Melbourne…far and away my favourite city in Australia!

Melbourne…far and away my favourite city in Australia!

03/03/2023 0 By Gayle Dickson

You’ll need more than a weekend to go to town in Australia’s  second-largest city. Make time for Melbourne’s world-class blends, from its coffee culture and global cuisine to its laneway bars and urban beaches.

Autumn is the perfect time to explore everything the city has to offer. There are cool rooftop bars, cosy pubs and hot new restaurant openings to discover. Shop till you stop at markets, malls and Melbourne-made stores.

Spectate at sports super events including the Super Round Rugby and Rip Curl Pro. Take your seat at a premier show in the city’s East End Theatre District and meander through international exhibitions at Melbourne’s galleries and museums.

Things to do in Melbourne that are so Melbourne

 

  1. See the best murals and stencil art on a street art walking tour with Blender Studios. Wander the city’s laneways to see an ever-changing outdoor gallery of urban art. Check out the murals, stencils, paste-ups and installations in the CBD laneways (Hosier Lane, AC/ DC Lane, Duckboard Place etc.) or head out to the backstreets of Fitzroy and Collingwood to see some of the city’s best artists work (including Adnate’s 50 metre mural on a public housing tower).

 

  1. Catch a tram to inner neighbourhoods down Gertrude and Smith Street (recently named one of the world’s coolest streets) in Fitzroy and Collingwood, Sydney Road in Brunswick, Lygon Street in Carlton or Fitzroy and Acland Streets in St. Kilda.

 

  1. Know your coffee lingo (pourover, cold drip, magic, single-origin) and bring a reusable cup to one of the many artisan coffee roasters such as Padre, Seven Seeds, St Ali, Industry Beans, Market Lane and Proud Mary.

 

  1. Bar hop across rooftops from the city to neighbourhoods. The city’s highest rooftop bar Fable Melbourne, iconic Rooftop Bar at vertical laneway Curtin House, Spanish fare and wines at Bomba Rooftop, overlook the leafy streets of Bourke and Spring and Parliament House at Siglo and Imperial Hotel, enjoy a slice of Regional Victoria in the heart of the city at the Rooftop at Farmer’s Daughters. Look back to the city skyline at Johnny’s Green Room in nearby Carlton or Naked Upstairs in Fitzroy and watch the sunset over the bay in St Kilda at Captain Baxter.

 

  1. Join the queue for the next food craze…Melburnians aren’t afraid to wait for the best croissant at Lune Croissanterie, a humble but oh-so-delicious sandwich from Fitzroy’s Hector’s Deli, gelato even on a cold wintery day from Pidapipo in Carlton or Gelato Messina in Fitzroy.

 

  1. Take a gastronomic journey down the city’s numerous eat streets, joining diners from near and far as they relish in unexpected combinations of culinary delights created by inventive chefs. Must visit restaurants include Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters which brings the people, produce and places of Regional Victoria to the heart of the CBD; Gimlet at Cavendish House was the only Australian restaurant crowned in the 2022 World’s Best Restaurant long-list (#84); discover multi-level drinking and dining at HER Melbourne – a 4-storey venue with ground-floor coffee to cocktails rooftop bar: a playground for foodies and families; Smith & Daughters in Collingwood from owner Shannon Martinez proves plants can be heroes at this all vegan mega hub.

 

  1. See a show in the East End Theatre District. No matter if you’re after big-name musicals or local comedy gigs, literary talks or live music, opera or dance, book a seat, don your glad rags, and experience the bright lights, regal facades and hushed halls of this premier arts district. You’ll find all six of the precinct’s major theatres in the area bounded by Spring, Lonsdale, Flinders and Swanston Streets. Tickets available for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, & Juliet and Mary Poppins.

