Things to do in Melbourne

Spend a day on a splendid beach doing very little

There’s nothing more Aussie than a day relaxing at the beach. St Kilda, just 30 minutes from the city, is an attractive and safe stretch, whilst Port Melbourne, Williamstown and Brighton have great beaches with lifeguards. Whether you surf, swim, play volleyball or simply people watch - don't forget the sunblock.

Catch the breeze with a range of watersports

Port Phillip Bay is a suitably windy location for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Elwood and Middle Park beaches are also popular with windsurfers. If you fancy some wet and wind-powered pursuits, Gokite Kiteboarding and Kitesurfing (tel: +61 428 456 483; www.gokite.com.au) offer lessons and equipment at St Kilda’s West Beach.

Get a bird's eye view in a hot-air balloon

Those who like a slower pace of life (and rather like a bird’s eye view) should try hot-air ballooning. Global Ballooning (tel: +61 3 9428 5703; www.globalballooning.com.au) offer sustainable ballooning adventures over Melbourne’s cityscape or, less than an hour’s drive away, the picturesque Yarra Valley.

Cheer on the Baggy Greens

Catch a test match at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (tel: +61 3 9657 8888; www.mcg.org.au). It’s within walking distance of the CBD, features a separate sports museum and has opportunities for guided tours of the grounds. For an unrivalled atmosphere, watch the Boxing Day Test Match.

Take a dip in hot springs

Take your pick from a Turkish steam bath, sauna, cave pool, massaging thermal shower or reflexology at Peninsula Hot Springs (tel: +61 3 5950 8777; www.peninsulahotsprings.com). The natural hot mineral springs were only discovered in the last 20 years and have become a popular place for many to unwind.

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