The best things to do in Melbourne this Queen’s Birthday long weekend
Celebrate your extra day off with these fun things to do over the long weekend (June 9-11)
The actual date of Queen Lizzie's birthday may have long gone (it's on April 21), but we'll take this belated celebration anyhow. There's plenty to do around and out of Melbourne this long weekend, so pack the car for a short getaway or hang out for a killer staycation where you can see world-class works of art, celebrate the work of Winona Ryder or drink wine at the zoo.
Flying solo? Here are a bunch of fun things to do alone in Melbourne. And if the weather turns, remember to consult our rainy day guide, too.
Things to do over the long weekend
See the world-famous Terracotta Warriors
For more than 2,000 years an army of 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors have stood guard at the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, in the Shaanxi province. The army was entirely unknown until it was discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974. A delegation of eight warriors are visiting Melbourne as part of an exhibition at the NGV called Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality. Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality is one half of a two-part exhibition, alongside Cai Guo-Qiang: The Transient Landscape.
Slurp your way through the best noodle soups in Melbourne
What's better than soup? Noodle soup. We've scoured the city for the best noodles soups for you to warm yourselves up with while the chill sets in.
See Beatles memorabilia in this '60s exhibition
This exhibition comes from London's Victoria and Albert Museum and includes more than 500 objects. Highlights include John Lennon's real-life glasses and the uniform he wore on the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, handwritten lyrics for "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", Mick Jagger's stage costume and a guitar the Who's Pete Townshend once smashed on stage. The handwritten lyrics to 'Revolution' show an insight into Lennon's songwriting process, with words that rhyme with 'revolution' scribbled down the left side of the page ('constitution', 'institution', 'revelation', 'dissolution', confusion', 'intrusion'...).
Go ice skating in Fed Square
The Skyline Terrace at Federation Square (the roof of the Fed Square car park) is home to the Winter Village: a (faux) snow-covered pop-up bar inspired by European winter markets. The pop-up is surrounded by snowy pine trees à la the Black Forest, while inside guests can enjoy an ice skating rink, 21 toasty warm private igloos and a mega igloo where it snows (inside!) every hour. You can stave off the winter chill at Feast Kitchen and Sip Bar. There are winter-themed treats to keep you warm or you can book a private igloo and get an inclusive food and beverage package.
Go to a snow party at Pontoon
Sip on bottomless G&Ts at State of Grace
Stiff upper lip, old chap! What ho! Another gin and tonic is just the ticket! Practise those phrases, as State of Grace is serving up unlimited gin and tonics for $55 on the Queen's Birthday Saturday – what could be more British than that? You can choose whatever flavour you like, and the G&Ts come in adorable (and oh so English) teacups.
Warm up with one of the best hot chocolates in Melbourne
The humble hot chocolate has come a long way from the days of Nestle powder. We're particularly spoiled here in Melbourne, with venues taking to mugs of gooey, molten chocolate with the same sort of all-consuming fixation usually applied to coffee. Head to one of these venues for Melbourne's best hot chocolate; or, if you're looking for other ways to escape the gloom, why not try Melbourne's best dumplings or pubs with fireplaces instead?
Get your money's worth out of a bottomless brunch
Going out for breakfast is a prized cultural tradition in Melbourne, and adding a drink to the mix is a sure-fire way to make the most of your weekend hours. These are the bet bottomless brunches in Melbourne, to make the most of that Monday off.
Sing Happy Birthday to Queen Liz at the Perseverance
Persa is holding a cracking birthday party for our dear monarch. There will be two hours of bottomless drinks from 8-10pm (beer, wine and vodka), and jaffles are available for just $10. It's $30 entry, and DJs will be playing kickin' tunes all night. Even the 93-year-old queen would have a blast.
Snuggle up at these pubs with fireplaces
While snow may not fall on Melbourne during winter, those cold months really can get you down. Thankfully, our city has no shortage of cosy neighbourhood pubs with fireplaces to warm your toes.
Rather get out of town?
10 weekend getaways from Melbourne
As much as we love all things Melbourne, even we occasionally need a break from the big city. Here's all the inspiration you need to plan your next weekend escape.