Top 8 Picks For Summer Outdoors

Summer is here, so it’s time to get out and about. Here are our top 8 ways to enjoy being out in the open.

1. MPavilion

Queen Victoria Gardens, St Kilda Road

mpavilion.org

MPavilion is an outdoor creative space and meeting place in the heart of Southbank Arts Precinct. Every year, a new architect is selected to create a temporary space for the enjoyment of locals and visitors. From October to February, a program of talks, workshops, performances and installations brings the outdoor space to life.

2. MSO Sidney Myer Free Concerts

8, 16, 20 February, Kings Domain Gardens, Linlithgow Avenue

mso.com.au/whats-on

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better outdoor concert venue than the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. When it’s filled with the musical brilliance of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, it’s even better. Want to know the best part? You can enjoy the open space and entertainment without needing to take out your wallet.

3. St Kilda Beach and Foreshore

stkildamelbourne.com.a

Bring your togs on your summer escape to Melbourne because St Kilda’s foreshore is a must-do when the sun is shining. Bring the whole family down for a dip or a picnic, while enjoying the beach view through to the city. Or take to the water without getting your hair wet by giving stand-up paddle boarding a go. If sand isn’t your thing, hire a bike and cycle along the shoreline.

4. Ron Barassi Senior Park

509–529 Docklands Drive, Docklands

Experience a new take on the suburban park at Ron Barassi Senior Park in Docklands. With a large grass area, there’s plenty of room for the kids to run wild and kick the footy or soccer ball. The park also has an uber-cool industrial-style playground, complete with an epic slide and a water play area that will keep the young ones occupied for hours.

5. Zoo Twilights

Elliott Ave, Parkville

zootwilights.org.au

Running every weekend from 26 January to 10 of March next year, the Zoo Twilights brings the beats and eats to the green grounds of the Melbourne Zoo. Enjoy a balmy evening under the stars while listening to the sounds from a roster that includes Cut Copy, The Cat Empire, Jet and Kate Miller-Heidke. There’ll be food trucks to keep your stomach full, a bar for your beverage needs, plus every ticket sold goes back towards efforts to fighting extinction.

6. Picnic at Royal Botanic Gardens

Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra

rbg.vic.gov.au

Nothing says summer like a picnic with family and friends and when it’s in the picturesque surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Gardens there are few things that are more relaxing. Stock up on supplies at one of Melbourne’s great foodie traders, like the Queen Victoria Market or Spring Street Grocer, BYO picnic rug and settle into a spot with a view of Ornamental Lake. Bring a book, a frisbee, or just watch the punt tours pass by while you enjoy the sunshine.

7. Royal Park

Flemington Road, Parkville

As Melbourne’s largest park, you certainly won’t be short on open space at Royal Park. Bring along equipment for your favourite ball sport, your bike or your trusty running shoes and prepare for an active day in the great outdoors. Stretches of open grass cater for sports buffs wanting to perfect their craft, while the eucalypt forest provides a nice shady setting for an afternoon stroll or run. Look out for the birdlife and possums that call Royal Park home.

8. Studley Park and Yarra River

1 Boathouse Road, Kew

studleyparkboathouse.com.au

Take to the waters in a trusty rowboat, canoe or kayak hired from the Studley Park Boathouse, and explore open space of a different kind along the Yarra River. Weave through the twists and turns of Melbourne’s most famous inland stretch of water while taking in the natural surrounds, only kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. Once you’re done exploring, head back to the Boat House for coffee and a sweet treat or brunch.