Melbourne Weekend Getaway Ideas
You don’t need holiday leave to put some fun and entertainment back into your life – a weekend getaway to Melbourne is always a great idea.
Flying is more accessible than ever now thanks to the low fare prices available everyday from Jetstar Australia. You can take off for Melbourne from Sydney or Canberra for a weekend getaway of budget-savvy fun without even a second thought!
Melbourne getaways packed full of fun
Melbourne is the city that just keeps on giving. It offers year-round fun activities and events, and a seemingly never-ending stream of new and exciting experiences to tempt you even further to visit!
Couple all that with amazing food, art and a culture all its own, and you’ve got a fabulous destination just an hour or two’s flight away. Melbourne’s proximity to both Sydney and Canberra makes it the perfect choice for family weekend breaks or romantic getaways.
It’s time to get some of that Melbourne fun into your life – and you can do so much in just one weekend!
Here are some of the best things to do on your next weekend getaway in Melbourne.
The Melbourne Museum
First cab of the rank we have somewhere you may not have thought of, but is definitely worth a visit – the Melbourne Museum. With its fascinating exhibitions and galleries you can follow the Museum Trail, watch the latest IMAX 3D Dinosaurs of Antarctica show and then go on to see the real deal – the recent museum addition of a magnificent dinosaur! Horridus the Triceratops is a real-life Dinosaur skeleton displayed in Triceratops, Fate of the Dinosaurs. You’ll find it hard to tear yourselves away from the Melbourne Museum on a family weekend getaway!
What’s new: Explore the museum after dark at the Saturday Sessions pop-up bar, complete with a DJ. See the brand new multi-sensory Tyama interactive experience every day, plus for LEGO nuts, don’t miss Bricktionary: The Interactive Exhibition.
The Melbourne Museum is open 9am-5pm everyday
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Enter a magical underwater world right in the middle of Melbourne city at the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Not just tropical fish galore, there’s a whole boat-load of aquatic creatures to discover, including sharks, stingrays and even crocodiles! But the real stars of the show will always be the adorable colony of resident penguins. The SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is an absolute must-visit on your next family weekend getaway in Melbourne!
What’s new: Don’t miss the new Dive Into The Deep immersive journey attraction featuring five unique zones and a massive 14 metre digital projection!
The SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is open 10am-5pm every day, 9:30am-5pm on weekends
Old Melbourne Gaol
Get a bit of history on your weekend getaway with a destination that’s simply dripping with intrigue and spectacle – the Old Melbourne Gaol. This iconic Melbourne must-see destination is Victoria’s oldest surviving prison. On site you’ll roam the Gaol, Old Magistrates Court and City Watch House. Step back in time as you walk alongside the ghosts of Melbourne’s past down the eerie stone corridors. Inspect the cramped cells which once incarcerated Melbourne’s most dangerous inhabitants along the way. Learn the chilling tales of past prisoners, such as Australia’s famous Ned Kelly who was hung in the gallows there which still survive to this day. After spending a fascinating few hours within its huge and ominous walls – you’ll be relieved that you’re one of the lucky ones allowed to escape the Old Melbourne Gaol at the end!
What’s on: Be sure to book a Ghost Tour or Hangman’s Night Tour to add a bit of I-scream to your Melbourne evening activities!
The Old Melbourne Gaol is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm
Go to the Theatre
A romantic getaway to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without grabbing a show and some dinner. Melbourne is famous for its world-class theatre and food, after all! Stay at the Laneways By Ovolo hotel on Little Collins Street and you’ll barely have to stretch your legs to get there – it’s just a 5 minute walk to the East End Theatre Precinct, home to the Princess Theatre and elegant Regent Theatre. Whilst you’re there, take your pick from the plethora of specialty restaurants nearby for a sumptuous supper to round out your ultimate decadent romantic weekend away!
What’s on: See the fabulous 9 to 5 playing at the Arts Centre Melbourne or Hairspray at the Regent Theatre.
9 to 5 runs until 17 September 2022
Hairspray runs to 9 October 2022
So there you have it – some great new ideas to tempt you to take that Jetstar Australia flight for a brief but exciting Melbourne weekend getaway – have fun!
Barbara Bryan is the mum and fearless leader of the Let’s Go Mum travel family, and is sponsored by Jetstar Australia. She and her family travel full-time, exploring exciting destinations around Australia and the world. https://www.letsgomum.com.au