Things To Do In Melbourne: Summer

Melbourne shines brightest in summer when the city's hidden rooftop bars buzz with life and theatre shows light up our balmy nights. From the Australian Open's electric atmosphere to morning swims at St Kilda Beach, our city transforms into a playground of outdoor dining, world-class performances, and cool escapes.

Let's help you discover the best ways to spend those long summer days in Melbourne. We'll share local secrets for beating the heat, catching the best sunset views, and finding those perfectly chilled spots that make summer in the city so special.

Escape the Heat: Cool Cultural Spots

NGV International ©VisitVictoria

NGV International 

Step into the air-conditioned galleries to discover world-class exhibitions, including Yayoi Kusama's mesmerising new infinity rooms. The stunning Great Hall is perfect for a quiet moment under the stained-glass ceiling.

Melbourne Museum 

Explore Bunjilaka - the award-winning First Peoples exhibition - or walk with dinosaurs while staying cool. The Forest Gallery offers a refreshing glimpse of temperate rainforests on even the hottest days.

Bars for a Summer Night

Warm evenings light up Melbourne's bar scene, from airy rooftops to hidden laneway gems. Here's where locals head when the sun sets.

Her Rooftop ©VisitVictoria

Her Rooftop 

With its relaxed atmosphere, cocktail-focused drinks list, and a delicious Thai-inspired menu, Her Rooftop is the perfect spot to soak in the city views on a warm evening.

The Stolen Gem Rooftop Bar

This is an upscale, stylish public rooftop terrace perched eight floors up. It is a highly sought-after destination for city views and events.Look down from the terrace right over the iconic Bourke Street Mall. It boasts a unique 270-degree view of the city skyline, a fully retractable roof for any weather, a cozy fireplace, and an adventurous cocktail menu.

Whitehart

The ultimate Melbourne laneway bar, Whitehart turns on the misty sprinklers on hot days and is filled with plants bringing a cool urban jungle vibe. Rotating craft beers and slushie cocktails will keep you cool. Look for the glorious vine covered entrance at the end of Whitehart Lane. 

Good Heavens

Looking for something open and airy with a big selection of food and drink? This ‘pub on a rooftop’ is a great space for a group at the eastern end of the Hoddle Grid. You can do your own a rooftop bar crawl in this neighborhood with nearby Madame Brussels, the Imperial Hotel, Siglo and Loop Roof all within 1 minute walk of each other. But drink responsibly!

Summer Dining Spots

From shaded terraces to cool dining rooms, Melbourne's summer dining scene comes alive with seasonal menus perfect for any time of day.

Ponyfish Island    ©Visit Victoria

Rice Paper Scissors (Hardware Lane). 

Grab one of the outdoor tables on Hardware Lane for some fun cocktails and light south east Asian fusion bites - perfect for a warm night! Forgot to book and there’s no space? Keep walking up Hardware Lane and pick any of the highlights such as Kirk’s, Gracie or The Hardware Cub. Don’y forget to leave room for gelato from Piccolina afterwards.  

Ponyfish Island (access via the Evan Walker Bridge)

The Yarra River is loved by Melburnians as a place to enjoy warm summer nights. There are many bars and restaurants along the river in the Southgate precinct and even a few that ‘float’ on the water. One of these is Ponyfish Island where you can enjoy a wood fired pizza and the city lights. 

Tippo 00

The restaurant is named after the premium, ultra-finely ground "Tipo 00" flour traditionally used to craft authentic Italian pizza and pasta dough. It is widely considered a Melbourne institution, famous for exceptional handmade pasta. Standout menu staples include their squid-ink tagliolini, gnocchi with braised duck, and their signature dessert, the Tipomisu 

Theatre - Must-See Shows

Regent Theatre ©VisitVictoria

Waitress (The Musical):

A heartwarming, pie-baking Broadway favorite featuring music by Sara Bareilles, running until mid-July at Her Majesty's Theatre. Secure seats via TodayTix Melbourne. [1, 2]

The Book of Mormon

The raucously funny and record-breaking musical from the creators of South Park. Showing at the Princess Theatre—book online using Marriner Group. [1, 2]

Dramas & Contemporary Performances

The Glass Menagerie:

Tennessee Williams' masterpiece of memory and family, presented by the Melbourne Theatre Company at Southbank Theatre

Retrograde:

A gripping, critically-lauded contemporary play about truth, art, and resilience running at the Arts Centre Melbourne

Summer of Sports

Melbourne Cricket Ground ©VisitVictoria

Cricket at the MCG 

The Boxing Day Test kicks off a spectacular summer of cricket at the MCG. Watch the historic Women's Ashes Day-Night Test, or join the excitement of Pakistan's ODIs and T20Is.

