St Kilda Penguins
I only recently discovered the little fairy penguins at St Kilda and I couldn't believe how many there were! If you haven't already, a trip down to the end of the pier after sunset provides quite the treat, and summer is the best time to see them. You can expect to spot dozens of fairy penguins as they go about their nightly rituals - look out for plenty of nuzzling, squawking and the occasional dive bomb from the rocks into the shallows. Plan your visit here.
New Restaurants & Bars
I always think summer is the best time to wine and dine; rooftops, blue skies, catch-ups with friends. Even better is the fact that so many new places have just recently opened giving you so much choice! There's a new gin bar in Prahran, a new pasta place in Cremorne, a new piano bar in the city... They're all on my must try list.
Roadtrip
I think one of my favourite things about living in Melbourne is the sheer volume of places to visit just outside the city limits... And what better time to roadtrip than during summer!? With so many choices like the Mornington Peninsula, Daylesford, Yarra Valley and the Great Ocean Road, you better prep the car, pack and picnic and set off!...
Markets
If you live in Melbourne you surely must be a lover of markets. The great news is that in summer all the night markets kick off. From the Queen Victoria to South Melbourne, these venues come alive at night with pop-up food stalls to satisfy the soul. Just don't tell your waistline...
The Aussie Open
Come the 15th January, Victoria's capital will descend once again into a tennis frenzy! Between the excitement of centre court, the big screen areas and the pop-up bars and restaurants - you're guaranteed to have a fantastic day. My tip would be to get a ground pass and visit within the first couple of days - that way you can walk from court to court, enjoying all the tennis event has to offer before too many players are knocked out. Get your tickets here.
Ripponlea Estate
Now this one is certainly on my list this summer because I haven't even been yet! One of Australia's grandest examples of architecture, Ripponlea Estate includes a mansion and sprawling gardens that were first established way back in the 1860s. What is now classed as an inner suburb, the location of this property used to be a self-sustaining farm, merely 7kms for the CBD. If you have a keen interest in history and architecture, I daresay you're going to love it. Plan your visit here.
Sidney Myer Free Concerts
Every summer, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents a series of free concerts at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the Botanical Gardens. From Tchaikovsky to Ravel to Strauss, if you are a lover of classic music you won't want to miss this. Find out more here.
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Photos by Krissie.