Melbourne is a city with a busy calendar, and no matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something you'll enjoy. While the city of Melbourne is full of activities and events, you'll also find great outdoor activities to do amidst Victoria's incredible landscape.
Outdoor Activities in Melbourne
If you want to escape the city life for a weekend or even a day, you'll have a plethora of choices on activities to reconnect with nature.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria's most famous natural attractions. Listed as a national heritage site, the road stretches for 243 kilometers along Victoria's southeast coast. Discover the picturesque village of Lorne, Apollo Bay, Torquay, home of the famous Bells Beach surf competition, and Warrnambool, a great place for whale watching.
Not to mention the famous 12 Apostles, the jewel of the Great Ocean Road. Seeing the beauty of these limestone monuments is unforgettable and not to be missed. You can also participate in several activities there such as walking and cycling, surfing, wildlife watching and especially enjoying excellent food.
A must-see in Victoria!
1000 steps walk
Located in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, this is probably the most popular bushwalk in Melbourne. Officially called the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, walkers love the challenge of this beautiful rainforest track. But to fully appreciate this unique place, try to visit it when it's quiet, on weekdays. Please note: Significant damage was caused by the storms of 2021. The track will remain closed until the end of 2022 to ensure the safety of visitors and to allow for work to be undertaken.
Phillip Island
Another very popular visit from Melbourne is Phillip Island, famous for its little penguins, but not only! You'll find idyllic beaches, rugged coastlines, unique wildlife such as seals, whales and koalas, surf spots, and world-class events. It's home to the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships, attracting the best drivers and teams from around Australia. It's a 90-minute drive from Melbourne or you can take the V/Line coach from Melbourne.
The Grampians
A landscape of mountains and vineyards as far as the eye can see that is the pride of Victoria, welcome to the Grampians National Park! Beautiful sunsets, wineries, local cuisine, sporting activities, rock art sites and hiking make this a highly regarded destination that will guarantee lasting memories. Located three hours drive from Melbourne, it is ideal for a weekend trip.
Urban Activities in Melbourne
The Rooftop Cinema
A seasonal activity, from December to March, the rooftop cinema starts at dusk. By far the best way to enjoy the cool summer nights, the rooftop cinema offers you the chance to enjoy a view of the city while watching a good movie and sipping a cocktail.
IMAX Melbourne
Immerse yourself in a visual and audio universe at Melbourne's IMAX museum, renowned for its 3D films. You'll find the world's largest screen, 32 meters wide and 23 meters high. Not only that, but its 15,000-watt digital sound system makes this cinematic experience unique.
Melbourne Sports Centre
Located just minutes from downtown Melbourne, the Melbourne Sports Centre has world-class facilities that include indoor and outdoor pools, competition pools, a wellness area and a gym. There's no shortage of sporting activities, including field hockey, basketball, soccer, netball, yoga and boxing.
Abbotsford Convent Melbourne
Abbotsford Convent, just 4 kilometers from the CBD, is a multi-faceted place of culture, learning and art that was established in 1863 by four nuns with the intention of creating a haven for women's care. This historic place is certainly not lacking in entertainment, with restaurants and a variety of attractions, from markets and theater to exhibitions and classes.
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