The Ultimate Guide to Summer in Melbourne in 2018

If there’s one thing Melburnian’s know how to do, its brunch. Add in some killer sips and you can’t go wrong. Unless you’ve been living under a rock you would have noticed the growing trend of the bottomless brunch, because who doesn’t love a bit of day drinking?! Eat your way through the best bottomless brunch destinations around Melbourne this summer, from mimosas to spritz’ and even craft beers, there’s a brunch for everyone.

For something a little different, The Smith is answering our prayers and bringing soul to their brunch with a roving gospel choir. Enjoy the soulful tunes whilst sipping on spritz’ like the Lavender Bomb or Rosé José. Pair your spritz with the Aperol French toast with grapefruit, orange and buttermilk ice-cream and honeycomb to really get your tastebuds tingling. Feelings fancy? Upgrade to their caviar service.

Over in Hawthorn, The Hawthorn Hotel is also bringing its A-Game to the brunching scene. Teaming up with Chambord, they’ve got giant flavoured champagne punch bowls to kick off your weekend. To match your bubbly The Hawthorn is reviving an old childhood favourite, the crumpet. Top yours with a choice of savoury items including the classic smashed avo or fig and prosciutto. For those with a sweet tooth you can’t go passed the waffles with maple-bacon, banana and salted caramel. We’re drooling just thinking about it.

View a full list of Melbourne’s Best Bottomless Brunches here.

Summer calls for days at the beach. What’s better than soaking up the sunshine and lazing by the sea? Shame most of us struggle to get there with our hectic schedules. Never fear, The Wharf has brought the beach to you!

No seriously, we’re not kidding. Head down to the southern end of the Yarra and you’ll find a slice of beachside paradise, complete with white sand, deck chairs and your very own beach box. Gather your gang to indulge in your summer fantasies right in the middle of the city. Feast on all your summer favourites from fresh oysters, lobster rolls and prawn cocktails. The Wharf has thought of everything, even bringing in an ice-cream cart for a refreshing treat.

Rooftop bars. Need we say more? Melbourne is blessed with a multitude of incredible rooftop spaces. Rise above the stuffy bars below and escape to our idea of heaven, with fresh breezes and incredible views.

This summer discover a little slice of French paradise on one of Fitzroy’s best rooftops. The Provincial or The Prov as it’s known to the locals has been transformed with beautiful crawling vines and citrus trees that will have you saying ‘ooh la la’. The new summer brunch package continues the euro vibes offering an assortment of fresh pastries, sweets and fresh fruits. No French inspired brunch would be complete without a bit of bubbly. Don’t worry they’ve thought of this too and transported a champagne cart onto the rooftop. The DIY champagne cart, complete with a classic Parisian charm, is kitted out with all the bubbly toppings of your dreams. Fill your glass with fresh fruits and berries, rose petals and more! Bon appétit.

From The Prov jump on the 96 to Bourke Street and head into town to check out Imperial Bourke Street, another rooftop favourite with arguably the best views in the city. Featuring bright, beachy colours and an open-air patio overlooking Parliament, it doesn’t get much better than this. Soak in the sunshine with a drink in hand, there’s plenty of killer sips to rival the rooftop views from the frozen spiced Pina Colada to a watermelon mojito.

The sporting capital of Australia, Melbourne comes alive with sports throughout summer. From the cricket pitch to the tennis courts, non-stop action and entertainment ensues throughout the warmer months. If you don’t have tickets to the major sporting events, what better way to get involved than at a pub with all your mates?

The Duke is the ideal sports pub to settle in with a cold one. The bar menu is hearty, with options including pulled pork burgers and some guaranteed-to-be-messy sticky chicken wings. Added bonus is it’s only a short walk or tram ride to the G and Rod Laver if you do want to head in to catch the action.

Prefer to hang out in a beer garden watch your team? Prince Alfred is our summer pick. A relaxing oasis in the heart of Richmond and the best part is it’s dog friendly! Don’t stress about leaving man’s best friend at home any more with pooches welcomed to this establishment with open arms. The guys at Prince Alfred love dogs so much they’re even offering to treat your fur baby to free puppy snacks on Sundays with a Bloody Mary purchase. That’s bark-ing awesome.