Outdoor hotspots for making the most of your summer in Melbourne

Skip the crowds at St Kilda Beach and head south west instead. Williamstown Beach is one of Melbourne’s best beaches – and it’s accessible by train! The long, flat stretch of sand is packed with bodies and beach brollies by midday during summer so arriving early is a good way to score a good spot for you and your posse and avoid the heat of the day.

North Fitzroy’s Edinburgh Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most popular parks – probably because it ticks all the boxes of a good inner-city park. There's 24-hectares of green parkland to stretch out on; there are numerous big trees providing shade; it’s easily accessible by public transport; plus, there are facilities like picnic and barbecue areas, tennis courts, lawn bowls, a basketball court, a skate park, playground, table tennis table and sports fields. Half the park is designated as an off-leash park, which means there are plenty of adorable dogs hanging around enjoying the sunshine just like you.

A bit of sunshine makes everything better in Melbourne, so get exploring.