Fun things to do this summer in Melbourne

Following its winter hibernation, Melbourne's OG floating bar and restaurant has returned for its eighth season on the Yarra. And this year, it's a sun-drenched take on the tropical Yucatan Coast. The 69-metre pop-up has been rebirthed as Afloat Viva Mexico: a tribute to the rich vibrant culture of hot vacation spots like Oaxaca, Tulum and Mexico City. The jungle-meets-paradise oasis will be a celebration of colour, festivity and flavours, and if the success of the floating bar's past seasons is anything to go by, Melburnians are in for a riotous treat. 

This year’s NGV Architecture Commission has opened and it’s sure to be just as breathtaking as its predecessors (Temple of Boom, Pink Pond). However, unlike previous installations, this one will actually be doing the breathing. ‘(This is) Air’ will see a giant inflatable sphere that literally inhales and exhales throughout the day become the centrepiece of the garden. The balloon-like structure will morph throughout the day as it draws in and releases air in a natural rhythm. If you get close enough, you may even get to feel a gust as the sphere ‘exhales’. 

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.

There's no shortage of extreme waterslides in and around Melbourne. From spiralling towers to rides that will make you weightless, here's our list of the best waterslides around Victoria.