Summer in Melbourne is a fun season to be out and about. The days are longer, there’s plenty of sunshine, and the city is abuzz with activities.
Too much sun, however, can take its toll, even with all the fruit smoothies and delicious icy treats to keep you cool.
So, when the heat gets a bit too much to handle, you can find respite at these amazing spots around the state capital of Victoria.
1. Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre tells the story of survival against the odds and celebrates vibrant First People culture through performances, storytelling, artwork, and a range of creative mediums.
The centre presents the Koorie experience with power, depth, and respect in its permanent exhibition, which was created with local Indigenous people, while further displays include the Milari Garden and Kalaya performance space.
2. Kayak Melbourne
Soak up iconic Melbourne sights from the water, and steer your very own kayak along the Yarra River on a cruising tour with Kayak Melbourne.
See the city in the heat of the day from a refreshing spot on the river or bask in the setting sun and evening glow of city lights on a moonlight tour. Evening tours even include a special meal of fish and chips on the water.
3. Queen Victoria Market
Soak up the vibrant, multicultural atmosphere at Queen Victoria Market, home to a collection of wares from independent makers, creators, designers, and artists, as well as an abundance of fresh produce, souvenirs, clothing, and unique handmade products.
While you’re there, join a two-hour foodie walking tour and sample delicious produce while learning about unique ingredients and insider cooking tips. In summer, enjoy the festival atmosphere at summer market events with live music and speciality pop-ups.
4. THE LUME Melbourne
Forgot to slip, slop, slap on the sunscreen?
Don’t worry; enjoy a spot of shade inside THE LUME and wander 3,000 square metres of four-storey-high projections. Indulge your senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of First Nations culture as over 650 artworks from 110 artists swirl around you.
THE LUME changes its exhibits every few months, so there’s always a new immersive experience to enjoy.
5. Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery Victoria Australia
The home of Australian art, The Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery Victoria Australia showcases more local art on permanent display than any other gallery in the world.
Expect to see spectacular collections of Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous art from the colonial period through to modern times, as well as roving special exhibits and events providing a fresh take on Australian art and culture.
6. URBNSURF
Catch a wave at Australia’s first urban surfing park. Paddle the park’s crystal clear surfing lagoon and test your skills on rolling whitewater waves that range from gentle for beginners to steep and barrelling for experienced surfers.
With up to 600 ocean-like waves created every hour, there’s no shortage of fun at URBNSURF Melbourne.
7. Australian Sports Museum
Get a glimpse of Victoria through the lens of sporting greats at the Australian Sports Museum.
Head to Gate Three of the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground and immerse yourself in the history of Australian sports with interactive exhibits and a huge collection of elite sporting memorabilia.
Try your shot at professional sports in the Game On! section, where you can kick a football, play a round of cricket, and much more.
8. Luna Park Melbourne
With a history of 110 years of colourful carnival fun, Luna Park, nestled in the seaside urban hub of St Kilda, promises fun for people of all ages.
Ride the Great Scenic Railway for sparkling views of Port Phillip Bay, take a seat on the heritage carousel and marvel at the 6,000 lights adorning the park, or test your skills on the dodgem cars.
Get your thrills at Luna Park, then cool off with a dip at nearby St Kilda beach or with a swim in the indoor saltwater swimming pool at the St Kilda Sea Baths.
9. Chadstone – The Fashion Capital
At Chadstone – The Fashion Capital, Australia’s biggest shopping hub, you can browse through more than 500 stores featuring hundreds of Australian brands and more than 40 luxury names.
To get here, you can jump on the free tourist shuttle bus, which departs from Federation Square.
Looking for more unique pieces? Melbourne is home to a plethora of boutiques operated by local designers and artisans scattered through laneways and inner city shopping precincts all around the city.
10. Monopoly Dreams Melbourne
Step out of the sun and into a life-sized board game at Monopoly Dreams, an immersive experience featuring games, a laser maze, and the chance to win Monopoly money.
Grab cash at the bank, purchase properties, and more – just be sure to keep yourself out of jail.
This story by Visit Victoria was originally published on AirAsia. Zafigo republished this story in full with permission from the publisher, simply because good stories should be read by as many people as possible! If you have stories that will be of interest and useful to women travellers, especially in Asia, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
