10 ways to have the best spring ever in Melbourne

It's an iconic Melbourne landmark and the oldest boathouse on the Yarra River, and now, after an incredible transformation, Studley Park Boathouse is welcoming back visitors. With more than 150 years of experience charming locals and tourists alike, the new family friendly venue now boasts a transformed dining, drinking and entertainment space. Hire a boat to cruise along the Yarra River and make a day of it. 

The expansive national park to the southwest of Melbourne and its surrounding towns are a magnet for serious climbers and people looking to reconnect with the bush. Lace up your boots, strap on your backpack and prepare yourself for some nature therapy – here are the best spots to hike, stay and eat.

There’s no need to wait until the Melbourne International Comedy Festival swings back around to get your fix of all things comical. From walking tours to absurdist stand-up and musical comedies, this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival (MFF) program has a whole slate of events that'll send you rolling in the aisles.

Following its winter hibernation, Melbourne's OG floating bar and restaurant is returning for its eighth season on the Yarra. Last year, Arbory Afloat was decked out in the style of the picturesque Balearic Islands — and this year, it's returning as a sun-drenched take on the tropical Yucatan Coast. Brought to you by the team at Arbory Bar and Eatery, the 69-metre pop-up is being rebirthed as Afloat Viva Mexico as a tribute to the rich vibrant culture of hot vacation spots like Oaxaca, Tulum and Mexico City.

Traversing time and space, Wurrdha Marra is a new exhibition celebrating the diversity of First Nations art and design. From October 12, the ground floor and foyer of the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia will become a dynamic and ever-changing exhibition space that displays masterpieces and never-before-shown works from the NGV’s First Nations collection.

The CDMX team have brought a truly special dining experience to Lygon Street, with genuinely mood-lifting eats and drinks, sunny service and authentic Mexican street flavours difficult to find elsewhere in the city. Our verdict’s in: these are the best damn tacos in Melbourne, and we know exactly where we’re going for lunch next weekend.

Getting back to nature is good for the soul, and the best thing is that you don't have to make yourself carsick to do it. There are plenty of places a stone's throw from the CBD where you can lawfully pitch a tent and create some very wholesome memories while breathing in some fresh spring air. 

At the beginning of spring when the sun comes out to play, Melbourne's glorious rooftop bars draw in flocks of thirsty revellers with their crisp, cool bevvies and sweeping city views. Maybe it's the higher altitude, but drinking is just more fun from above.