Leisure activities in Melbourne for solo expats, couples and families
Melbourne is a great city with a lot to offer. Looking for a romantic evening with your partner, a family day out, a fun activity with friends, or a solo day to recharge? Melbourne has what you need! Keep an eye out for promotional offers during the week where you can pay half price.
Solo Melbourne
What to do if you have a free day to yourself? Melbourne has plenty to keep you busy and satisfied. Start your day on your own with a delicious hot coffee and a good brekkie in one of the city's excellent cafes.
If the weather is nice, take a walk in one of the parks or along the Yarra River, located in the center of Melbourne. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) houses fascinating collections and has excellent exhibitions throughout the year. An enjoyable cultural activity in both summer and winter.
Also, be sure to take advantage of "cheap Tuesdays" when movie tickets are 50% off the regular price. This is conventional in most cinemas, but you can check this online before you go. Finally, don't forget to visit the outstanding State Library of Victoria, established in 1854, making it the oldest public library in Australia and one of the first free libraries in the world. A cultural icon of Melbourne, this magnificent 19th century building has some of the city's finest heritage interiors.
How about a tour of Melbourne's world-renowned street art? It's a great way to keep busy when you're on your own and discover the surprising and changing creations of Melbourne's backstreets.
Melbourne as a couple
Melbourne is a great place for couples, with many bars and restaurants dotted around the city, ideal for a romantic night out. Start your evening with a delicious dinner in the city, then let the night take you to one of the bars where you can enjoy cocktails in a cozy atmosphere. If you're willing to venture further afield, discover the wonderful wine regions around Melbourne. Just an hour from the city, the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley are world-class wine regions with many wineries.
Perfect for a romantic weekend, enjoying sumptuous wines with a cheese platter, amidst beautiful vineyard scenery. If you want to take a short road trip as a couple, the Great Ocean Road awaits you! Discover the beautiful beaches and small villages along the way and take time to soak up the wild coastal scenery that is the pride of Victoria.
Melbourne with Friends
There's so much to do with friends in Melbourne! Shop at Melbourne Central and Bourke Street Mall; with hundreds of stores, cafes and arcades, it's hard to get bored. Melbourne Central even offers a movie break after a long day of spending. Have fun with friends by going to a soccer game (we're talking Australian rules soccer here). Beware the obsession with soccer, or footy, in Melbourne is contagious! This is the home of the Australian Football League (AFL). Experience the excitement with your friends by attending a game at the MCG.
If the sun is shining, a picnic with friends at the Royal Botanic Gardens is a must. Bring your own food and enjoy the weather. Another fun activity to do as a group is to explore the various laneways of Melbourne, take pictures in front of the murals and graffiti, then share a plate of antipasto and take time to watch the crowd go by.
Family Melbourne
Looking for family fun for all ages? Melbourne has just what you need! Spending a family day at the zoo is always a good idea, plus it's only four kilometers from the city center, in the Royal Park Gardens. Or why not visit the Melbourne Aquarium on the banks of the Yarra River in the center of the city? Swim with sharks, see marine life or meet penguins, there's plenty to keep you busy for a while.
If you want to go a little further, Healesville Sanctuary is a zoo specializing in Australian wildlife, about an hour from Melbourne. An interactive experience to discover iconic animals such as koalas, kangaroos, platypuses, dingoes and wombats. Finally, if thrills and heights thrill you, head to the Eureka Skydeck, 297 meters high. This unique experience offers a panoramic view of the entire city, so you can get your fill of thrills!