 

  1. Be inspired by world class art collections at cutting-edge galleries, sense your mind expanding as your feet lead you through a network of laneway exhibitions and art studios. Melbourne’s Arts Precinct is made up of a network of galleries showcasing everything from major international exhibitions and collections to established and emerging local artists. Catch a premiering performance at the Arts Centre Melbourne or international ballet stars in big-name productions at the home of the Australian Ballet. Take in blockbuster art at NGV International, and see the artists of the future in training at the Victorian College of the Arts. The LUME Melbourne is the first permanent digital gallery in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere and transforms the world’s finest art into fully immersive sensory encounters.

 

  1. Attend a world-class major event any time of the year from sporting events such as the Australian Open, The Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne Cup Carnival and the AFL to blockbuster arts and culture exhibitions at the NGV and ACMI or the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

 

  1. Take a road trip to discover the diversity and beauty of regional Victoria, from world-class wineries to natural springs, coastal villages, peninsulas and alpine towns. Our pick…The Great Ocean Road. See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls along the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. Feast on spectacular views and local produce along the way.

 

www.visitmelbourne.com

 

Discover Regional Victoria

1 – Echuca Moama:

(Drive from Melbourne CBD – 2hrs 45mins – 224kms)

Steeped in heritage, the twin towns of Echuca Moama are home to the world’s largest fleet of operating riverboats as well as fine-dining restaurants and an array of water sports.

Named after the Aboriginal word for ‘meeting of the waters’, the Port of Echuca was originally one of the busiest on the Murray River. You can picture the bustling riverine trade routes of old as you take a river cruise aboard a paddlesteamer, in what is known as Australia’s paddlesteamer capital.

Afterwards, wander up the red gum walkways towards the Echuca Port and Discovery Centre to learn more about Echuca’s rich history. Take a stroll down Murray Esplanade, where heritage buildings house lively shops and cafes, and then cut across High Street to peruse the National Holden Museum, which boasts a collection of cars that spans from the 1950s to the 2000s.

What To See: Soak up the year-round Mediterranean-like climate in a houseboat and then cool off with a swim. Cast a line for Murray River cod, see the sights on a riverboat trip or stay on dry land with a horse riding session at Billabong Ranch Adventure Park. Golfers can work on their swing at the Rich River Golf Club Resort. Just keep the good times rolling at friendly country pubs, cafes and traditional bakeries, or visit a vineyard, a distillery or chic wine bars.

Where To Stay: There are 18 options for resting your head after a full day of exploring the wonders of Echuca Moama, with a choice to stay in historic or boutique hotels, apartments, roadside motels, quaint inns, resorts and retreats, caravan and holiday parks as well as Murray River houseboats.

 

www.visitvictoria.com/regions/the-murray/destinations/echuca-moama

 

Murray River Paddlesteamers – operate the iconic PS Emmylou and PS Canberra. Guests can enjoy a one-hour sightseeing cruise, lunch and dinner cruises, and longer two to six-night river cruises.

The spectacular paddlesteamer, the PS Emmylou, is the world’s only wood-fired cruising paddlesteamer and was recently relaunched following a specially designed luxury upgrade and fit-out featuring eight cabins for 16 guests.

Taking passengers for the first time through some of the most pristine and intact ecological forests, to places of geographic, historic and Aboriginal cultural significance, PS Emmylou will travel along the Murray River to world heritage wetlands and the world’s largest red gum forest.

This luxury boutique steam-powered cruise is able to moor alongside outstanding river wineries or drop into local producers, pause to explore heritage sites such as the 1860’s Perricoota Station and access ancient Murray River tributaries on the MV Kingfisher with an environmental specialist.

The refitted contemporary cabins include fine linens topped with silky duvets. The boat’s Premier Suite, located on the front upper deck, has French doors opening on to the deck. Onboard dining, prepared by the chef, features local food and wine from across the region.

 

www.murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au

 

Echuca Paddlesteamers – help you discover yesteryear today and ensure you experience the magic of the mighty Murray River. Once the main transport of cargo and passengers during the 1800’s, the fully restored paddlesteamers now offer daily one hour cruises and are a ‘must do’ experience when visiting Australia’s paddlesteamer capital.

