Overview
There's no way around it — these pleasant sunny days are waning fast. All the bright autumn colours will soon fade to grey, the breeze will turn to a gale and we'll be swapping cardigans for parkas. If, like us, you're keen on soaking up every last bit of this season, you'd better get going. In partnership with award-winning bourbon brand American Honey, we're bringing you the top five ways to savour the last days of autumn before winter officially arrives in Melbourne. Think rooftop igloo gardens, brunches, backyard barbecues, houseboat stays and art galleries aplenty.
ESCAPE TO A ROOFTOP IGLOO
Making the adjustment back to indoor dining after a summer spent leisurely feasting outdoors can be a tough one. That's why The Auburn Hotel in Hawthorn East is bringing back its rooftop igloos for a second year. Kicking off in autumn despite its name, the Winter Igloo Garden lets Melburnians enjoy the rooftop while escaping the cold and embracing a chilly weather theme all at once. This year, the space will be home to five igloos for small groups and one jumbo igloo that'll fit up to 30 of your nearest and dearest. Inside, expect tonnes of lush greenery, as well as a specially curated menu of food and drinks.
To kick things off, American Honey-themed cocktails like the hot toddy will keep you warm, made with bourbon, lemon, honey and hot water — or there's also the old fashioned with a honeycomb twist. All of the honey is sourced from the Melbourne Rooftop Honey sustainable beehives. Food-wise, there's a menu for small or large groups starting at $49 per person. Think salt and pepper calamari and charcuterie boards for starters, 18-hour braised lamb shoulder for the main, and chocolate fondue with strawberries, marshmallows and honey popcorn for dessert. Prices include an American Honey cocktail on arrival as well.
The Winter Igloo Garden will be open for a limited time from May through August, with bookings available online.
INDULGE IN BRUNCH
Fitzroy's The Provincial is throwing its own rooftop breakfast feast. The Let's Do Brunch Honey will see the space transformed into a lush garden — and sustainably fitted with recycled timber, scrap metal, salvaged glass and beehives. Thanks to a farm-to-table menu featuring all locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, attendees can expect an American-style brunch with beer, wine and featured cocktails, plus a stacked share menu. Get ready to tuck into winter fruit platters, honey-smoked chicken wings, waffles topped with barrel-aged honey and honey-whisky cheesecake.
Cocktails caught your eye? The list is curated by American Honey and features a garnish wall for pick-your-own trimmings. Cocktails on offer include the old fashioned (smoked bacon-washed American Honey, peach liquor and fresh apple juice) and the Honey John Collins (American Honey, Creme de Cassis, lime and ginger ale). Grab your friends and enjoy a cocktail pitcher or two — the drinks won't stop from 11am–1pm.
The Let's Do Brunch Honey is available from May through August. To book, head online.
GATHER YOUR MATES FOR A BACKYARD BARBECUE
There's no better way to enjoy these last drops of sun than a classic backyard barbie with your best mates. Grab the snags, obviously, and farewell the last of the good weather by trying your hand at creating a few crowd-pleasing cocktail jugs to pair with your grilled feast. Reminiscent of those summer days is the honey and kombucha iced tea, a concoction of American Honey bourbon, Triple Sec, lemon and kombucha. And if you don't have a backyard, don't worry — this cocktail will taste just as good on a balcony or in the park.
GO ON AN EPIC ART GALLERY HOP
While the weather permits, try your hand at a DIY exhibition tour around the city. With so many display spaces in and around the Melbourne CBD, we recommend getting a group together and embarking on one epic art gallery hop — the Immigration Museum, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art are all within walking distance and, for the really ambitious, could all be hit in one day. First up, explore the Immigration Museum's new exhibition of tattoos, Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Marks. Then, at the NGV this autumn, there's a massive exhibition by lauded American sculptor Alexander Calder. As for the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, it's offering a large-scale display of drawings and sculptures by internationally renowned Melbourne-born artist Tom Nicholson.
Visit Victoria
SPEND THE NIGHT ON A MURRAY RIVER HOUSEBOAT
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of autumn (while you still can) is to head toward the Murray River, which is just two-and-a-half hours north of Melbourne. The season turns the natural surroundings vibrant red, orange and golden hues — which'll catch your eye and make for quite the gorgeous happy snaps. Cruising the pristine river doesn't have to be a day activity, either, especially if you skip the Airbnb and book your accommodation on a houseboat. The region specialises in houseboat stays, with options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. For the latter, try the luxury two-deck Magic Murray Houseboats, featuring two fully-equipped kitchens, luxe linens, a sun deck and a heated spa to boot. For a more wallet-conscious option, check out Mildura Houseboats. Some houseboats also offer adventure packages, including kayaking and fishing, along with exploration of local wineries and villages along the river.