Five ways to enjoy Melbourne’s stellar outdoor spaces this summer

in partnership with

There’s nothing quite like summer in the city – warm days relaxing in the sun and balmy nights spent in the ocean air. From picnics and festivals to cinemas under the stars, there’s plenty to do outdoors.

We have teamed up with White Claw Hard Seltzer to put together this guide to help you cool off and get the most out of the outdoors during the warmer months of the year. Here are five ways to enjoy Melbourne’s stunning outdoor spaces this scorching season.

All on-site trading hours and events are subject to change based on COVID-19 developments. Check with the venue for the latest details and stay up to date with current COVID-19 restrictions by visiting DHHS.

The Exchange Beach Club

SWING BY A BAR AFTER THE BEACH

While Melbourne isn’t particularly known for its beach offerings, the city is dotted with beachside bars and waterside pubs that offer tranquil views and vibes. And there’s nothing like a salty air drink for an after-work counterfeit or a way to wind down on the weekend. White Claw is also available at these three waterfront spots, so you know you’re in for a great time.

The Exchange Beach Club, Port Melbourne

Located on the shores of Port Melbourne, this retractable kitchen is the place to go to enjoy seafood snacks – we’re talking oysters, lobster and prawn rolls, skin-on fries and grilled calamari salad – while soaking up the rays from a bed of rest or a hut. The best part? The Exchange Beach Club is puppy-friendly and there’s a full menu dedicated to treats for your furry friend, including donuts.

Pontoon, St Kilda

This chic property offers stunning beach views with an a la carte menu. If you fancy a little fancy with handmade pasta and wood-fired fish in the salty breeze, settle in here. Interested? Mark February 13 in your calendar, when Pontoon hosts an epic White Claw party starting at 5 p.m. with local Close Counters musicians on the decks.

Hopscotch, Southbank

For a more urban pub vibe, head to Hopscotch in Southbank. Here you can expect to eat and beat overlooking the Yarra. The brewpub serves street food-style dishes, such as tuna or eggplant tacos, vodka-cured king salmon, and corn-chip cheesecakes. There are also burgers if you’re feeling peckish. See you on an arvo Sunday when Hopscotch hosts live musicians to soundtrack your weekend parties.

Arbory ​​afloat, Parker Blain

TAKE YOUR MEAL OUTSIDE

Melbourne is full of places to eat and drink outdoors. Grab your friends and head to a primo al fresco table to relax and enjoy the fresh air in the bustling al fresco of the townspeople.

Arbory ​​afloat, CBD

Head to Melbourne’s famous floating bar, Arbory ​​Afloat, to enjoy an alfresco meal in the cocktail bar stationed on the Yarra. You can find the temporary bar and restaurant located across from its sister venue, Arbory ​​Bar & Eatery, where you’ll be spoiled with a contemporary Mediterranean-inspired menu.

Ciao Cielo, Port Melbourne

Craving an Italian flow? Head to Ciao Cielo in Port Melbourne, a contemporary restaurant offering oysters, homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and artisanal ice creams. Here you can enjoy a meal in the European-style beer garden, inspired by casual dining by the sea on the Italian Riviera coast.

Welcome to Thornbury, Thornbury

Another open-air setting not to be missed is the expansive outdoor setting at Welcome to Thornbury, with a regular rotation of food trucks. The sprawling and bustling beer garden and pub feeds hungry northern souls with the likes of Mr Burger, Sparrow’s Philly Cheese Steaks and Woking Amazing.

NGV Friday Nights, Eugene Hyland

HAVE A BOOGIE AT AN OUTDOOR CONCERT

It almost sounds too good to be true, but yes, they’re back. After two pretty dark years, event season is upon us again and it’s time to make up for all those lost moments. Check out our recommendations for where to go during the outdoor party season.

Live at the Bowl

Start your year at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. From January 5 to April 25, the Live at the Bowl series features a regular lineup of dance, music and circus events, including The Jungle Giants, The Teskey Brothers with Orchestra Victoria and Piknic Electronik.

Boiler Room x Sugar Mountain Festival

This month also includes the oversized Williamstown Festival on Saturday, January 22 at Seaworks Maritime Precinct. A famous 360-degree stage will host a range of stellar local and international talent – ​​think Aussie DJ HAAi, Lauren Hansom and Kelly Lee Owens.

For love

For the Love returns on Saturday March 5 to Catani Gardens in St Kilda. Punters will enjoy an all-Australian lineup including Dom Dolla, Crooked Colors and Mallrat. When you need a break from the revelry, you can relax in one of the VIP lounges, hosted by Nana Judy.

NGV Friday night

The much-loved NGV Friday Nights are back to celebrate Gabrielle Chanel. fashion manifesto and Bark Ladies: eleven artists from Yirrkala exhibitions. Running until the end of April, the weekly after-hours event features a lineup of Melbourne DJs playing disco, pop, lounge and house sets in the NGV Garden, as well as pop-up bars and giveaways.

UNROLL YOUR PICNIC BLANKET

After multiple closures where picnics were our only social escape, Melburnians are well used to taking an outing to the park. We’ve perfected the cheese board and know exactly which crackers go with which dips. And with the city’s plentiful supply of green outdoor space, there’s no reason to stop now.

Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North

Edinburgh Gardens, the city’s largest park at 24 hectares, is always a good time. While you snack and sip, you can people watch (and puppies) to your heart’s content – there’s always someone kicking around, plus skateboarders showing off and plenty of off-leash space for your friends on all fours.

Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne

East Melbourne Fitzroy Gardens also offers a beautiful place to picnic with garden structures, floral displays and expansive lawns lined with elm trees. As with all Melbourne city parks, you are allowed to have a drink here.

Point Ormond Reserve, Elwood

If you’re south of the Yarra, the Point Ormond Preserve is the perfect place to get out the picnic mat. It’s right next to Elwood Beach with a spectacular view of the ocean if you want a cheeky nod for the gram.

WATCH A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS

Make the most of balmy summer nights by grabbing a picnic blanket and settling in for a movie under the stars at an outdoor cinema.

Moonlight Cinema

The ever-popular Moonlight Cinema is back at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Garden with a stellar lineup of films accompanied by bites available from food trucks. It also offers BYO movie snacks and drinks, so get some cans of White Claw to go.

Cameo Cinemas

Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave, movie buffs can enjoy big releases and retro movies on loungers and beanbags with choc-tops and freshly popped popcorn. You can’t take drinks and snacks with you, but you can bring your pup, which is a win in our books.

Lido on the roof

At the top of the Glenferrie Road picture house, this Hawthorn rooftop cinema shows a selection of new outdoor releases, including the latest Bond on the Block No time to die, princess diana biopic spencer and cult classic 10 things i hate about you. And, yes, popcorn is served here too.

For more information on White Claw, visit website.

Top Image: For Love

Posted on January 24, 2022 by

Marnie Vinal