Things to do in Melbourne between Christmas and NYE

Open every day

Following its winter hibernation, Melbourne's OG floating bar and restaurant has returned for its ninth season on the Yarra. Previously, Arbory Afloat was decked out in the style of Mexico's tropical Yucatan Coast — but this year, it's taking inspo from the sun-drenched beach clubs of Italy.

Brought to you by the team at Arbory Bar and Eatery, the 69-metre pop-up has been rebirthed as Afloat Capri: a lush tribute to the isles of Capri, Ischia and Procida, as well as the neighbourhood seaside villages on the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Naples.

Open every day except Christmas Day

Some people go to waterparks for the wave pools and ample sun lounges – and then some people go for the heart-racing waterslides. Either way, Adventure Park in Geelong has a treat in store for you. Thrillseekers can tackle rides like the Tornado, the biggest and longest waterslide of its kind in the state, which will drop you down 24 metres of snaking slides; or take it easy on the Lazy River, sit back in an inflatable ring and idly float down the tropically themed river.

Melburnians, it’s time to get dotty, because NGV International is playing host to the largest collection of Yayoi Kusama’s work ever seen in Australia. The exhibition (aptly named Yayoi Kusama) will take over the entire ground floor of the gallery, with works from the artist best known for her unique use of dots. This world-premiere exhibition features more than 180 works, including an NGV-specific piece transforming the iconic Waterwall and an installation of giant balloons in the Great Hall called 'Dots Obsession'.

Check cinemas for times 

For those craving a nostalgic cinema experience, these drive-in cinemas in and around Melbourne are brimming with the feeling of old-timey movie outings. Park yourself in front of the screen, tune into the FM broadcast and enjoy your movie in a safe, physically distanced location. 

Check cinemas for times

Are you keen for a classic garden cinema experience? Or what about an inner-city rooftop? You could even catch a film by the beach. These are our top choices of alfresco cinema in Melbourne.

Open every day except Christmas Day

Calling all kids, parents, and kids-at-heart: did you know that there is a huge theme park less than an hour's drive north from Melbourne? Funfields, located in Whittlesea, opened in 1985 and has since become one of Melbourne's best-loved attractions. Your entry ticket gets you access to 22 rides, plus a water play section for kids and a barbecue area. 

Open every day except Christmas Day

GoBoat’s five-metre-long boats seat up to eight people and don’t need a boating licence to operate. The best part? They come equipped with a built-in wooden picnic table in the middle of the boat. Would-be salty sea dogs can hop aboard from GoBoat's berths at Banana Alley (between Queens Bridge and Sandridge Bridge on the north side of the Yarra).

Open every day

A trip to Melbourne Zoo done right takes a day. The largest exhibit is the majestic Wild Sea, where penguins and seals bask on land before slipping into clear waters. Another highlight is the sprawling Orangutan Sanctuary, where a family of beautiful, orang-utans swing from tree to tree, play with each other and feed high off the ground. Then there’s the Trail of the Elephants; an immersive Asian village and garden where five Asian elephants thrive. 

Open every day

Just over an hour from Melbourne, located in Victoria's green Yarra Valley, is Healesville Sanctuary – home to a host of Australian animals living in their native environment. Arguably the most thrilling experience at Healesville Sanctuary is the Spirits of the Sky show. Free with the cost of admission, the show is a spectacular demonstration of the beauty and power of Australia's birds of prey and parrots. Head to the flight arena and see fierce wedge-tailed eagles, falcons and owls, as well as colourful parrots as they swoop around the arena and show off their skills. 

Open every day

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped through a portal to the African savannah when visiting the Werribee Open Range Zoo. This world-leading zoo just around 30 minutes from the Melbourne CBD features sprawling enclosures and animal encounters. The savannah is the highlight of the zoo, with open-air safari buses taking visitors out to encounter giraffes, rhinos, zebras and hippopotamuses splashing in the river.