Explore the cabins, chat with the engineer or join the skipper for a steer in the wheelhouse. Whether you are a history buff, steam buff or simply looking for a fun day out, step back in time and discover what riverboat life was all about.

 

www.echucapaddlesteamers.net.au

 

2 – Mansfield (High Country):

(Drive from Melbourne CBD– 2hrs 45mins – 210kms)

Uncover this nature lover’s paradise, a little over 200kms from Melbourne. This is the place to soak up stunning alpine scenery and hear the grand ol’ stories of Victoria’s traditional cattlemen. Enjoy adventure sports, cool down in the waters of Lake Eildon or the Delatite River, and savour the flavours of the region’s burgeoning food and wine scene.

Basing yourself in Mansfield means for all-season adrenaline kicks, including mountain biking, rock climbing and four-wheel driving. Bushwalking across plains of wildflowers, casting a fly line into the Howqua and Delatite Rivers or try the thrills and spills of canoeing and white water rafting. There are also more leisurely attractions to experience from scenic outlooks, botanic parks and gardens, to stunning lakes, waterways and wetland reserves.

What To See: Whether you’re into road cycling, mountain biking or just a casual pedal between villages, Mansfield and the surrounding region has plenty of two-wheel options on offer. Take in the changing alpine landscapes on a ride down country highways, enjoy some of the best downhill and cross country tracks in Victoria on nearby Mt. Buller or cruise the Great Victorian Rail Trail at your own pace.

In the High Country, saddle up your horse to follow the trails of cattlemen driving their herds to surrounding mountain pastures and enjoy spectacular views from Craig’s Hut and Power’s Lookout, or gallop from the summit of nearby Mt. Buller to relive moments from the movie, The Man from Snowy River.

When looking for dining opportunities there is no end to what you can discover in Mansfield’s local culinary scene – with a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bakeries, regional wineries, breweries and distilleries, popular bars and pubs to local produce providers.

Where to Stay: You’re truly spoilt for choice in the Mansfield region with 35 accommodation options such as hotels and motels, boutique apartments, country retreats, lodges and cottages, farm stays including shearing quarters, holiday houses, caravan and holiday parks as well as outdoor ‘glamping’ options.

 

www.visitvictoria.com/regions/ high-country/destinations/mansfield

 

Delatite Winery – committed to nurturing their land and making interesting wines in the most sustainable way possible have been the guiding principles for the Ritchie family in the 50 years since founders Robert and Vivienne first launched Delatite Wines.

Since then, the winery near Mansfield at the foot of Mt. Buller has become synonymous with the outstanding award-winning Riesling first produced from cuttings sent by South Australian winemaker Jim Irvine in 1968.

Now under the stewardship of son David Ritchie and talented wine maker Andy Browning, Delatite has evolved into a highly regarded small-batch producer of biodynamic cool climate wines produced with minimal intervention, using natural wild yeasts and little or no filtration.

One of the High Country’s most iconic and stylish must-visit destinations, the winery is a masterpiece of modern architecture, powered by solar panels and battery, and harvesting water from the expansive roof, with a kitchen garden and chickens providing fresh veggies and eggs for the restaurant table.

The stunning new cellar door and restaurant are fantastic places to spend time sampling the range of excellent Delatite wines paired with delicious food and a side of incredible scenery with unobstructed views of Mt. Buller and the alpine landscape.

 

www.delatitewinery.com.au

 

Global Ballooning Australia – is Victoria’s largest ballooning tour operation, offering award-winning sunrise hot air balloon flights over Melbourne, Yarra Valley and Mansfield.

Since 1992, they’ve shared a sunrise with over 100,000 people in 35 balloons. They’re proud of their safety record and care deeply about their guests experience in the pristine natural playground they call their office.

