Overview
As much as we all love having our friends and family stay for Christmas, there comes a point where you just need a little ... space. The living room is still littered with crumpled wrapping paper, and your visiting cousin keeps hogging the couch. Everyone's nerves are frayed, and Mum's on the warpath to find out who ate the last slice of pavlova. That strange week between Christmas and New Year's Day can feel slightly confusing. That's why the internet is always flooded with 'what day is it?' memes.
But things are different this year. Everyone in Victoria is still riding high on that post-iso freedom, so — even if you're staying in the city — you probably can't wait to get out and explore. With Jacob's Creek, we've put together a list of things for you to try. Grab those lingering relatives, and hustle everyone out of the house. It's time for a mini Melbourne adventure.
Fairfield Park Boathouse, Phillip Mallis via Flickr
TAKE A HIKE THROUGH INNER CITY BUSHLAND
After being in sloth-mode over the festive season, strenuous exercise probably isn't on the cards. Instead, choose a local, leisurely route that is easily accessible, like Yarra Bend Park in Kew. Start at Fairfield Park Boathouse, wander through the park's lush green fields, and cross over the historic Kanes Bridge to have a picnic in Studley Park. We are fortunate in Melbourne that all of our public parks allow consumption of alcohol, so throw in some snacks and a bottle of Jacob's Creek Better by Half Rosé to enjoy after clocking some serious steps.
CATCH A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS
We've had limited opportunities to visit the cinema this year, and watching Netflix on the couch isn't quite cutting it anymore. Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave is the perfect way to jump-start your love of watching movies on the big screen again. Originally built in 1935, the cinema has retained many of its original art deco embellishments, with high-quality cinema facilities gradually added along the way. In summer, our favourite spot is the outdoor cinema, which has deckchairs and beanbags to settle into in front of the big screen — and a bar. The best part? You can even bring your pup along to share in the movie magic.
Alex Drewnik
CATCH THE BOXING DAY TEST AT THE ESPY
There's something special about the Boxing Day Test. You might not usually be a big cricket fan during the year but, come December 26, almost everyone's glued to the game. If you aren't keen on trekking to the MCG, wander down to Hotel Esplanade in St Kilda. We all know The Espy as a historic live music venue, but the team is equally skilled at showcasing the biggest sporting events of the year. If you're really not into the cricket, but have been dragged along by your mates, enjoying a cheeky glass of vino while admiring the water views still sounds like a pretty good way to wind down after the Chrissy madness to us.
Gem Pier, Visit Victoria
SOAK UP THE SUMMER VIBES ON WILLIAMSTOWN PIER
Williamstown truly has it all: kilometres of coastal tracks, lush botanic gardens and no less than six ice cream shops. It's hard to pick our favourite, but The Ice Cream Shoppe gets the tick of approval for serving dog-friendly ice cream, too. Grab a scoop for you — we recommend the chilli chocolate — and one for your furry friend, then admire the yachts as you walk along the nearby Gem Pier.
I Love Pho, Visit Victoria
HAVE A CHEAP AND CHEERFUL FEED IN RICHMOND
Blown your budget on Christmas presents this year, but still keen to head out for dinner? Wander down to Victoria Street in Richmond to discover some of Melbourne's best Vietnamese restaurants. There are dozens to choose from, with plenty of room for larger groups. I Love Pho, near the Church Street intersection, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Not only does it have an incredible menu, featuring rice paper rolls, banh mi and (unsurprisingly) pho, but it also allows guests to BYO wine. The Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir pairs exceptionally well with fresh and zesty salads.
Reconnect with your friends and family this summer with a bottle of Jacob's Creek. Discover the Jacob's Creek range and purchase a bottle today from all good liquor retailers.
Top image: Esplanade Hotel by Alex Drewnik