Outdoor activities in Melbourne
Melbourne is a city with a busy calendar and no matter where your interests lie, there is always something for everyone. While there are many activities within Melbourne city, there are also some great things to do just outside of Melbourne where you can be immersed in the incredible sights and scenery that Victoria has to offer.
Nature activities
Victoria boasts some of the best scenery in the world with some popular nature activities. If you are looking to get out of the city for a weekend or even just a day trip, there is plenty that you can do to get back in touch with nature.
Great Ocean Roa
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular natural attractions in Victoria. A National Heritage listed site, it is a road that stretches 243 kilometres along the south-eastern coast of Victoria and includes some great places to visit such as Lorne, Apollo Bay, Torquey (where the famous Bells Beach surf contest is held every year), and Warrnambool (where you can whale watch). You can participate in many activities here, including walk and bike trails, surfing, wildlife watching, and great food. This is one not to be missed.
1000 steps
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (more commonly known as 1000 steps) is a three-kilometre walk in the Dandenong Ranges. It is a very popular activity to do on the weekend as it is an excellent exercise, surrounded by beautiful nature, and only a 45-minute drive from Melbourne.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a very popular day trip from Melbourne and its most famously known for the Penguin March. It also boasts other wildlife viewings such as seals and koalas and is renowned for fishing hot spots, whale watching, and rugged coastline for surfing. It also hosts the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. It is about a two-hour drive from Melbourne, or you can catch the V/Line coach.
The Grampians
The Grampians is a National Park in Victoria and boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Victoria. It is renowned for its sunset watching, wineries, local food and adventure walks. It is about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, so a weekend is best for this one.
City activities
Rooftop Cinema
The Rooftop Cinema is seasonal and runs from December to March, kicking off once the sun goes down. It is a great way to spend one of Melbourne's summer nights; enjoying a view over the city while watching a movie and sipping on a cocktail.
IMAX
The IMAX Melbourne Museum is known for playing 3D films and boasts the biggest screen in the world ' a massive 32 metres wide x 23 metres high. That and a 15,000 watts digital surround sound system makes this one of the best cinematic experiences going around.
Melbourne Sports Centre
Melbourne Sports Centre is located minutes from Melbourne's centre and houses world-class facilities which include indoor and outdoor pools, lap pools, a wellness zone, and a performance gym. It also houses many sporting activities, including hockey, basketball, soccer, netball, yoga, and boxing.
Abbotsford Convent
Abbotsford Convent is a multi-faceted art and cultural precinct which was established by four nuns in 1863 to care for women. There is always something going on, and it hosts a vast range of attractions from markets, cinemas, various classes and eateries.