Australia’s first Easy Access Basket (EAB) was launched by Global Ballooning Australia in 2012. The basket enables passengers who may be elderly, use a wheelchair or with physical mobility impairments to experience a hot air balloon flight along with their family and friends.

This region is a hidden paradise and the most perfect winter ballooning destination with incredible views of the snow-capped mountains.

 

www.globalballooning.com.au/mansfield

3 – Metung (Gippsland):

(Drive from Melbourne CBD – 4hrs – 311kms)

Venture four hours east of Melbourne to the end of the Great Alpine Road and find a picture-book village stretching along a narrow sandy peninsula on the shores of the Gippsland Lakes.

Metung’s natural beauty attracts many artists – you can visit farm studios, gardens and galleries to view locally crafted sculptures, jewellery and paintings. Finish the day with a stroll along the water’s edge at sunset and watch the sailing boats glide by.

What To See: Boat lovers and summer water-skiers are drawn to Metung’s relaxed village lifestyle. Join Riviera Scenic on a tranquil cruise or hire your own yacht from Riviera Nautic and explore the gentle waters of the Gippsland Lakes. Small runabouts and speedboats are also available for hire.

Anglers descend all year round to make the most of Metung’s excellent fishing spots. Bust out the rod and reel and try your hand at hooking bream, tailor, flathead and King George whiting during the summer months.

For food lovers, dine out on fresh seafood and local wines at eateries across town. Choose from an excellent variety of waterfront restaurants, cafes and pubs, or find a sunny spot opposite the village green to enjoy a picnic. The kids will enjoy watching the pelicans eat their lunch outside the Metung Pub everyday at midday.

There are plenty of family activity options from hot springs, spas and wellbeing, golf clubs and a heritage park, artist studios and a variety of on-water activities, especially sailing on the Gippsland Lakes.

Where To Stay: There is a variety of accommodation choices with places to suit everybody from waterfront apartments, retreats and lodges, resorts, villas, motels, holiday houses to cute cottages and ‘glamping’ options.

 

www.visitvictoria.com/regions/gippsland/destinations/metung

 

Metung Hot Springs – is located in glorious East Gippsland, known for its majestic lakes, wilderness, native flora and fauna including kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, turtles, frogs, dolphins and native bees. So start planning your tranquil hot springs experience today.

Metung Hot Springs has natural warmth and appeal, breathtaking views and access to geothermal waters. Featuring geothermal hot spring pools, bathing barrels with picturesque cliff top views of Lake King, massaging thermal showers, reflexology walk, relaxation viewing lounges off site and surrounds, pampering day spa, nature walks around the grounds, premium safari ‘glamping tents’ with king bed and private bathing facilities, guest amenities, reception, gift shop and coffee hut.

While there is something for everyone, the must-indulge feature of the site is the Hilltop escarpment. This tranquil communal bathing experience reserved for guests 16 years and older, offers spectacular views of the Gippsland Lakes. Hilltop features include a star gazing pool, individual bathing barrels, and spotted gum barrel bath.

 

www.metunghotsprings.com

 

Riviera Nautic – has one of Australia’s finest fleets of yachts and motor cruisers and the Gippsland Lakes are second to none for safe cruising with lots of easily reached and very beautiful destinations. Their wonderful boating holidays are a complete change from the everyday world, making them so special and relaxing.

The Lakes are sheltered from the ocean by a thin line of sand dune that forms the Ninety Mile Beach. There are two national parks, small portside towns with restaurants and pubs, three rivers for cruising and fishing, and vast expanses of lake for outstanding sailing. No rocks, reefs or tides, so the boating is easy and safe. The yachts offer everything from an exciting challenge to quiet cruising: for sailors with lots of experience or those who wish to learn to sail for a lifetime’s pleasure. The cruisers are a wonderfully relaxing way to explore the Lakes, even if you’ve never stepped on board a boat before.

