Melbourne’s temperate summers, beautiful beaches, famous cricket grounds, and vibrant cultural and social scene are some reasons people flock to Garden City in the summer. It’s a lively and enjoyable holiday destination for international visitors and Sydnesiders. To help you get the most out of your vacation, we’ve compiled 15 of the best summer things to do in Melbourne. 

1. Free City Walking Tour

What better way to explore Melbourne CBD and enjoy the outdoors than on a guided walking tour? While bus or car tours can be convenient, you often miss out on the hidden alleyways and food spots. 

Walking tours offer much more exploration and sightseeing, especially if it’s your first trip to Melbourne. Plus, it’s a great way to get your steps in for the day. Another bonus is that these tours are free.

You can choose from numerous options, which vary in distance and time. One of the most popular is the Culture Capital tour. It’s a one-hour walk through some of the city’s best and local spots. This tour also skips some touristy stops, so it’s perfect if you prefer more off-the-beaten-track sights.  

2. Experience the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria (Melbourne Gardens) boasts diverse and interesting plant and wildlife species. Spending the day touring the landscape is an excellent way to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors. The vibrant flowers and greenery are extraordinary and look even more radiant in the summer. 

The venue also hosts various garden activities and tours for everyone. 

Some highlights include forest therapy, self-guided, bus, and bird tours. If you want a relaxing day, pack your picnic blanket and enjoy a snack or nap amidst the picturesque and peaceful lake. Entrance to the gardens is free, making it a budget-friendly activity to do in and around Melbourne. 

3. Ride the Free City Tram 

Another excellent way to explore the city is on Melbourne’s City Circle Tram. The green tram takes you past historical sights like the Melbourne Museum, Federation Square, and St Kilda. It also has audio commentary on board explaining the significance of different sights. 

If it’s your first time in Melbourne, you can get to know the city and mark out a few spots to see later on. While the tram is primarily free, some areas or stops require taping on and off. Listen to the audio commentary for free and paid tram zone instructions. 

4. Eat at Queen Victoria Market  

The Queen Victoria Market is one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks. It has been around for over 140 years and hosts various food stalls, shopping kiosks, and entertainment.  

It is incredibly vibrant in the summer and one of the best outdoor activities in Melbourne. The market is accessible with most public transport, including trams and buses. It also has paid parking areas and free bike lock-up spots.

It can be overwhelming if you’re a first-time visitor, so try to get there early. The day market opens from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, excluding Wednesday. It is also open in the evenings from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

If you want the whole experience, we suggest booking a food tour. These guided tours take you through various cuisines and hidden gems.

5. Sunset Drinks at a Rooftop Bar

Temperate Melbourne summers are perfect for cocktails and sunset views. Fortunately, there are various places in Melbourne that you can enjoy both. If you want something unique and memorable, visit one of the city’s vibey rooftop bars.

These are lively spots in the city, and with various options, you can enjoy more than one. Some popular choices include Rooftop Bar, Johnny’s Green Room, Her Bar, and Loop Roof. 

6. Catch a Cricket Match at the MCG

Summer in Australia is Cricket season, and what better way to experience this popular Aussie sport than at the famous MCG stadium? Enjoy the day out in the sun, watching local and international matches. 

The games usually continue into the evening, so prepare for a full day of cheering, food and drink, boundaries, and big swings. For a behind-the-scenes experience, book a guided stadium tour featuring exciting cricket history.

7. See the Penguins at Phillip Island

If you want a unique and unforgettable Melbourne summer activity, visit Phillip Island. The Island is home to one of the largest penguin colonies, and while you can see it at various times of year, warmer weather makes the experience more enjoyable. 

Phillip Island is two hours out of Melbourne, so driving or booking a full-day tour are the best options. Various tours include transport to and from the Island and exciting and scenic stops. Plus, you can enjoy other sights and activities on the Island, like a Grand Prix circuit, wineries and walking trails.

This trip requires a full day out and some planning, so a guided tour is an excellent option. But if you decide to go solo, here are some essential things to know about Phillip Island:

• The Penguin Parade is a popular and must-see attraction. It’s a paid event, and buying tickets in advance is the best solution as they sell out fast. 
• December to February is peak season on the Island, so expect large crowds.
• Stops along the way to the Island include the Brighton Bathing Boxes and the Moonlit Sanctuary, home to koalas, emus, and other exciting wildlife.

8. Pit Stop at Brighton Beach 

Swim in the ocean and take in the vibrant sights at Brighton Beach. You can also do a scenic coastal walking trail to St Kilda. The beach is 30 minutes outside Melbourne CBD, accessible by car or train. While picturesque, it is ideal for a quick stop on the way to other excursions rather than a full-day destination.

9. Shrine of Remembrance 

While a war memorial may not be your typical summer outing, the Shrine of Remembrance must be on your itinerary. It offers a thought-provoking look into Australia’s war history, including real-life stories, interesting artefacts, and breathtaking architecture. 

Most of the memorial sight is outdoors, with some parts in the basement. You’ll need 1 to 2 hours to experience this sight fully. It has numerous audio-visual presentations so you can learn the significance of the Shrine. 

