Howdy, Melbourne
We may all be a little house-bound right now, but that doesn’t stop a city like Melbourne.
Queen Victoria Market
If you visit Melbourne, start your morning at the Queen Victoria Market. An historic landmark spread over two city blocks, it’s a vibrant and bustling inner-city market where you can shop at over 600 small businesses for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, clothing and souvenirs.
Arts and culture
Need a break from the constantly churning news cycle? Curl up with a book from one of Melbourne’s independent bookshops. Browse virtual stacks of Australian and international fiction, or search for cookbooks and gardening books to get some inspiration for around the home. Order online to have books delivered, often for free.
Family fun
Victoria’s major attractions may have temporarily closed up shop, but there’s still plenty going on behind closed doors.
Museums, galleries, zoos and more have created fun-filled activities for families, to keep young minds active and promote a sense of connection.
Virtual natural experiences
Practise perfect social distancing by exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens from home. Get top ideas for activities in the garden to keep little hands busy, and tour living plant collections.
Online shopping
Window browsing may be out for now but Melbourne and Victoria’s wineries, farms, fashion and design stores, gallery shops, bookstores and more are open for business. Click and order for delivery to your door and support small businesses.
Penguin racing
When the sun sets, Phillip Island comes to life with the pitter patters of little penguins coming to shore for one of cutest races ever captured. Commentated by BBC’s Andrew Cotter, be thrilled by the waddles and stumbles of the world famous little penguins.
With hundreds of little penguins making the race up Summerland Beach every night, this unique ecotourism experience is only an hour and half drive from Melbourne, making it the perfect place for your day trip.
Take away and home delivery
Melbourne’s restaurant and bar scene has pivoted towards at-home offerings, takeaway and home delivery in response to the current coronavirus restrictions. Get dinner from your usual place or discover new restaurants from your home.
Night-in idea
Forget the streaming giants: join ACMI’s Virtual Cinématèque each Wednesday for themed double-billings of art-house flicks screened to your lounge. Heat up the microwave popcorn and settle in.