Australian Open Tennis 

Tennis fever hits Melbourne Park in January. Watch the world's best players battle it out in the year's first Grand Slam, then cool off with a refreshing drink at one of the many pop-up bars.

Summer Escapes: Perfect Day Trips

Looking to escape the city heat? Whether you're passionate about gardens, food, wine, or simply seeking a change of scenery, these destinations offer refreshing day trips within an hour of Melbourne.

Yarra Valley 

Just an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley offers something for everyone. Wine enthusiasts can sample local vintages, garden lovers can explore spectacular grounds like Alowyn Gardens, and food lovers will find award-winning restaurants serving the region's finest produce.

Mornington Peninsula 

Discover a perfect blend of attractions within easy reach of the city. Stroll through historic gardens, cool off at bay beaches, or enjoy lunch with ocean views. Wine enthusiasts will love the boutique vineyards, while wellness seekers can unwind at the Peninsula Hot Springs.

Summer Survival Tips

Make the most of Melbourne’s summer with these handy tips:

Best Times to Explore: Early mornings and evenings are ideal for exploring, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Plus, you’ll catch the sunrise or sunset magic that Melbourne is famous for.

Transport Tricks: Take advantage of Melbourne’s efficient tram network to beat the heat while exploring the city. Remember, trams in the CBD are free! Consider renting a car for day trips for stress-free travel.

Booking Essentials: Summer is the peak season for everything from restaurants to theatre shows, so book ahead to secure your spot. Many venues and experiences fill up quickly, so a little planning goes a long way.

Book a Walk Melbourne Tour

Want to taste the real Melbourne this summer? Join our passionate guides through the city's laneways and local favorites. From food adventures to coffee quests, we'll make your summer visit unforgettable. Book your tour today!

Food Tours Melbourne Australia

Why Melbourne is the Ultimate Foodie Destination

Melbourne’s Culinary Reputation

Melbourne is celebrated as Australia’s top culinary destination and prides itself as a diverse and multicultural foodie destination. From our café culture to our farm-to-table movement, Melbourne’s culinary scene continuously grows and challenges itself to be better than any other. Melbourne celebrates its culinary diversity and reputation in a variety of ways. With an ever-growing scene of innovative fine dining experiences to fun market fairs filled with food stalls and festivals throughout the year, all demonstrating cultural diversity and yummy food, one will always find themselves a part of a multicultural foodie experience. 

Diverse Flavours to Discover

Melbourne's multicultural population brings a rich tapestry of flavours from all around the globe. You can find everything from authentic Italian and Greek to vibrant Fillipino and Ethiopian cuisines. Each neighbourhood offers its own unique culinary gems. Still, the CBD (ie downtown) shows a true reflection of multicultural vibe through a wonderful mix of cuisines along every street, laneway and street corner. Walk down any of the famous alleyways and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by two or three restaurants honouring different cuisines already. The choices are universal and endless from Chinatown on Little Bourke St, Italian fare on  Lygon Street, and the recently christened ‘K-town’ on Healy Lane! 

Best Food Tours for Group Getaways

This is what makes Melbourne’s Discovery Walk unique and special. It is perfect for any foodie adventurer or a group of taste “buds” to see what our laneways offer. What better way than to discover a hole in the wall, listen to stories of a time long ago and indulge in the food culture that makes Melbourne CBD so vibrant. An afternoon that encompasses food, a glimpse of culture and discovering Melbourne laneways while spending time with your loved ones? It sounds like the perfect quartet!

Family-Friendly Food Experiences

Traveling with children? We’ve got some options for you, too! Melbourne is lucky to have several markets all of which are fun and suitable for family-friendly food experiences. Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market and Prahran Market all have wonderful offerings and high-quality fresh produce. You’re bound to find something for everyone at these markets and perhaps even fill your inner child with delights such as delicious jam donuts, artisanal hot chocolates, nostalgic hot dogs and even meat pies! Kids can collect a market passport at Queen Victoria Market and fully immerse themselves while interacting with vendors and claim a prize at the end. A wonderful family-friendly activity awaits!  

Fitzroy| © Visit Victoria

Top Foodie Neighbourhoods in Melbourne

When venturing out to the suburbs of Melbourne for a more unique foodie experience, while each of the suburbs have their own gems, here are the top 3 Foodie Neighbourhoods for any visitor in Melbourne: 

Fitzroy /Collingwood

Just 3km outside of the CBD, in Fitzroy, once renowned as a working-class suburb, has now turned into an eclectic neighbourhood that is home to some of the best cafes, bakeries (such as To Be Frank), pubs and wine bars and a wide range of eateries. Along Gertrude Street, where you’ll find plenty of vintage shops and independent retailers, you’ll also find Maha, a Middle Eastern restaurant offering a contemporary spin on traditional dishes. Afterwards, head to Naked For Satan for stunning city views and delicious cocktails while people watch. For something more memorable, head down to Cutler and Co. for an unforgettable dining experience. Be spoilt with the fine dining service in a cool and comfortable setting.

Brunswick

6kms from Melbourne CBD, you’ll find yourself in Brunswick. Along Sydney Road is a vibrant collection of Mediterranean groceries, cafes and some fun ice cream shops! Get yourself some tailor-made jeans at Dejour Jeans, soak up all things Mediterranean at A1 bakery or treat yourself to deliciously juicy southern fried chicken at Juanita Peaches and end your day at one of the many ice-cream retailers on Sydney Road. For traditional Aussie flavours check out Luther’s Scoop or for the more daring foodie adventurers, check out Fluffy Torpedo for unexpected flavour bombs that are mind-blowingly different and unexpectedly delicious. 

South Melbourne

Just 2 tram stops south of the CBD. This neighbourhood is a bustling foodie find with everything from bakeries to breweries within blocks of each other. The centre of the community is the South Melbourne Market, the oldest market in Melbourne, dating back to 1867. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s famous for its ‘eat on the spot’ local seafood stands and a hive of artisanal goods and produce. In the nearby South Melbourne neighbourhood, close to Clarendon St, some of the trendiest daytime venues in Melbourne are within a few steps of the market, such as Hector’s Deli and Moon Mart. 

Planning Tips for a Seamless Tour

Book in Advance: Melbourne’s growing population and popularity as a tourist destination mean reservations are essential, especially on weekends. Pre-booking ensures a stress-free experience.

Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring Melbourne’s laneways and markets on foot. Your feet will thank you!

Layer Up: Melbourne’s weather is famously unpredictable. Dressing in layers, with a scarf or a light jacket, will keep you prepared for anything.

Stay Hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle to keep yourself refreshed as you walk and dine.

Weather Protection: A light jacket with a hood is a lifesaver for unexpected rain, and a hat or sunglasses are perfect for sunny days.

Best Times to Visit

Not sure when to visit Melbourne? Spring (Sept-Nov) and Autumn months are ideal where the weather is mostly pleasant - although be prepared even for four seasons in one day! Autumn in Melbourne is known as “Mad March”as the city hosts many festivals - perhaps to distract us from an impending winter! From the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Formula 1 Grand Prix or International Comedy Festival, there’ll be something for everyone. A month full of celebrations means that the offerings are diverse with plenty of unique experiences to be had. As the Spring months start warming up and the flora and fauna are thriving, watch Melbourne spring back into life again! It’s a beautiful time of the year for picnics at the parks, plenty of fun outdoor food markets and activities, and festivals gearing up for the festive season! 

Four Pillars Gin

Beyond the Tour: Extend Your Food Journey

Beyond your food tour and throughout your travels, don’t forget that with each culinary experience also comes a chance to take a little piece of it home. From artisanal Melbourne roasted coffee for coffee lovers, artisanal chocolates with Australian native ingredients from Koko Black, locally made wines in our rich and diverse wine regions of Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley, Melbourne-based gin and whiskey companies such as Four Pillars or Starward Distillery and even fabulous handcrafted gifts such as ceramic mugs, plates or tea towels by inspiring locals.

These unique gifts not only remind you of your time in Melbourne but can also transport you back to the memories made in Melbourne by reliving some of the culinary food experiences!

