Top 5 Things to do in Melbourne During Summers

May 15, 2025

When Melbourne leaves its winter glamour behind and basks in sunshine, something magical happens. The city does not just warm up—it is resurrected. Cafes spill out onto pathways, music pulses from laneways, towels cover the beach, and there's that special spark in every eye. If you've been lucky enough to have caught a Melbourne summer, you'll know it's electric. And if you haven't—well, buckle up. Here are the five best things to do in Melbourne in summer—with a few secrets, bonus tips, and must-do extras along the way.

1. Chill Out at St Kilda Beach (and Hang Around for the Sunset Penguins)

After landing, there are many things to do in Melbourne. No Melbourne summer is complete without St Kilda Beach—a Melbourne classic. Catch a tram down to the bay, ditch your shoes, and just let the easy vibe roll over you. Yes, the beach is busy. But half the fun of that is sunbathing, jogging, rollerblading, buskers juggling fire or playing acoustic guitar - it's all there. Have fish and chips or an iced coffee, hang out on the sand, and be. Pro tip: Walk on the pier during sunset. As the sun melts into the horizon, you will see one small waddling penguin waddling into the rocks. It's pure magic—no admission required, no tourist trap, just nature occurring. Add to that: For a thrill, hire a paddleboard or kite surf. Or head inland for a cheeky summer drink at Captain Baxter, with a view over the sea and a surefire summer drinks list.

2. Watch a Movie Under the Stars

There's something romantically right about watching a movie under the stars, and Melbourne gets it just so. Curtin House Rooftop Cinema is a city icon of summer. Picture this: fairy lights, beanbags, cult classics or new indie films, and that skyline view. It's date-night material or a good time to chill alone or with mates - a must-do on the list of things to do in Melbourne. A bit more green is what they need? The Royal Botanic Gardens is where Sydneysiders will flock with picnic rugs, cheese boards, and on some nights even dogs. Bring-your-own you can bring, which also turns it into a movie-picnic mash-up in the fullest spirit of summer.

3. Get Lost at the Queen Victoria Summer Night Market

If Melbourne's summer did beat to a rhythm, then its Queen Vic Night Market would have to be its heart. On every Wednesday evening from late November through March, the old barns are turned into a behemoth bash of culture, grog, and chow. Picture sizzling street food stalls from every corner of the world—Nepalese momo, Thai satay, Polish pierogi, Greek gyros, and vegan tacos even carnivores will be like, "okay, fine, this slaps." Throw in craft beer, cocktails, and local wines, and voilà. And then, naturally, there's live music, street performers, artisans selling handmade goods, and that atmosphere where you'll want to linger for just one more round - a must-do on the list of things to do in Melbourne. Pro Tip: Show up famished and open-minded. And for goodness' sake, don't skip dessert—those doughnuts and churros are deadly.

4. Great Ocean Road Trip

Right, okay, so technically speaking, this is out of Melbourne—but it's a must-do on the list of things to do in Melbourne during summer. The Great Ocean Road is an Australia's greatest-hits tour: cliff roads, surf beaches, sleepy towns, waterfalls, and the stunning Twelve Apostles. Rent a car, load up a road trip playlist, and leave early—you won't want to stop at all.

• Some of the best bits along the way:
• Bells Beach for old-school surfing.
• Lorne for lunch and a swim.
• Erskine Falls for a touch of rainforest magic.

Kennett River to spot wild koalas (yes, literally just hanging out up there in the trees). By the time you arrive at the Apostles, hopefully at sunset, the golden light makes the whole experience surreal. It's the kind of road trip that makes you want to call your boss and ask for another week off.

5. Wander Melbourne's Laneways and Rooftop Bars

Summer evenings in Melbourne at night were intended for rambling—and the city doesn't fail wanderers. Behind apparently everyday doorways and laneways are some of the nation's premier bars, eateries, and activities— it's a must-do on the list of things to do in Melbourne during summer. Start at Hosier Lane for street art. Yes, the tourists adore it, but it's never the same, ever so picture perfect. And then follow your nose (or feet) down to Croft Alley, Duckboard Place, or Union Lane—and find murals, hidden wine bars, and maybe even an impromptu DJ session. And when it comes to rooftop bars, Melbourne holds back not.

• Naked for Satan in Fitzroy has panoramic views and tapas to die for.
• Siglo at Parliament's steps is sky-high elegance and skyline martinis.
• Loop Roof is a rainforest in the tropics over the CBD, with misting fans, foliage, and a huge gin menu.
• These rooftops thump in summer with laughter, clinking glasses, and that distinctive Melbourne mix of cool and cozy.

Final Word: Melbourne in Summer? Chef's Kiss.

There are a number of things to do in Melbourne during summer. Melbourne's notorious weather and rain-predicting skylines are famous, but in summer, nope. A bit rough around the edges, a bit undone, and completely irresistible. Spread on the beach, walk through markets, sip rooftop cocktails, or cruise along coastal backroads—it's a city that satisfies curiosity and surprises in every direction. So slip on your sunnies, put on the Birks, and get out and find your summer tale in Melbourne. Trust me—it's just around the corner.