10. Explore Melbourne Zoo  

While zoos often get a negative reputation, Melbourne Zoo will change your mind. The staff and guides are passionate about conservation and sustainability. The animals are well cared for, and the enclosures are spacious and clean.

The Zoo houses beautiful wildlife, including Tasmanian Devils, bandicoots, wallabies, orangutans, platypuses and butterflies. It’s an excellent day out and a memorable experience. December through February is peak season, so book tickets online to skip the queues. 

Plan this trip on a weekday, as it might be less busy. To avoid the crowds, try getting there when the Zoo opens at 9 a.m. An early start also provides plenty of time to see all the animals on your list. 

11. Wine Tasting at Yarra Valley

Wine tasting at Yarra Valley is a fun and worthwhile Melbourne summer activity. This wine region is one of Australia’s best and a must whether you’re a connoisseur or looking for a unique outdoor experience. One of the most recommended tours is the small group experience. 

This intimate guided tour includes insightful and light-hearted commentary from experienced guides. It provides transport to five different wineries with tastings. You can also enjoy lunch at your own expense and sit vine-side, enjoying the spectacular views. 

12. See the City From Melbourne Skydeck 

Your Melbourne trip is not complete without visiting the iconic Skydeck. Located in Eureka Tower in the heart of the CBD, the Skydeck has the largest observation areas in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience with incredible views and loads to do. 

This attraction includes a bar, restaurant, virtual reality room and exhilarating views. You can visit for free or book one of the many packages. Here are some important things to know before visiting the Skydeck.

• You can get to Eureka Tower by train, and the closest station is Flinders Street. 
• The Skydeck has a bar open to free visitors and package customers. It also has happy hour between 6 and 8 p.m. 
• Booking tickets ahead will make this experience more seamless. 
• The Skydeck opens at noon and closes at 9 p.m. — the last time to go up is 7:30 pm. 
• Sunset is one of the most popular times to visit, and if you want to avoid the crowds, a midday slot may be the best option.
• If you want a whole experience, spend two or more hours at the Skydeck.
• The edge experience is a little more exhilarating and may not suit those who fear heights. 
• There are various bars and restaurants near Eureka Tower if you want to explore after the skydeck. 

13. Tour Grampians National Park

Another fantastic outdoor summer activity in Melbourne is the Grampians National Park. It’s a three-hour drive from Melbourne, so renting a car or booking a tour are the best options. The park boasts acres of greenery and wildlife and is a great way to spend time in nature. 

You can also enjoy scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildflower displays. If you have limited time in Melbourne, a full-day guided tour is one of the best ways to see all the major sights and landmarks. 

14. Drive Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road offers some of the most scenic sights in Australia. It features famous attractions like the Twelve Apostles, Kennett River and Loch Ard Gorge. Aside from these, you can experience picturesque ocean views. 

If you have a car, map out some stops and go for an adventure-filled and scenic drive. You can also book a full-day guided tour and sit back while an experienced conductor guides your journey through the iconic road. 

15. Try the Local Breweries

Australia is synonymous with its breweries, and Melbourne offers fantastic options. Enjoy a day out, exploring the different spots and sipping unique and award-winning beers. Some popular choices include Stomping Grounds and Moon Dog World Brewing. 

FAQs About Travelling To Melbourne From Sydney 

Here are frequently asked questions about travelling to Melbourne. 

1. What is the best way to get to Melbourne from Sydney? While there are many ways to travel to Melbourne from Sydney, air travel is one of the most efficient options. 
2. Is Melbourne Airport and Tullamarine the same airport? While Melbourne Airport is the official name, locals often refer to the Airport as Tullamarine. 
3. How can you get from Melbourne airport to the city? You can get to the city from Melbourne or Tullamarine Airport via various transport modes, including rental cars, SkyBus, taxis, ride-sharing, and Uber. 
4. Can I use an Opal card in Melbourne? Opal cards can only be used in Sydney. 
5. Is it worth driving from Sydney to Melbourne? While road-tripping from Sydney to Melbourne can offer fantastic sights and stopovers, driving expenses can increase overall costs. 
6. How long does it take to fly from Sydney to Melbourne? The flight takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.
7. Is it advisable to rent a car in Melbourne? While there are various public transport options in Melbourne, renting a car is one of the best ways to experience the city.
8. Is it more affordable to fly or drive to Melbourne from Sydney? Flying from Sydney to Melbourne limits car travel costs and can be more economical and efficient than driving.  

Start Your Melbourne Trip With Park On King

While travelling by flight to Melbourne for the December holidays is one of the most efficient options, we make your trip more comfortable and convenient. 

Park On King offers hassle-free and accessible airport parking. Our prime parking location is minutes from commercial terminals, so you can check in and start your summer vacation on time. 

Our affordable parking is under 24-hour surveillance, giving you peace of mind that your car is safe while away. You can choose from varying-sized parking bays for your vehicle and travelling needs. 

Return to Sydney International Airport and enjoy a smooth, stress-free commute home in the comfort of your car. Fill out an online contact form and book your parking today.