Top 10 Things to Do in Melbourne during the Australian Open

January in Australia is always a great time of year, especially in Melbourne. The sun is out, people are tanned, and of course, the Australian Open is on. From coffee shops to wineries, shopping to great food, it’s no wonder Melbourne has been voted the most liveable city in the world seven years in a row. If you’re visiting for the Australian Open, here are our top 10 things to do when visiting Melbourne:

If you love your coffee, then Melbourne is the place for you. Known as the caffeine capital of the world, Melbourne has laneways full of awesome hole-in-the-wall cafes which will delight your taste buds with some of the finest coffee the world has ever seen.

You really can’t go wrong when it comes to a classic cup of coffee in Melbourne, but if you’re a particularly keen bean, then we suggest the Coffee Lovers walking tour which takes you to 4 top cafes where you not only taste some of the best liquid gold you have ever tasted, but you also get to learn more about the city’s coffee culture from crop to cup and about the brewing process through expert baristas and brewers.

A wine tour is a must when visiting Melbourne. From the Yarra Valley to the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne is a city rich in wine culture and tradition, surrounded by some of the finest vineyards.

Take a wine lovers tour through Yarra Valley which provides an exclusive wine tasting tour at three premium boutique wineries. These tours pair the most wonderful wine with and hand-made cheeses at the Yarra Valley Dairy. If you are looking for more of a foodie and wine tour, than we suggest booking the Yarra Valley Gourmet Tour, where you will sample local delicacies and visit a the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.

 

This is an iconic must see and do when you’re in Melbourne. This is a must-do on your Australian bucket list! Immerse yourself in nature as you discover iconic landmarks such as the 12 Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge. This is typically a day trip, but it is one that is worth the time. 

There are so many ways you can visit the Great Ocean Road, if you fancy driving it yourself then renting a car from Melbourne CBD is your best option. If you would rather sit back and enjoy the scenery then we suggest jumping on one of the many tours that are on offer.

Australia is known for its incredible wildlife; Kangaroos, Koala’s and wombats. There is no way you visit a city like Melbourne and not snag a huge from a cuddly Koala Bear. 

Escape bustling Melbourne city for a day at Melbourne Zoo where you will encounter over 300 different species of wild animals who roam this earth. If you fancy a more of an experience than a day at the zoo, book yourself into the Slumber Safari. Stay overnight in one of the luxury safari tents at Werribee Open Range Zoo, with a balcony and have a unique animal and safari experience. It’s a mini holiday within your holiday and perfect for any age to enjoy.

The Queen Victoria markets are literally any foodies dream and a must on the “to-do” list. This is the best place in Melbourne to satisfy the food cravings and shop a wide variety of tasty foods. From gourmet cheese to fresh seafood and handmade pasta, these markets are the perfect way to wind down and experience authentic local foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, gourmet cheese, and more! Insider tip - join one of the foodie tour of the markets to get the full experience - these tours not only take you around to each food traders, they also give insight into the market’s history and shopping tips.

If the marker’s aren’t enough of a foodie adventure for you, Melbourne is full of amazing places to eat and drink. Melbourne is the type of place that constantly gets new food establishments, each out doing each other and catering to your ever breakfast, lunch and dinner need. There is a wealth of incredible restaurants, cafes and bars to visit, so stay hungry and try and make your way through them all! A couple of our favourite places to check out include Chin Chin, Lune Croissanterie, Tipo 00 and Attica.

Everything is better with a birds eye view, including a city like Melbourne. Go up 285 meters in only 38 seconds as you ride the fastest lift in the Southern Hemisphere and be enamored by the stunning 360° view of Melbourne City that you see. If you’re up for a little challenge, opt for the Eureka Skydeck + Edge option and feel you heart beat faster as you are suspended 300 meters off the earth in a glass cube and see Melbourne like never before.

This is another must when travelling to Melbourne. These are some of the more famous attractions; travellers will enjoy a welcomed escape from the city to immerse themselves in the majestic wildlife and stunning landscapes of  French Island and Phillip Island. Highlights from this tour include watching the Penguin Parade at dusk and the spectacular views of the rugged cliffs of the coast. 

This it the newest and hottest attraction in Melbourne and something you can’t miss out on when you visit. Gumbuya is an epic adventure park with four different worlds to visit. If you’re looking to escape the ferocious Aussie heat, you can head to the Oasis Springs Water Park or have some fun riding the Coasters at the Oz Adventure park. Thrill-seekers can go on exhilarating rides at Outback Explorers or if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, head over to the Wildlife Trail. Whatever kind of adventure you’re looking for, this new theme park has something for everyone. 

Australia is rich in history and Melbourne in particular is a city with particularly history with the Gold Rush. If you love discovering  Travellers can relive these gold days of Ballarat through the Sovereign Hill experience. The open-air museum offers a variety of activities that are fun and informative to travellers, giving them a deep appreciation for an important moment in Australian history.   

 

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