When to Visit Melbourne
There’s always something to do when you visit Melbourne. From huge markets to spectacular museums and lovely cafes, Melbourne’s got it all.
Whatever the weather, you can always count on Melbourne to take you on new and exciting adventures. Before you begin exploring the city, make sure you’ve got somewhere to stay.
Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport is conveniently located right next to Melbourne Airport, the perfect place to drop your things, and then spread your wings and easily explore all of Melbourne’s hidden gems.
During the Colder Months when you Visit Melbourne
You shouldn’t let cold weather stand in your way. Melbourne is well-known for its spectacular events, activities, and festivals, which take place all throughout the year. There’s something for everyone.
Living Legends
Would you like to meet Apache Cat up close? Do you love kangaroos? Living legends is just 6 minutes from Melbourne Airport! The place is home to some of Australia’s finest retired champion racehorses. Stars include Brew, Efficient, Might and Power, Paris Lane, Silent Witness, and more!
Woodlands Dr, Greenvale VIC 3059
Gladstone Park Shopping Centre
Just arrived in Melbourne and can’t wait to go shopping? The Gladstone Shopping Centre is just minutes away from the airport. Enjoy your afternoon coffee and buy a kangaroo shirt or two in the relaxing atmosphere that permeates this small shopping centre. There’s plenty of parking available for an even more relaxing shopping experience.
Gladstone Park Post Shop 8-34 Gladstone Park Dr, VIC 3043
QVM Winter Night Market
Do you enjoy good food, drink and good times? The QVM Winter Night Market lights up the city with hundreds of stalls. As well as spectacular food, you’ll find that there are plenty of other items and trinkets on display here, with stands selling art, homewares and other local products.
Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Fancy some jazz music? Melbourne International Jazz Festival is back and it’s looking better than ever. The program is always diverse as it aims to appeal to both young and old jazz fans. Join in on the fun in one of Melbourne’s most popular events. Watch as the city comes to life with the spirit of jazz.
The Festival itself takes place in several different concert halls, art venues and jazz clubs. You’ll even find artists performing on the streets! Head over to the official website to find out exactly where you need to be.
Melbourne International Film Festival
Who doesn’t love a good film? The Melbourne International Film Festival takes place in August every year. It showcases international features, documentaries and family-friendly films from all over the world.
If you’re interested in experiencing new cultures through the big screen and perhaps learning something new, then you won’t want to miss this.
You can buy tickets for individual sessions, but you can also make the most out of the event by purchasing a special festival pass. The pass grants entry to all the events. With more than 300 films on the programme, you really won’t know what to watch first. Now that’s a good deal!
Oz Comic-Con
Looking to satisfy your inner geek? Oz Comic-Con is where the magic happens. Pop-culture junkies rejoice in this spectacular extravaganza that’s bound to provide the entire family with hours of fun. Movie stars and famous authors often make guest appearances here so make sure you’re up-to-date by keeping an eye on the official website.
1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
Hot Chocolate Festival
That’s right! An entire festival dedicated to hot chocolate! What better way to relax during a breezy winter day? This month-long hot chocolate festival will educate you in the art of hot chocolate making.
Most chocolateries along the Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley open their gates early and invite visitors to go on a dreamy chocolate adventure. Every day, you’ll have the chance to choose from a wide array of delicious hot chocolate varieties. New flavours include the smashed avocado white chocolate and the pumpkin chai creation.
More Things to Do During the Winter when you Visit Melbourne
- Ice skating at the Oakleigh Rink: Not the most modern rink in Melbourne, but this is exactly why people are drawn to it.
- Simulator World: If you’ve always dreamt of driving a race car, then you should definitely give the racing and flight simulator in Docklands a go!
- Escape Rooms: There are several escape rooms in Melbourne. The one in Glen Waverley takes inspiration from ancient Egyptian times while the one in Carlton comes with some of the toughest escape rooms; puzzles and riddles taken to the next level!
During the Warmer Months
Melbourne is spectacular during the winter, but the city really comes to life during the warmer summer months. There are so many things one can see and do, which can be overwhelming without a proper plan in mind. Here are some events that you definitely wouldn’t want to miss.
Woodlands Historic Park
Looking for amazing walks close to the airport when you visit Melbourne? Woodlands Historic Park is the place to go! You’ll find plenty of great walking trails as you make your way to the popular aircraft viewing spot.
The Woodlands Homestead, dating all the way back to the 1840s can be still found in the park. It was then home to William Pomeroy Greene, a Royal Navy officer, and his family.
Several wild kangaroos roam about the area so make sure you bring your camera with you! Woodlands Historic Park is a great first stop for those who can’t wait to experience Australia’s natural wonders!
Oaklands Road, Greenvale VIC 3059
Inflatable World
Can’t stand the intense summer heat? Take the kids to Inflatable World and enjoy hours of fun in this large childrens play area! Parents can join in on the fun or just watch from the nearby air-conditioned bar. Excellent family fun, just minutes away from Melbourne Airport.
U 2 10 Carrick Dr, Tullamarine VIC 3043
URBNSURF Waterpark
Who says you can’t surf in the city? This amazing new waterpark comes fully equipped with a 320-metre lagoon and surf-able waves. It will open its gates for the first time this summer!
Located on site, the Three Blue Ducks restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, year round. The venue will have a kitchen garden and there’ll be a strong focus on ethical sourcing and sustainability.
Rainbow Serpent Festival
Combining music and art with spiritual education and enlightenment, the Rainbow Serpent Festival offers an experience like no other! The program is incredibly diverse, featuring both domestic and international talent. Rainbow Serpent does things differently, which is why it’s one of the best music festivals in the world.
Chinese New Year Festival
Immerse yourself into rich Chinese culture by attending the Chinese New Year Festival. Firecrackers, dragons and drums fill Melbourne’s CBD. You’ll find people celebrating all around the city. If you enjoy exploring new cultures, or if you’re into Chinese food, then you should definitely consider taking part in one of Melbourne’s biggest festivals!
Midsumma Festival
Grab your rainbow flag, balloon, or umbrella and celebrate pride in style at the Midsumma Festival. We guarantee that you’ll feel the love and find something you like in this month-long festival that celebrates diversity and inclusion!
The festival began as a one-week celebration of pride all the way back in 1989. The carnival itself attracts more than 180,000 people every year! This festival is all about spreading the love, but there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy local food in one of the hundred stalls set up all around the city.
More Things to Do During the Summer when you Visit Melbourne
- IceBar Melbourne: In this one-of-a-kind bar everything is made of ice; the perfect place to chill indoors and enjoy a drink during a hot day.
- The world’s largest IMAX: Inside Melbourne museum, you’ll find the largest cinema screen in the world! Escape the heat and enjoy a 2D or 3D movie in one of the large air-conditioned rooms.
- Hot Air Balloon: Face the wind and beat the heat by witnessing our beautiful city from above! Grab your camera and prepare for the ride of a lifetime!
- Melbourne Zoo: Treat the kid within by visiting the Melbourne Zoo. Kangaroos, lions, tigers, elephants, seals, koalas, penguins, meerkats; Melbourne Zoo is home to hundreds of different animal species!
So what’s the best month to visit Melbourne, you may ask. Every season is different, but one thing’s for sure: Melbourne never gets boring. It doesn’t matter if you visit in the summer or during the colder winter months.
Your next exciting adventure starts here, at Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport. Book with us now and Visit Melbourne today!