 

www.rivieranautic.com.au

 

4 – Ballarat:

(Drive from Melbourne CBD – 1hr 45mins – 120kms)

Victoria’s largest inland city, Ballarat, is a thriving hub of contemporary arts, events, food, brews and wine, with a fascinating heritage backdrop.

Explore the legacy of the gold rush, still evident in the magnificent architecture and tree-lined streets of the town today. Admire the city’s Victorian and Edwardian buildings, parks, gardens and statues on a self-guided heritage walk.

Pan for gold and watch the hustle and bustle of an 1850’s gold mining settlement at Sovereign Hill. Don’t miss the dramatic AURA sound and light show, which tells the story of the Eureka Rebellion and how Australia was transformed by the discovery of gold.

What To See: Enjoy the fantastic collection of Australian art at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australia’s oldest regional gallery. Catch a show at Her

Majesty’s Theatre, originally opened in 1875, and wander through specialty shops stocked with boutique clothing, books, homewares and crafts. Meet native wildlife on a leisurely stroll in a natural bush settling at Ballarat Wildlife Park.

With almost 50 ways to explore the region it will require more than just a day trip and taking a tour is the best way to experience Ballarat. There are options galore from heritage tours, winery, brewery and distillery tours, bicycle tours, classic car tours, ghost tours to Ballarat town walking tours.

There are also over 20 food and wine possibilities in Ballarat. With its renowned wineries and exciting restaurant scene, Ballarat is an established foodie destination. Recharge and refuel after a day’s walking at one of the town’s popular eateries, breweries, a gin distillery or local cafes and coffee shops. The Provincial Hotel’s beautiful dining room Lola is a standout for seasonal, locally sourced dishes and has a great wine list. Sip local drops at Mitchell

Harris Wine Bar, sample craft beer at Hop Temple or book a table at the award-winning Underbar.

Where To Stay: It comes as no surprise that Ballarat has a place to stay that will suit every budget. You can pick from hotels and motels, resorts and retreats, houses and apartments, B&Bs and cottages, caravan parks and even a dozen outright quirky properties to relax and rest your head in at night.

 

www.visitvictoria.com/regions/ goldfields/destinations/ballarat

 

Hotel Vera – located in a 19th century historic mansion in the heart of Ballarat’s thriving CBD it boasts just seven personalised suites, each named after a charming goldfields township and punctuated by the works of a formidable Australian artist, Hotel Vera is a one-of-a-kind luxury offering.

All rooms feature integrated climate control, double glazed windows and premium insulation. Some suites feature stone plunge baths whilst others have beautiful marble bench seats and rain showers.

A commitment to sustainability and slow living also lies at Vera’s core. Vera offers guests the convenience of a dedicated Porsche EV charging station on-site, providing the reassurance that your adventurous escape will be seamless and joy-fuelled.

The Accessible Suite has been designed for guests who require additional space and amenities. The hotel’s pet-friendly suite accommodates house-trained dogs so they are equally able to enjoy their stay away.

Hotel Vera is the new home of acclaimed restaurant Underbar, headed by Michelin-trained chef, Derek Boath. Underbar is a premium 14 seat fine dining destination founded on the ethos that food should be crafted masterfully and composed of only the finest ingredients sourced from one’s own backyard.

 

www.hotelballarat.com.au

 

Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades – through hands-on activities and specific workshops, the Rare Trades Centre shines a light on contemporary practices that derive from historic or artisan trades.

Having only opened late 2022, the Rare Trades Centre invites people to build their skills and create a viable practice in artisan crafts. Working with world-leading practitioners and with partnership as key, the Rare Trades Centre protects, conserves and encourages people to learn more about Australia’s rare trades. The workshops include six distinct ways in which to make objects: Fibre, Decorative Arts, Leather, Fashion & Textiles, Metal and Wood.

