Things To Do In Melbourne This Long Weekend - If AFL Isn't Your Thing
With the 2018 AFL Grand Final expected to bring upwards of 100,000 fans into the bustling streets of Melbourne this long weekend, it might be time to start making other plans if you haven’t scored tickets to the big game… or if AFL just isn’t your thing.
If you are in the city for the big game but are looking for other things to do while you’re in Australia’s cultural capital, there is plenty of time to fit these in on the day before, or the day after if you are still in good spirits after the big decider.
We’ve made a list of all the other things you can do in and around Melbourne to make the most of this long weekend, as some world-renowned wonders, incredible wildlife and premium wine regions are just a short-day tour away…
As we all know, Australia’s cultural capital is overflowing with amazing restaurants, café’s, art galleries, museums and shopping destinations that continue to lure its tourists in again and again. But if it’s some fresh air and countryside you are craving, and you are feeling a tad overwhelmed by the crowds, then the Yarra Valley wine region is just an hour and twenty minutes away from the city centre.
The picturesque rural landscape is even more instagrammable than your $23 smashed avo from your favourite Melbourne café, and it happens to be Victoria’s oldest and most famous wine regions, as well as Australia’s leading cool climate wine producing regions, so there is plenty of history to be learned and stories to be shared.
Visiting the Yarra Valley will give you the chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy the delicious gourmet local produce and exquisite wines, including St Hubert’s renowned Cabernet Sauvignon.
If we've won you over with the mention of a leisurely wine-filled day, then check out our Day Tour, Yarra Valley Gourmet Food & Wine, which departs 9am this Saturday!
2. Great Ocean Road & The 12 Apostles
This has to be our top pick for escaping the crazy Melbourne city lifestyle this weekend, and it is easy to see why.
If it’s a coastline you’re missing, then the drive along the Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most beautiful scenic coastal drives and is an experience that sits at the top of many travellers’ bucket lists.
It really is an amazing experience, and it begins after only an hour and a half drive from Melbourne and stretches for 243km with spectacular panoramic views the whole way along. The road leads you through a number of stunning coastal towns and lush green farm land, before you arrive at the world famous natural icon, the Twelve Apostles. Here, you will be able to take in the amazing scenery at the purpose-built viewing platform and enjoy the cool ocean breeze in a moment we are sure you will treasure forever.
But wait! There’s more! If you venture a little further ahead you’ll come across two more spectacular natural landmarks, the Loch Ard Gorge and the London Bridge, which offer some amazing history lessons and some more photo opportunities.
If you're ready to swept away by true natural beauty, then check out our day-tour Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles, which is departing everyday this long weekend!
3. Phillip Island Penguin Parade
While there is an additional 100,000 tourists expected to be rushing into Melbourne this long weekend, there is a colony of around 32,000 Little Penguins waiting for you to come and visit them in Phillip Island!
If you have the time, Phillip Island is just two hours away from Melbourne, and is a must see for all wildlife and nature lovers.
At the Penguin Parade, the colony of the world’s smallest penguins will put on a show for you as the sun sets over the glistening ocean, as they scamper out of the sea and onto the sand, returning after a long hard day of fishing. You will get to learn about their lives and all the things that make these gorgeous creatures so interesting.
If that wasn’t enough to lure you to see the parade, all revenue generated from the Penguin Parade is invested back into projects centred around research, environmental sustainability and education to ensure that the colony continues to flourish and grow.
Watch these wonderful Little Penguins in their natural habitat this Friday and Saturday on our evening tour Phillip Island - Penguins Up Late.
We hope you stay safe this weekend wherever you will be, and that you fill each day with some life-changing experiences such as these ones.
Or at the very least make sure you add these three amazing Melbourne day trips to your bucket list!
