Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city all year round but when spring hits, it really shines. Here are five reasons to head to Victoria’s capital over the coming months.
Spring racing
Melbourne is a haven for sports lovers and as the AFL and NRL seasons come to end, it’s time for the gee gees to hit the track. While the spring racing carnival at Flemington is indeed world famous, there’s plenty of other ways to get a taste of spring racing fever. As well as race meetings at Caulfield and Moonee Valley, the city comes alive, with the Southbank precinct receiving a garden makeover. A picnic in the park by the Yarra or at the Botanic Gardens is a great way to get in on the act, without gambling away all your hard-earned cash.
Leisurely laneway lunches
The laneways of Melbourne are the true lifeblood of the city, with cafes, restaurants and shops popping up where you least expect them. Take you’re time wandering up and down the lanes, stopping off for a refreshment and a spot of people-watching whenever the notion takes you.
Take the tram – for free
If you’ve never been to Melbourne before, then the free City Circle tram is a good way to find your bearings. Offering a hop on, hop off service, you can travel from Parliament House in the east to Docklands in the west of the city, stopping to take in the sights whenever you choose.
A trip down memory lane
It may have been 60 years since Australia’s love affair with the television began but many of us can still remember our first television and, indeed, the first show we watched. Until the end of January 2017, you can take a trip down memory lane with Tee Vee at Sixty, at the University of Melbourne.
Fun at the festival
If you prefer your weekends away to feature a little more culture than cliché, then the Melbourne Festival is the perfect excuse for a trip to the city. Catch a dance, music or theatre performance, or you can even have a 10-year-old child cut your hair if you’re brave enough. Keep your eye open for the artist trams snaking their way through the city. The festival runs from 6 to 23 October.
What’s your favourite Melbourne pastime?
Related articles:
Melbourne’s must-try restaurant
Melbourne’s iconic 80s ad
