Best outdoor activities in Melbourne

Planning your long-awaiting trip to Melbourne? Enjoy your well-deserved break in a city that offers a huge range of outdoor activities for the entire family. From laneways to kayaking and coffee to culture, you’ll never run out of things to do, see and eat! 

We’ve put together a list of our top 5 favourite outdoor activities in Melbourne:

1. Melbourne City Laneways

A staple on any Melbourne to-do list! Immerse yourself in street art and discover great food as you wander Melbourne’s tiny laneways and arcades. From the graffiti-covered Hosier Lane to a coffee lover’s paradise in Degraves Street, there’s a Melbourne laneway to suit every taste and curiosity.

If getting lost isn’t up your alley (get it!?) there are a variety of walking tours available that provide a wealth of information about what makes this city great. 

2. Brighton Bay Beach Boxes

With a collection of 82 brightly coloured beach huts that line the foreshore, Brighton Beach has some of the most photographed and easily recognisable beach boxes in Australia. Take your towel and head for a dip in Port Phillip Bay before walking along the beach to enjoy the colourful and historical bathing boxes. From Southern Cross Station, catch the Sandringham Line train to Brighton Beach Station and walk north along the esplanade to find the boxes.

Find out more: PTV website

3. Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Learn about the rich history and culture of the First Peoples on an Aboriginal Heritage Walk in the Royal Botanical Gardens, an important cultural site for the Kulin Nation. With your knowledgeable First Nations guide, you’ll learn about Aboriginal plant uses, customs and ongoing connection to the Country.

Get your tickets: Click here

4. Kayak the Yarra River

Feeling fit and adventurous? Check out Melbourne’s famous landmarks in a super unique way by kayaking the Yarra River! You don’t need any paddling experience as your skilled guides will provide basic coaching, all the equipment you need and will be with you every step of the way. If you’re not feeling up to kayaking, there are plenty of other boat activities to choose from on the Yarra River.

Find out more: Visit Kayak Melbourne

5. Outdoor Cinema

You can’t go past Melbourne’s outdoor cinemas for a relaxing end to your time in Melbourne. There’s a wide variety of al fresco movie options to choose from, but we love the Moonlight Cinemas for a family friendly film experience. Bring along your picnic rug and grab some dinner and drinks from the onsite food trucks and bar (note that they’re cashless), or BYO goodies to enjoy.

Check out the program: Click here.