Summer in Melbourne is a vibe. With long, sunny days, a buzzing nightlife, and more music and events than you could possibly experience, it's a vibrant destination that celebrates art, culture, music, and both the great indoors and outdoors.
Whether a seasoned backpacker or an excited first-timer, Melbourne's summer lineup has something for everybody. Here's your guide to a few of Melbourne's must-see summer events and things to do.
Must-Attend Summer Events in Melbourne
Australian Open 2025
From 7-26 January 2025, Melbourne Park becomes the ultimate playground for tennis lovers. The Australian Open is not just a Grand Slam event but a two-week celebration of world-class sport, music, food, and entertainment.
Catch the action live or soak up the atmosphere around Melbourne with live screenings, food trucks, and music. The AO Live Stage lineup is stacked with major artists to create a knockout soundtrack to your day at the tournament. The Australian Open offers a complete entertainment experience with world-class dining, immersive fan zones, and more.
Get amongst the fun at the Australian Open Pop-up at Queen Victoria Market, featuring a mini tennis court, equipment, coaches, and a refreshing slushy pop-up.
Pro Tip: Every AO Live ticket includes a full-day Ground Pass for the same day, so you can soak up all the on-court and off-court action. Don’t miss Melbourne's biggest summer event!
Laneway Festival
For indie music lovers, Laneway Festival is the highlight of summer. This year, the Melbourne leg at Wurundjeri Biik (Flemington Park) will host an epic selection of indie and alternative acts on Friday, 14 February 2025. This year's star-studded Laneway Festival lineup includes chart-topping Charli XCX, Clairo, Beabadoobee, and Aussie fave Skegss.
Pro Tip: Stay hydrated and bring your best festival vibes. Laneway Festival will go ahead, rain or shine, so prepare accordingly!
Moomba Festival
Moomba Festival, running from 7 to 11 March, is Melbourne's largest and most colourful community festival. Held along the Yarra River, it's packed with carnival rides, water sports competitions, live music, and the iconic Birdman Rally, where brave (or foolish) participants launch homemade flying machines into the river.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to snag a prime spot for the Birdman Rally—it's a fan favourite and fills up fast! And don't miss the nightly fireworks—best viewed from Birrarung Marr for a front-row seat to the action.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is serving up 10 days of pure foodie heaven between 21-30 March 2025, bringing the best bites from Australia and beyond
This year, Curtis Stone is jetting in from LA to helm the iconic World's Longest Lunch, while Julia Busuttil Nishimura spices things up with her Maltese home-cooking vibes during a one-of-a-kind walking tour through the Royal Botanic Gardens for the World's Longest Brunch.
Pro Tip: Don't forget to swing by Fed Square, the festival hub, for walk-up eating and good vibes all day long. It's Melbourne's food scene at its absolute finest—don't miss it!
Things to Do in Melbourne
Urbnsurf Melbourne
Only minutes from the city, Urbnsurf Melbourne, Australia's first-ever surf park, serves up perfect waves for everyone—from newbies to seasoned shredders. Whether hitting up a one-hour free surf session or levelling up with a 1-hour 45-minute surf lesson, this spot is pure vibes for thrill-seekers and water babies alike.
But wait, there's more. Think Surf Academy, gear rentals, heated change rooms, lockers, and a café and restaurant to refuel. Chill out in the hot tubs, stretch out on daybeds or beach-style cabanas, and catch live events or festivals while you're at it.
Best part? It's open 7 days a week all summer long, from sunrise (6 am) to late nights. Tickets start at just $5 and go up to $149.
Pro Tip: Get a spectator pass to join the vibes with all-day access.
Book your tickets
The Australian Sports Museum
Located within the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), this interactive museum offers an unforgettable deep dive into Australia's rich sporting history. Celebrating iconic moments across cricket, AFL, and more, it features immersive exhibits, hands-on activities, and a chance to relive the country's greatest sporting triumphs.
Backpackers will appreciate the on-site lockers—ideal for stashing your gear. Tickets are from $35 for adults, or you can upgrade to $45 to include an MCG Tour and go behind the scenes of this legendary stadium.
Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, it's the perfect indoor activity and a great way to beat the summer heat and indulge in some much-needed Aussie culture. This attraction is affordable, fun, family-friendly, and not to be missed!
Pro Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the activities crowd-free and make the most of your visit.
Queen Victoria Market
If you're wondering what to do in Melbourne, the iconic Queen Victoria Market is a destination you can't miss. Packed with fresh produce, gourmet bites, and unique local treasures, it offers a mix of old-school charm and modern Melbourne culture.
Be sure to check out String Bean Alley, where Melbourne's coolest makers and artists serve up one-of-a-kind finds. And if you're a foodie, the Summer Night Market on Wednesday nights is next-level, with global street food, live music, and an electric atmosphere that's pure Melbourne magic.
Pro Tip: Bring a tote—you'll leave with way more than you planned! Open Tuesday to Sunday with free entry, it's a must for your Melbourne adventure.
Kayak Melbourne
Looking for one-of-a-kind things to do in Melbourne? Kayak Melbourne lets you experience the city from the water with epic paddling tours along the Yarra River. Whether it is a laid-back day tour or a unique evening adventure, they've got you covered.
Take in stunning views of Melbourne's iconic landmarks as you glide through the heart of the city with passionate guides who'll spill all the local tea. For something extra chill, check out the Moonlight Kayak Tour for a dreamy after-dark paddle or start your day zen-style with the Yoga Sunrise Tour. All tours use super stable, high-quality Sea Bear kayaks, so it's smooth sailing whether you're a total beginner or a paddling pro.
Pro Tip: Book a Moonlight Kayak Tour for a front-row seat to the city lights reflecting off the water—it's one for your Melbourne bucket list.
Summer Sunsets in Melbourne
Melbourne's sunsets are next-level dreamy, with the sky putting on a show of pinks, oranges, and golds you won't want to miss. Hit up St. Kilda Beach for chilled beach vibes, wander the Royal Botanic Gardens for a peaceful nature moment, or take it all in from the Eureka Skydeck.
Pro Tip: Check out Albert Park Lake for stunning water reflections and skyline views. Feeling fancy? Grab a rooftop drink at Naked in the Sky in Fitzroy and watch the sky light up in style.
Take in stunning views of Melbourne's iconic landmarks as you glide through the heart of the city with passionate guides who'll spill all the local tea. For something extra chill, check out the Moonlight Kayak Tour for a dreamy after-dark paddle or start your day zen-style with the Yoga Sunrise Tour. All tours use super stable, high-quality Sea Bear kayaks, so it's smooth sailing whether you're a total beginner or a paddling pro.
Pro Tip: Book a Moonlight Kayak Tour for a front-row seat to the city lights reflecting off the water—it's one for your Melbourne bucket list.
Summer Weekend Getaways
A summer road trip in Victoria has something for everyone. Hit the Great Ocean Road for jaw-dropping coastal views and Insta-worthy stops like the Twelve Apostles, or sip your way through the Yarra Valley's world-class vineyards. For a nature reset, head to Mornington Peninsula to soak in the hot springs or chill on pristine beaches.
Feeling adventurous? Take a trip to Grampians National Park for epic hiking trails and stunning waterfalls, or explore Phillip Island, where you can catch the famous penguin parade and hit the surf. If you're after something unique, the Daylesford region is perfect for spa sessions and boutique shopping.
Pro Tip: Don't forget snacks, a fire playlist, and a portable charger to keep those Insta stories rolling.
Stay and Play at The Village Melbourne
Planning a summer adventure or a group getaway in Melbourne? The Village Hostels Melbourne has you covered with all the essentials for an epic stay. Whether rolling solo or arriving with your crew, our hostel is your ultimate base to explore Melbourne in style this summer.
Chill in stylish, air-conditioned rooms designed for max comfort, or kick back in the lively communal spaces—perfect for meeting fellow travellers. With upgraded security and group-friendly facilities, you'll feel right at home while enjoying peace of mind.
Located just a 5-minute walk from Melbourne Central Station and a quick tram ride to hotspots like Queen Victoria Market, Flagstaff Gardens, and the city's best shopping and dining, The Village puts you in the heart of it all.
Ready for your Melbourne adventure? Contact us and enjoy your summer!