10 Things to Do in Melbourne in Summer

Melbourne is the most populated city in Australia and also one of the favorite destinations for international tourists. The city is a cultural reference and an ideal place to see some of the best landscapes of the country, especially in the summer, which runs from December to March, when the beaches and the Great Ocean Road become the protagonists of the itineraries, although the city has many more alternatives to offer at this time.

Among the best things to do in Melbourne during the summer are visiting the beaches of St. Kilda, attending the Moomba Festival, experiencing Australian Day, attending a cricket match, touring picturesque Phillip Island, enjoying the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year and discovering some of the best sunsets in the world from the Southbank coast.

Visiting the beaches of St. Kilda in Melbourne during the summer is a must-do experience for sun and sea lovers, especially during the months of January and February when temperatures are the hottest of the season. Located just 6 kilometers from the city center, St. Kilda offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and lively coastal life.

On these beaches you can enjoy wide stretches of golden sand and crystal clear waters that invite you to swim and relax in the sun. From St. Kilda's main beach to the charming Elwood Beach, you'll find something for everyone. Water sports enthusiasts can also enjoy kitesurfing, windsurfing and paddleboarding.

Aside from its natural beauty, St. Kilda is known for its vibrant seaside atmosphere. The area is lined with cafes, restaurants and bars offering a wide variety of dining options. You can enjoy a delicious lunch by the sea, sample artisanal ice cream or relax in a cafe with panoramic ocean views, as well as opt for Melbourne's best hot air balloon rides.

St. Kilda is also famous for its iconic pier, the St. Kilda Pier. From there you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline, and this site is also home to a number of attractions, including the Luna Park amusement park, which offers fun for the whole family and is an ideal place to visit with children in Melbourne.

Taking an excursion to the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne during the summer is an experience that will leave you in awe. This coastal route stretches over several kilometers of spectacular scenery, providing panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding nature.

During your trip, you can enjoy unforgettable stops, such as the famous Twelve Apostles. These towering rock formations emerge majestically from the sea, creating a breathtaking and captivating sight. In addition, you can explore Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and other highlights that are usually included in the itineraries of the best tours of Melbourne.

Summer is the perfect time to embark on this tour, as the weather is warm and pleasant. You can enjoy the beaches and take breaks to swim or just relax in the sun. You'll also find plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring nearby national parks, such as Port Campbell National Park.

As you drive along the Great Ocean Road, you'll have the opportunity to stop in charming seaside towns that dot the route. You can enjoy delicious meals at local restaurants, explore craft stores and immerse yourself in Australian coastal culture.

Attending the Moomba Festival in Melbourne will allow you to immerse yourself in a vibrant and fun-filled celebration. This annual festival takes place on the banks of the Yarra River on the second Monday in March and attracts crowds of people of all ages. For several days, the city is filled with color, music, parades and a wide range of activities to enjoy.

One of the main attractions of the Moomba Festival is the parade, which winds through the streets of Melbourne with floats, street performers and live bands. It is a lively spectacle that showcases the creativity and diversity of the city. In addition, you can enjoy water shows, such as water skiing competitions and jet ski displays on the Yarra River.

The festival also offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. Younger children can enjoy amusement parks, inflatable games and creative workshops, while adults can participate in sports competitions, open-air concerts and enjoy delicious food from street stalls. Undoubtedly an experience that qualifies among some of the best food tours in Melbourne.

Moomba Festival is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate Melbourne' s culture and community spirit. In addition to the main activities, special events are also organized, such as evening concerts, art exhibitions and spectacular fireworks that light up the sky.

Living Australia Day in Melbourne will allow you to soak up a celebration full of patriotism and fun. This day, celebrated every January 26, commemorates the arrival of British settlers in Australia in 1788. In Melbourne, the city is dressed in red, white and blue, and there are a number of exciting activities to enjoy.

One of the main attractions of Australia Day in the city is the parade along Swanston Street, where you can enjoy colorful floats, musical bands and community groups. It is a festive spectacle that showcases the cultural diversity of this destination and runs until the early hours of the morning, making it also one of the best things to do in Melbourne during the night.

In addition to the parade, there are a wide range of events and activities to enjoy on Australia Day. You can head to the city's parks and gardens, such as the Kings Domain or the Royal Botanic Gardens, to enjoy outdoor barbecues, picnics with friends and family, and sports games.

You can also join in the celebrations on Melbourne's waterfront, where free concerts, water activities and fireworks shows are held in the evening. You can also enjoy Australian food at local markets and restaurants, savoring delicious dishes such as Aussie BBQ, pies and lamington.

Cricket is one of Australia's national sports and Melbourne has one of the country's most traditional teams, the iconic Melbourne Cricket Club, which plays in the Big Lash League, which is held between December and January throughout the country and brings together the best teams in the world in this sport. Attending one of these matches during the summer will allow you to experience the passion and excitement that this discipline awakens.

The matches are played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This stadium is the largest in Australia, so watching a match at the MCG is a unique experience, as you will be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere and will be able to watch the game from the stands.

In addition to the MCC, Melbourne has another important team called Melbourne Stars. This team also competes in the Big Bash League, a short-lived, high-voltage competition.

Attending a cricket match will allow you to enjoy the skill and strategy of the players, as well as the lively and festive atmosphere of the fans. You can join the enthusiastic crowd, cheer on your favorite team and enjoy the exciting moments that this sport offers.

Visiting the bathing boxes of Brighton Beach in Melbourne is an enchanting experience that will transport you back to the golden age of the Australian coast. These iconic beach huts, painted in vibrant, eye-catching colors, line Brighton Beach, creating a unique and picturesque scene.

