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Overview
Melbourne comes alive during the summer, but especially in the period between Christmas and New Years. When there's no work to think about and the silly season commitments are done, this is the time of the year to enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer.
Whether you want to venture off the beaten path, keep it local or discover a new nook, here's our guide to turning holiday mode on in Melbourne — and making it a summer to revel in.
Get Lost in Nature Without Leaving Inner Melbourne
If you know where to look, you can feel like you've escaped the hustle and bustle of the city without needing to wander very far at all.
Yarra Bend Park offers a nature escape situated entirely in inner Melbourne. It's the city's largest natural bushland reserve, spanning over 220 hectares of parkland as it follows the Yarra for 12 kilometres.
The park's vastness makes it ideal for uncrowded picnics where you can commandeer a solid patch of grass with space to spare. Pack a basket with easy finger foods such as crackers and dips and pre-prepare a selection of sandwiches made with Abbott's Bakery bread. If you prefer active relaxation, there are plenty of options too for bushwalking, boating, golf and even fishing.
Dive Into a Refreshing Body of Water
It's not a stretch to say the heat of the peak of a Melbourne summer can be oppressive. When the thermostat climbs, it's time to immerse yourself in a cool body of water — be it chlorinated or otherwise. Once you've worked up an appetite, tuck into a post-swim sandwich and any Christmas leftovers that are simply too good to waste.
For a salty swim, Brighton Baths on Brighton Beach are a tried and true option. In fact, the enclosed baths are such a classic that the health club has been operating since 1881. It's hard to argue with 143 years of history.
If you prefer cooling off with a few laps sans sand, Prahan Aquatic Centre is the spot. Surrounded by lush greenery with views of the South Melbourne skyline, the grounds also include lawns and a deck where you can easily while away the day.
Discover a New Roastery
Melbourne's reputation as a haven for espresso precedes itself. So much so, whether it's a seasonal blend or a trending drink, there's always something new brewing at one of the city's many roasteries and cafes. Make good use of any slow days and start them by savouring the day's first dose of caffeine.
Drop in on a New Exhibition or Museum
The period between Christmas and New Years is the perfect time to finally visit any exhibitions that have been languishing on your must-visit list. Better yet, maximise your time at NGV's dazzling Yayoi Kusama retrospective — it's the largest one Australia has ever seen — or take in the newly opened National Communication Museum. Barely three months old, get ahead of the curve and immerse yourself in all that this museum has to offer.
Go on a Little Jaunt Out of the City to Cranbourne Botanical Gardens
Head out of town and make a day of it at Cranbourne Botanical Gardens. Set over an impressive 15 hectares, it's not a stretch to say the award-winning Melbourne landmark is one you simply can't cover in a single day.
No matter where you find yourself in the expansive park, the gardens cater to a wide range of interests with over 10 kilometres of walking tracks, six kilometres of cycling tracks and countless spots that were practically built to be picnicked upon. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy the parklands, make the day a delicious one by packing your favourite sandwich using Abbott's Bakery's bread.
Hop Between Breweries
During the rest of the year, a low-key Sunday arvo is primetime for a brewery visit, but during the long stretch between Christmas and New Years, any day is well-suited to a jaunt down to one (or more) of the city's many breweries. Many of them house on-site taprooms and pubs, making it possible to sip a beer that's mere metres from where it was brewed. Plus, you won't be far from those most in the know about whatever brew you've opted for. Stop by a couple to create your own bespoke brewery hopping itinerary.
Discover the full range of Abbott's Bakery bread and create your ideal sandwich.