Play Melbourne

Melbourne. On point this summer.

Come for the tennis and stay on to soak up long golden days in Melbourne this summer. 

Revel in the festival atmosphere as the AO takes over the city and Melbourne kicks up its heels from first light to late night (and sometimes the whole night long). 

From ice-cold cocktails at sky-high rooftop bars to packed beer gardens in Melbourne’s buzzing inner neighbourhoods, the city’s in full swing in summer. 

Get swept up in the action and discover a city with a spirit of creativity and innovation, a sporting capital that truly embraces blockbuster events.

Top picks around the AO this summer

Melbourne’s culinary scene

Internationally recognised as one of the culinary capitals of the world, Melbourne’s restaurant, bar and café scene is defined by the pursuit of creativity, quality and innovation. 

Enjoy a next level breakfast at Higher Ground in architecturally designed surrounds or fuel up with superb coffee at Manchester Press, hidden down Rankins Lane.

Alfresco dining in summer is an absolute must. Head to Trunk for Italian food in a leafy courtyard complete with fairy lights, or head to the always popular Imperial rooftop for pub food with sensational views.

For an afternoon or evening tipple, make a beeline for Arbory Afloat, a huge floating bar atop the Yarra River; Ponyfish Island or Riverland also on the Yarra; or the iconic Rooftop Bar in Curtin House.

Melbourne’s inner neighbourhoods 

No visit to Melbourne is complete without experiencing the inner neighbourhoods like a local.

Richmond

A short stroll or tram ride from the tennis, Richmond is nestled right next to the city’s sporting precinct. It’s the perfect spot to get your taste buds tingling. Tip your hat to the Good Food Guide champions, adding fine culinary pedigree to the local dining scene: Minamishima, Anchovy and Noir. Baby Pizza and Kong on Church Street always hit the spot, as does the hustle and bustle of traditional, fast and exceptional Vietnamese food on Victoria Street. Make sure you check out local favourite the Corner Hotel for live music and rooftop brews.

St Kilda

St Kilda is a must-see in summer and just a short tram ride from the city. This seaside neighbourhood is home to the iconic Espy. From an intimate gig to sneaky cocktails with bay views, the Espy has you covered. In keeping with the seaside theme, Pontoon, the Stokehouse and Captain Baxter are all top picks.

Arts and culture

Be inspired by world class art collections at cutting-edge galleries and sense your mind expanding as your feet lead you through a network of laneway exhibitions and art studios. 

Head to Melbourne’s Arts Precinct where the Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Theatre Company, Malthouse, Recital Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria form Melbourne's beating cultural heart. At Federation Square, where art meets architecture, see the Aboriginal art collection at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.

Feel goose bumps as you join applauding crowds in Melbourne’s East End Theatre District or immerse yourself in the city’s ever-changing street art scene, which throws pops of colour, culture and inspiration down city laneways and through to the inner neighbourhoods.

Plan your visit at visitmelbourne.com.