The bathing boxes are small wooden structures dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally, they were used as shelters to change clothes and store personal belong ings while people enjoyed the sea. Today, they are symbols of Australia's coastal identity and lifestyle.

In addition to being a tourist attraction, bathing boxes are also an important part of the local community. Many of them are in the hands of families who have handed them down from generation to generation, and have become family treasures and symbols of pride that are worth touring, even if you are planning a short stay of about 3 days in Melbourne or less.

Brighton Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a sunny day. You can walk the beach, sunbathe, swim in the crystal clear waters, take a kayak tour or just relax and admire the view of the cottages on the shoreline.

Touring Phillip Island from Melbourne in summer is a fascinating excursion that will allow you to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of this iconic island. Located just 140 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, this island territory is known for its beaches, rich marine life and famous penguins.

One of Phillip Island's main attractions is the Phillip Island Nature Reserve, where you can observe Australia's largest penguin colony. At sunset, you can witness the unique phenomenon of penguins returning to shore after a day of fishing. What is remarkable about this is that it is one of the few places in the world where you can see these animals outside the winter season.

In addition to the penguins, the island has beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing or just relaxing in the sun. You can also find the Healesville Sanctuary, a zoo specializing in Australia's native animals that has one of the largest marsupial communities in the country.

Another must-see attraction on the island is the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. This racing circuit hosts exciting motorcycle and motor racing, and also offers driving experiences for speed enthusiasts. In January, amateur drivers will also be able to take part in competitions on the professional circuit.

Enjoying the Australian Open in Melbourne during the first weeks of January is an unparalleled experience for lovers of tennis and top-level sporting events. Held in January, this tournament is the first Grand Slam of the year and attracts the world's best players to the courts of Melbourne Park.

During the Australian Open, you can watch exciting tennis matches with world-renowned players in action. From tennis icons such as Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic to up-and-coming stars, all of them have passed through Melbourne Park Stadium to deliver memorable moments.

The sports complex where the tournament is held offers a complete experience for fans. In addition to the main courts, there are multiple secondary courts where equally exciting matches are played. You'll also find food courts, stores and entertainment ven ues to enjoy during breaks between matches.

The atmosphere at Melbourne Park during the Australian Open is vibrant and festive. Fans wear white, the traditional color of the tournament, and passionately cheer on their favorite players. There are also special events, such as concerts and exhibitions, which add extra excitement and fun to the tournament.

Experience cinema under the stars at Moonlight Cinema in Melbourne during the summer is a magical and enchanting experience. This outdoor event takes place in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, giving moviegoers the opportunity to enjoy movies in a relaxed and natural atmosphere.

Moonlight Cinema offers a selection of films in a variety of genres, from recent blockbusters to classic favorites. You can bring your own blanket or folding chair, find a comfortable spot on the lawn and enjoy the projection on a giant screen while the stars twinkle in the sky.

In addition to the movie, Moonlight Cinema offers a complete experience with delicious dining options. You can enjoy gourmet meals and snacks at the food stands and bars available on site. You can also bring your own food and picnic to complement the experience.

Discovering the Melbourne sunset at Southbank during the summer is a magical experience that allows you to appreciate the beauty of the city at sunset. Southbank, located on the south bank of the Yarra River, is known for its stunning panoramic views of Melbourne and its lively atmosphere.

In the summer, the city's warm and pleasant weather makes the sunset at Southbank even more special, especially since sunset in January is around 9pm. You can stroll along the promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and the spectacular views of the skyscrapers illuminated by the last rays of sunlight. You can also get there in the best guided tours of Melbourne and wait for the sunset from the coast.

In addition to admiring the beauty of the cityscape, Southbank offers a wide variety of dining options. You can choose from a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes with outdoor terraces, where you can indulge in delicious dishes while enjoying the relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.

Another prominent attraction in Southbank is the Crown Entertainment Complex Cinema, an entertainment complex that houses casinos, renowned restaurants, bars and theaters. You can enjoy fine dining, try your luck at the casino or catch a live show to complete your Southbank experience.

Temperatures in Melbourne during the summer are generally warm and pleasant, making it an ideal destination to enjoy the sunny weather. During the months of December, January and February, temperatures average between 25° and 30°, although on some days they can exceed 40°.

However, it is important to note that Melbourne can also experience abrupt changes in the weather during the summer. At times, there can be days of intense heat followed by a sudden drop in temperature due to sea breezes.

The tourist influx in the city during the summer is significant due to the combination of pleasant weather and a wide variety of activities and events. During this time of year, domestic and international visitors seek to enjoy its beaches, cultural festivals, sporting events and vibrant food scene, especially during Christmas in Melbourne.

Please note that due to the influx of tourists, some attractions and venues may be busier during the summer. Therefore, I recommend planning your trip, booking accommodation and event tickets in advance, and considering visiting popular attractions at less crowded times.

Prices in Melbourne during the summer can vary depending on the demand and supply of goods and services. In general, it is important to keep in mind that this season tends to be busier, which can affect prices for accommodation, transportation and tourist activities.

For accommodation, it is common for hotel and tourist accommodation prices to increase during the summer months due to higher demand. Therefore, I advise you to book in advance to get better rates and find more options available. In addition, prices for flights and public transportation may also increase slightly during this season.

Temperatures in Melbourne during the summer tend to be hot, although they can also experience a drop at night, so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:

• Lightweight T-shirts
• Lightweight pants
• Comfortable shoes
• Light coat
• Beach shoes
• Windbreaker
• Bathing suit
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat