The 5 Best Activities in Melbourne this Summer

Summer is approaching in Australia, which means sun, sun and more sun. Because the warmer weather coincides with Christmas and the New Year, the country enjoys extended holidays. This means oodles of activities, festivals and events for you to attend if you’re in town. Today we’ll clue you in on our top five favorite summer activities.

TheBig Bounce 

Flemington Racecourse is typically home to punters, horses and racegoers. This coming January it will be home to the WORLD’S largest jumping castle. At over 1500 square metres, bouncing is not all that’s on offer. There’s also a giant ninja obstacle course, Airspace Zone & maze, food, DJ and giveaways that will be onsite. You’ll want to book early, Melbournians love their quirky, outdoor events. Don’t forget your grippy socks!

Gumbuya World

Although Queensland is Australia’s theme park mecca, thanks to a monster refurbishment of Gumbuya, theme parks in Victoria are back on the map. Gumbuya World is 50 minutes drive from central Melbourne and features 4 adventure worlds: Oasis Springs, Oz Adventure, Outback Explorers and the Wildlife Trail. As the only place in Victoria that offers water, wildlife and a theme park in one, it’s well worth a visit. Bonus points for a spacious configuration with plenty of natural greenery and a laid-back Australia vibe. Check the website for extra special events such as music festivals, and late-night Christmas parties.

Inflatable Regatta

Aussies are pretty chilled, so it makes sense that their idea of a regatta is a bunch of inflatable boats that you self-paddle down the river and enjoy a drink or two at the end of the line. In Feb 2020, you can alight your vessel along the Maribyrnong River in Footscray or the Yarra River in Hawthorn and cruise along a 2km stretch towards your finish line – complete with a bar, food trucks and music. Best of all, a proportion of proceeds go towards WaterAid clean water projects and Melbourne Water has worked closely with the organising crew to help contain the environmental impact that a river party might have on the river ecosystem.

Blue Lotus Water Garden

To give you the best of the annual lotus flower season, this gorgeous garden is open from 26th December through to April.Also to the world’s largest waterlilies, a fairy garden and dozens of lakes, ponds, lagoons, bogs and a waterfall. There is a café and kiosk as well are plenty of BBQ facilities and picnic shelters so you can stake out a spot and enjoy the tropical gardens all day.Located 75 mins from Melbourne’s CBD in Yarra Junction, you can easily visit as a day trip or explore the close by arty town of Warburton.

Notel

On top of a carpark building in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD sit a series of luxury, vintage Airstream caravans. Stay overnight in one and enjoy spectacular views from your own deck, complimentary mini-bar - some even have hot tubs! Expect a retro-chic aesthetic with smooth curves and creamy, pastel interiors. A great option for a unique night out in the city.