Make sure to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience, whether at Embla for sophisticated and contemporary Australian dining or at Vue de Monde for that extra memorable moment and view! If a more relaxed vibe is more your style then why not hit up one of many bars, such as HER rooftop bar or Caretaker’s Cottage? And while you’re at the international airport terminal and the end of holiday blues takes over, there’s always a last chance for preflight cakes and coffee at Brunetti Classico or a classic Melbourne flat white at St Ali.

Book a food tour with us, for a taste of Melbourne and for more insider foodie tips from our knowledgeable and passionate guides!

Melbourne Spring Itinerary - Food Lovers Weekend

Spring foodie Weekend in Melbourne

Friday night

Drop your bags at your hotel and head straight to Chinatown! On a dry evening there will be a buzz of people walking up and down Little Bourke St which is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world.  If you’d like cheap and cheerful, head to Shanghai Street (the name of the restaurant, not the street) for xiao long bao or Juicy Bao for sheng jian bao. Both are right on Little Bourke St, either side of Russell St. You’ll need to queue at both, but the line typically moves quickly.  If you want to splash out, try the Flower Drum, but make sure you’ve booked weeks in advance. For somewhere in the middle, try Mr. Bo. 

Chinese restaurants are not typically known for their excellent drinks list, but there are some great laneway bars in Chinatown if you’d like to indulge after dinner. Try One or Two or the Union Electric.

China Town  | © Visit Victoria

Saturday 

Melbourne has literally a thousand places to get a morning coffee, so why not explore a few on our Coffee Lovers Walk. You’ll leave with a new found respect for your flat white!

After the tour concludes, jump on a tram and head to the Royal Botanic Gardens for lunch at The Terrace and enjoy a sunny spring afternoon wandering around and relaxing. For those more interested in a bit of culture, spend your time at the NGV. You’ve got two venues to choose from either on St Kilda Road for international art or at Federation Square for Australian Art. 

Speaking of Federation Square, this is your dinner venue. Grab one of the outdoor tables and enjoy flavours from all over the world at the many eateries on offer. After that you might like a wander along the river and have a drink with a view at Ponyfish Island(under the Evan Walker Bridge) or Yarra Botanica (a pontoon floating in the river). Both have lovely night time view of the city lights.  

Royal Botanic Gardens  | © Visit Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens | © Visit Victoria

Sunday

Head just out of the city to South Melbourne Market (which is an easy walk from Crown) and join the  locals doing their Sunday morning grocery shopping and enjoying breakfast. There’s a lot of options to choose from here from pastries and coffee to freshly shucked oysters and crayfish!  

For your final Spring meal in Melbourne, head to the renowned Hardware Lane for the best Malaysian flavours in the town at Lulu’s, followed by a coffee at Maker and a gelato at Piccolina, all within a few steps of each other. 

South Melbourne Market | © Visit Victoria

South Melbourne Market | © Visit Victoria

Top Things To Do In Melbourne This Winter

The Charm of Winter in Melbourne

Winter in Melbourne is undeniably charming. Sure, it can be a bit cold and windy, but all the more reason to layer up in all your favorite jackets, scarves and boots to explore the city with a hot drink in hand.

There’s also lots of indoor activities that go beyond the shopping malls. We’ve got you covered for culture in June, July and August.

01 Rising Festival

(Until June 08)

Melbourne’s Winter Contemporary Arts Festival celebrates the darkness with light installations and theatre shows of all kinds. Whether you’re a contemporary art lover or just curious, they’ll be something for you in the extensive 2-week program.

More Information

02 CARTIER at the NGV

(Until October 04 )

Running through October 4, 2026, the NGV’s Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® features nearly 400 extraordinary jewels, gems, and rare royal archives

More Information

03 QVM Night Market

(Wednesdays nights from 5pm until Aug 26)

Enjoy incredible street food, specialty shopping and Live entertainment. Free entry! Wed 5pm – 10pm, ends 26 August 2026.

More Information

04 Melb International Film Festival (MIFF)

(August 6–23, cinemas across the CBD)

Snuggle into warm cinemas across the CBD for one of the world's most highly regarded film festivals (August 6–23, 2026)

A great afternoon would be attending the Foodie Discovery Walk, followed by an early session at MIFF.‍ ‍

More Information

05 Lightscape:

(From June 12 to August 2, 2026)

The Royal Botanic Gardens transforms into an illuminated night trail featuring twenty new light installations.

