beer garden or a rooftop bar. There are newcomers to the outdoor drinking scene like Welcome to Thornbury, where food trucks provide the food, and a huge indoor bar space provides cover if the weather turns, then old favourites like Campari House in the CBD where hanging lights, faux grass, and top notch pizzas make for great drinking companions. In between you’ll find anything you like in Melbourne, from The Standard Hotel in the back streets of Fitzroy for a true pub experience, or Naked in The Sky, where tapas and 360 views pair well.
www.welcometothornbury.com
www.camparihouse.com.au
www.thestandardhotel.com.au
www.nakedforsatan.com.au/naked-in-the-sky
Get Active, get Sweaty
If you’re looking for a more active Summer, Melbourne is always prepared to deliver a weird and wonderful combination of things. From Stand Up Paddle Boarding where water, fun, and fitness come together, to dancing like Beyonce in a range of locations across the city, Melbourne really doesn’t discriminate.
www.supb.com.au
www.beydance.com.au
