Five Reasons to Stay in Melbourne this Long Weekend

in partnership with

Admit it. When you hear the words 'long weekend' you immediately picture yourself jumping on a plane for a tiny slice of adventure, reclining on the beach, or sipping a cocktail. Long weekends usually involve going somewhere different. The feeling of shucking the constraints of routine are invaluable, but hear us out on this one: you should stay in Melbourne for the Grand Final long weekend. We know it sounds crazy, but there are untold adventures right on your doorstep that will make you see your city a little differently. We've teamed up with Mastercard, and we're asking you to stay home.

YOU CAN ACTUALLY WATCH THE GRAND FINAL

Get a ticket to the game and enjoy the atmosphere. If you can't be there, watching from a packed and buzzing pub is the next best thing. The Rose in Fitzroy is the best of the best. Book a table and surround yourself with vintage memorabilia and décor and footy themed food and drink specials.

YOU CAN FLOAT THROUGH THE CITY

We did promise that you would see your city in a whole new way, so here it is. Glide over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley in a Global Ballooning hot air balloon at dawn and take in a new view of the city from the air. A balloon ride at this hour will stop you from sleeping away your precious long weekend, and you'll definitely have the coolest story to share in the pub that night.

IT'S PRIME HOT SPRING TEMPERATURE

While everyone else is nursing (or creating) their hangovers, take a day to get out of the city and pop down to the peninsula. This is the perfect time of year (before it gets too hot and while it's not arctic) to take a dip in the famous Mornington Peninsula hot springs. While you're in that neck of the woods, take a stroll along the beach or slog out a coast walk – we recommend the Millionaire's Walk, a cliff top walk with views across Port Phillip Bay and the Bellarine Peninsula (and take a sticky beak at some truly insane mansions along the way).

PERFECT AMOUNT OF TIME FOR A ROAD TRIP

The Great Ocean Road is one of those experiences that we all intend to do but sometimes postpone because of, you know, general life chaos. But the Grand Final weekend is the best time to get out there and make good on your promise. Check out the famous twelve Apostles, quaint seaside villages and the rugged beauty of the Victorian coastline while everyone else is glued to their TVs. If you don't have a car, jump on a tour and feel like you're overseas for the weekend.

YOU CAN MINI GOLF, THEN YOU CAN PICNIC

Nestled away in the rambling Yarra Bend park is the perfect long weekend activity: a mini golf course. Take on the full 36 holes course, complete with the perfect blend of ridiculous shots, moving parts and novelty sculptures. Make a day of it. Once you've battled it out, grab a couple of beers and have yourself a picnic in the park.

Visit priceless.com to see a Melbourne long weekend itinerary from @emmakateco, and more priceless experiences in your city exclusive to Mastercard cardholders.