06 Firelight Festival:

Head to the Docklands waterfront (July 4–6) to warm up with glowing art, roaming performers, and spectacular fire displays. [1]

07 Laneway Cafes:

Hide away from the chill in CBD staples like Degraves Street or Centre Place, grabbing a world-class latte and a pastry. [1, 2]

08 Sports & Indoor Escapes:

AFL Games: Experience Melbourne's obsession by catching an Australian Rules Football match live at the nearby MCG or Marvel Stadium.

ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image): Escape the rain at Fed Square to explore interactive, state-of-the-art screen culture and film exhibitions.

Heritage Arcades: Stay dry while admiring the 19th-century architecture and boutique shops of the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade.

Winter in Melbourne is a great time to get involved in the cinema, art and theatre that makes Melbourne Australia's cultural capital. Once you step out of the galleries and cinemas, spend 3 hours with us exploring the laneways and eating delicious food…. including some warm drinks! Join any of our winter delight walking tours.

A Foodie's Guide to the Melbourne Grand Prix

Melbourne Grand Prix 2024 - A Foodie’s Guide

Grand Prix weekend is one of the most exciting times to be in Melbourne. The festival descends upon Albert Park and all the F1 fans fill the city with a real sense of occasion. While there are lots of things to eat at the track, visitors to Melbourne can also enjoy a whole city of culinary delights while they’re in town.

Whether you’re interested in our amazing brunch scene, a quick drink and a snack or dinner after a day at the track, Melbourne’s hundreds of cafes, restaurants and bars covering a myriad of cuisines are ready for you to enjoy. Whether it’s your first time in Australia or a regular visitor, our amazing hospitality professionals are ready to welcome you during your time here for the F1 Grand Prix.

Best Spots for Quick Bites

Melbourne is renowned for it’s ‘laneways’ - which are small streets like alleyways - often filled with cafes and stores. They are pedestrian only, which makes them great for people watching while you grab a bite at one of the very informal and casual eateries. You could try Centre Place which is full of cafes for breakfast and lunch or if you’re after something later in the day, you’ll find ShanDong Mama mini open for Chinese dumplings for dinner.

Hardware Lane is also a good option for laneway people watching with a bunch of great food options open three meals per day. Maker coffee is great for breakfast and if you like an extra punch of flavour try Lulu’s for the best Malaysian food in town. Nearby, Rice Paper Scissors will pair your Asian fusion with a delicious cocktail.

Fine Dining Experiences

If you prefer your dining environment a little more refined, pursue the myriad of options along Flinders Lane between Swanston st and Spring st. This is one of the best dining districts in Australia and you can’t walk more than a few meters without passing somewhere wonderful to eat or drink. Not all the entrances are directly on Flinders Lane. Don’t be afraid to head upstairs… or downstairs… or down the side alleys to find the entrances to the restaurants. Some highlights include Nomad, Cumulus Inc or Lucy Liu.

Relaxation Spots

Botanical Gardens Melbourne

If it’s a lovely day you might like to take yourself away from the buzz of the track for a quiet morning wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Terrace cafe has recently been revamped by one of Melbourne’s best cafe owners, so you won’t go hungry either.

To relax with a quiet drink, the open air bars under Princes Bridge near Federation Square have a lovely atmosphere. Riverland and Pilgrim might still be busy, being near the river and amongst the trees of Birrarung Marr is still a nice place to relax. If you’re looking for slightly more adventurous flavors, head into the main piazza at Fed Square and try some indigenous flavors (and maybe even a cocktail!) at Big Esso.

Activities and Attractions

National Gallery of Victoria

While you might be in town for the race, there are so many other things to do in Melbourne while you’re visiting. While art and F1 are not a classic combination, Melbourne’s hosts some of the best art galleries in the country. The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) is hosting a once every three year exhibition - aptly named the Triennial - where cutting edge modern art from around the world is scattered through the permanent collection of much older and more traditional art making for a fascinating experience.

You could also try for an evening experience at one of Melbourne’s classic theaters to catch a show. Head to Halftix on Little Collins St (just behind the Town Hall) to snatch some last minute discounted tickets to any number of Melbourne’s theatre shows.

Foodie Discovery Walk

Of course, one of the ultimate Melbourne experiences is to immerse yourself a walking tour with a local to soak up the local history. Our Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walk will answer all your questions and you’ll get fed with some of Melbourne's most delicious bites from places you wouldn’t find on your own. Book our Foodie Discovery Walk today!