 

www.raretradescentre.com.au

5 – Phillip Island

(Drive from Melbourne CBD – 2hrs – 141kms)

Pristine white beaches and hi-octane motor sports, endless family fun and iconic wildlife, you’ll find it all on a seaside holiday at Phillip Island, just 90. See little penguins and sleepy koalas in their natural habitat, teach the kids to swim on a quiet bay beach and soak up all the action at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

What To See: Ten little penguins would probably do it but there are plenty of other reasons to plan an adventure on Phillip Island. This little island is big on activities for every weekend wanderer: surfers and sand-castle builders, wildlife watchers and sports spectators, foodies and fishing fans, jazz cats and history buffs. Jump in the car and you’ll be there in a jiffy.

Swell Beaches – welcome to some of the best surfing in the country. Declared Victoria’s first National Surfing Reserve for its quality breaks and pristine environment, Phillip Island has four surfing hot spots: Cape Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Summerland and Cat Bay. A choice of big waves, left and right breaks, and small, consistent waves for learners, makes the island popular with grommets and seasoned board riders. Hire gear locally and sign up for lessons.

Dining and Local Brews – fresh caught seafood and locally sourced produce are served up with spectacular views at Phillip Island’s foodie hot spots. Dine with a view of the Southern Ocean at Saltwater Phillip Island. Try cool climate wines at Purple Hen Wines or Phillip Island Winery, and try beers poured straight from the tap, at Ocean Reach Brewing…with food to match.

Cute Suits & ‘Koalaty’ Time – little penguins waddle ashore in some seriously cute suits. Visit the Penguin Parade to watch them surface from a day’s fishing and waddle up the beach to their burrows in the sand dunes. Phillip Island has plenty of koalas too. Visit the Koala Conservation Centre and wander woodland boardwalks to see them dozing in the trees. Twitchers can visit the island in spring to see shearwater birds arrive from Alaska to breed.

 The Perfect Pitch – picture yourself camping, with lots of life’s little luxuries, just walking distance to one of Phillip Island’s most pristine beaches. The Sheltered Glamping Co. will make it happen. Picture private farm and woodland pitches, cotton canvas tents, comfy queen sized beds, off-grid solar power and other low impact features.

On the Rocks – some 35,000 seals make their home off the coast of Phillip Island at Seal Rocks, Australia’s largest fur seal colony. Venture out on a boat cruise with Wild Oceans Eco Boat Adventures or Wildlife Coast Cruises to see the seals fish from the rocks, taking in the rugged coastline along the way…and the ‘unique smell’.

A-maze-ing Family Fun – this little island’s big on family fun. Let the kids loose at Panny’s Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and burn off the sweets among the mazes, mini-golf and tunnels at A Maze’N Things. For a virtual trip to the Southern Ocean, take the family on an Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre…big deep-sea adventures without the extra jumpers.

Holiday Hook Ups – angling for a fishing holiday? Join the locals and snapper up a catch from the jetties at Cowes, Newhaven, Rhyll and San Remo. Cast your net further afield and take a boat or fishing charter out onto Westernport Bay. Don’t go home empty handed. Stop by San Remo Fishing Co-operative for the best fish and chips in town or buy seafood fresh off the boat. No one need ever know that you didn’t hook it yourself.

Circuit Breakers – torque about motorsports. The famed Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit plays host each year to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix (October) and World Superbike Championships (February). Satisfy your need for speed any time of the year on the go-kart track, a scale replica of the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, at the Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre.

Whale Migration – from May to September you can witness some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures migrate to the waters around Phillip Island’s coast. Walk the Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail or hop aboard a whale spotting cruise to spot these beautiful creatures up close.

Churchill Island – history buffs, Churchill Island is your dream island home. The site of the first farm in Victoria, this is the place to delve into pioneering history and 19th century farming techniques. Watch whip cracking, sheep shearing and working dogs doing the hard yards.

Jump aboard a Clydesdale-driven wagon or wander through the original homestead and traditional gardens at your own pace.

Where To Stay: Treat the family to an island getaway in the stunning surrounds of Phillip Island and experience holidays like they used to be. With a wide variety of accommodation on offer, from comfy budget options to beachside luxury, you’re sure to find something that’s right for you.

