Don’t cry because it’s over, Melbourne has more to serve up than just tennis.

There is an electric energy that radiates through the city well before the first ball is served at Melbourne Park, and it doesn’t end when the last call of game set match is heard at Rod Laver Arena. Whether you’re weaving through the art-clad laneways in search of coffee or sipping limoncello spritzes by the Yarra River, Melbourne in summer is a city reborn. And it’s still ripe for the picking – starting right here, with this round-up of summer-leaning experiences that prove Melbourne has more to give.

1. Experience Yayoi Kusama at the NGV

Aside from the AO, the hottest ticket of the season is the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the NGV International. It’s time to swap courtside action for Kusama’s dancing pumpkins, immersive installations and iconic infinity rooms.

Spanning the entire ground floor of the NGV and comprising nearly 200 works, this is the largest exhibition of Kusama’s work presented in Australia and one of her most comprehensive retrospectives in the world.

There are several iconic works on display for free, including the towering form of the Dancing Pumpkin (now part of the gallery’s permanent collection) and the silver balls of Narcissus Garden. Kids can also enjoy the Obliteration Room before moving into the ticketed exhibit.

Expect a diversity of media, from painting to sculpture to installation to video work to performance and wearable materials, but the real drawcard is the format for which she is arguably most celebrated for today: immersive environments. There are 10 to explore in the exhibit including rooms of infinity mirrors, rotating chandeliers, inflatables with red and white polka dots and many more.

Exhibition ends April 21, 2025

2. Explore the outer neighbourhoods

If you’re staying in the CBD, jump on a tram and explore the surrounding neighbourhoods. No matter which direction you head, you won’t be disappointed. From the south-east beachside suburbs of St Kilda and Elwood (yes, Melbourne does have some pretty great beaches) and the upscale shopping strips of Toorak Road and Chapel Street to Melbourne’s inner-east for the strip of tasty eateries along Victoria Street known as ‘Little Saigon’. Not to be overlooked, is Melbourne’s eclectic northern suburbs. Foodies in particular should make a beeline for the Italian restaurants of ‘Little Italy’ (aka Carlton), and the extensive mix of cuisines that line the streets of Fitzroy and Brunswick.

3. Find out what the StandardX is all about

It’s the first of its kind in the world and as the little sister to the world-renowned Standard Hotels, it’s fitting that the StandardX opened in Fitzroy, one of Melbourne’s coolest suburbs. But why the hype? Things are done a little differently here. From the eye-catching rusted exterior to the interior’s Hecker Guthrie-designed public spaces, and the empty minibars that can be filled from the Pantry – located in the lobby.

There’s no gym or pool (or iron in your room) but it does have a scene-stealing rooftop with sweeping views of the Melbourne skyline and a stylish Mexican casa fit-out. There’s also the adjoining BANG restaurant. But really, you just need to experience this place for yourself. Stay on the weekend to take advantage of the Rose St Artist’s Market next door.

4. Dine at the hatted Alta Trattoria

Tucked away in a quiet pocket just off Brunswick Street, Alta Trattoria is the kind of place that would fast become your local go-to if you called Fitzroy home.

Restaurateur Carlo Grossi (Ombra, Grossi Florentino) and sommelier James Tait (King and Godfree) remain faithful to the intimate trattorias of Piedmont in northern Italy that Alta is modelled after.

Serving up reliably good pasta, from the surprising Ravioli All’Uovo (who knew pasta with a simple runny egg yolk could be such a flavour bomb?) to heartier, more rustic options like Pappardelle, Salsiccia di Bra with braised fennel, spiced sausage and chicory. Just don’t skip the starters. Barbagiuan – fried ravioli, pumpkin, sage, cannellini, with grated pecorino – is unmissable. Of course, the menu is seasonal, so expect the unexpected.

Whether you’re dining at the bar for a casual date night or spreading out in the dining room with a group, this place is worth the trip to Fitzroy.

5. Limoncello spritz at AFLOAT (and swim in the infinity pool)

Melbourne’s favourite floating bar and restaurant is open again for the summer – and this year’s theme is Italian beach club. Think island of Capri but on the banks of the Yarra River and you get the drift. The big screen set up for Tennis on Deck might be gone, but the infinity pool remains, so dive in. But the scene isn’t complete without the tipple of the season, their Afloat Limoncello Spritz – a bespoke spritz made in partnership with Zoncello’s homemade Limoncello and available on tap (don’t turn up your nose, I promise it’s the best thing you’ll drink all summer long).

Don’t miss Fotographis – the only floating photobooth in the world. Find the restored 1970s black and white photobooth on the Upper Terrazza (courtesy of Chris Sutherland and Jessie Norman, the duo behind the iconic Flinders Street Photobooth).

6. Cruise the Yarra onboard a GoBoat

Hire your own electric picnic boat (no license required) from GoBoat Melbourne for you and up to seven of your friends and cruise the Yarra River towards Docklands or Herring Island. Pack your own picnic to enjoy onboard, choose a route along the river and make the most of those incredible city views.

Prices start from $129 for an hour to $289 for three hours.

7. Bed down in a lush room at the new Melbourne Place

With 14 storeys and three incredible hospitality venues, Melbourne Place has raced to the top of the city’s must-stay lists since throwing open its doors at the end of 2024. Its Russell Street location, close to the shopping hub of Collins and walking distance to many of the city’s highlights, only adds to its appeal.

There are four room types within the 191-room hotel – Everyday, Urban, Suites and the Penthouse – designed by architecture and design practice Kennedy Nolan. Its lavish design makes even the entry-level room feel luxurious, with colour themes of terracotta, rose and moss dominating different rooms – it’s enough to make you want to return again and again to experience them all. I stayed in a moss colour-themed corner suite, the automatic blackout blinds open to reveal incredible views of the city from every angle – even a porthole in the bathroom allows for city views as you shower.

It’s also a drinking and dining destination you can stay at with the Med-inspired open-air terrace restaurant Mid Air on the 12th floor and both Portuguese diner Marmelo (more on this below) and late-night basement bar Mr Mills at ground floor. If you’re still snacky after all that incredible food, take advantage of your mini bar with everything in it except alcohol free of charge.

8. Join a Street Art Tour with Blender Studios

Fitzroy is awash with street art. You can’t walk a block without a building-sized mural or painted stencil underfoot, but this underground art movement deserves more than a passing glance. Dedicate a couple of hours to exploring Melbourne’s hidden art scene with a Street Art Tour run by Blender Studios.

Tom (aka Akemi) has been a street artist since 2012, his work is primarily stencil-based and sculptural, and his passion for the artform is infectious. He is one of the studio’s many charismatic street artists who lead visitors around Melbourne’s laneways (the only tour in Australia to do so), pointing out art hidden in unsuspecting places – a sculptured packet of fries, a mural behind a bin. You’ll leave with an appreciation for not only the more eye-catching works, but also the font design at the heart of the art form.

9. Book a long lunch at Marmelo.

Melbourne’s top restaurants list just got another addition with the opening of Marmelo in December 2024. Helmed by Ross and Sunny Lusted (Sydney’s Woodcut and Aman Resorts), the Portuguese diner (and adjoining late-night basement bar Mr Wills) is the perfect lunchtime retreat after a morning spent exploring Australia’s most walkable city.

Hot items on the menu include salted Murray cod and potato croquette with whipped potato and hot mustard on top, grilled octopus in a Goan curry with lime, cassia and green beans and their savoury take on the much-loved pastel de nata – I tried the custard version topped with crab meat and it is reason enough to dine here. Finish it off with the pint-sized Marmelo ginjinha, a chocolate cup with an Amarena cherry for dessert.