The island has a fantastic range of accommodation including motels and hotels, caravan parks and holiday homes, or modern apartments and resort-style indulgence. Book into excellent bed and breakfast accommodation in country homesteads and cottages, or be pampered at a luxury B&B with fine food and a relaxing massage. Try glamping under the stars and emerge from your luxury tent to beach views.

 

www.visitvictoria.com/regions/phillip-island

 

Phillip Island Penguin Parade – watch Little Penguins dash home across the sand at dusk at Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Penguin Parade. Explore boardwalks after dark to see, smell and hear these penguins in the colony, greeting neighbours, partners and their chicks. While you wander, keep an eye out for resident wildlife including Swamp Wallabies, Eastern Barred Bandicoots, Cape Barren Geese and Short-tailed Shearwaters.

Every visit to the Penguin Parade protects nature for wildlife. Visitors support Phillip Island Nature Parks vital research, education and conservation projects that ensure Phillip Island’s native habitats thrive into the future for both wildlife and humans to enjoy.

Book a tour to have a private ranger sharing conservation stories and penguin information with you or opt for the self-guided viewing and enjoy the free interactives inside the visitor centre.

 

www.penguins.org.au

 

Major Events Calendar 2023

 

March:

Super Round Melbourne

3 – 5 March 2023 AAMI Park www.super.rugby

 

PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival

3 – 11 March 2023

Royal Exhibition Building

www.melbournefashionfestival.com.au

 

AFL Season

From 16 March 2023 Various locations

www.afl.com.au

 

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

24 March – 2 April 2023

www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au

 

World’s Longest Brunch (presented by Jazz Apples)

25 March 2023

Treasury Gardens

www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au

 

Ability Fest

25 March 2023 Birrarung Marr

www.abilityfest.com.au

 

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

29 March – 2 April 2023

Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens

www.melbflowershow.com.au

 

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

29 March – 23 April 2023 Various locations

www.comedyfestival.com.au

 

Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix

30 March – 2 April 2023 Albert Park

www.grandprix.com.au

April:

 

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

4 – 14 April 2023

Bells Beach, Torquay

www.worldsurfleague.com/events

 

ACMI Melbourne Winter Masterpieces© Goddess

5 April – 1 October 2023

Australian Centre for the Moving

www.acmi.net.au

 

Bluesfest

8 – 9 April 2023

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

www.bluesfesttourin.com.au

 

DreamHack Melbourne

28 – 30 April 2023

Melbourne & Olympic Parks

www.dreamhack.com

 

May:

 

AFL Dreamtime at the G

TBC May 2023

Melbourne Cricket Ground

www.afl.com.au

 

June:

 

NGV’s Melbourne Winter

Masterpieces© Pierre Bonnard

9 June – 8 October 2023

National Gallery of Victoria

www.ngv.melbourne

  

July:

 

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

20 July – 20 August 2023

Melbourne Rectangular Stadium

www.fifa.com

 

Bledisloe Cup

29 July 2023

Melbourne Cricket Ground

www.wallabies.rugby

 

August:

 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From 20 August 2023

Regent Theatre

www.moulinrougemusical.com

 

WSL World Longboard Classic

30 August – 2 September 2023

Bells Beach

www.worldsurfleague.com

 

September:

 

AFL Grand Final

September 2023

TBC Melbourne Cricket Ground

www.afl.com.au

 

October:

 

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

20 – 22 October 2023

Phillip Island

www.motogp.com.au

 

Melbourne Cup Carnival

28 October – 5 November 2023

Flemington Racecourse

www.flemington.com.au

 

November:

 

World Supercross Australian Grand Prix

24 – 25 November 2023

Marvel Stadium

www.wsxchampionship.com

 

December:

 

Boxing Day Test

26 – 30 December 2023

Melbourne Cricket Ground

www.cricket.com.au

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