Melbourne is a city that is a bit less chaotic than the huge cities of the world but it is still a big enough place to find the need to escape and unwind a little. If you’re in the mood for some serious relaxation, look no further. I can say first hand these activities will chill you right out if you need some calm in your life.
Known for its quirky charm and laid-back atmosphere, Melbourne is an ideal place for those seeking a good blend of city life and relaxation. You enjoy the crazy life here but you can also experience the calm side and it’s not hard to find that part either. So, let’s dive into the top 9 relaxing things to do in this Aussie gem of a city.
1. Visit the Penguins on St Kilda Beach at sunset
Melbourne takes chilling by the beach to a whole new level. It’s a relaxed vibe down on the coast anyway so don’t expect the chaos of Bondi Beach here, you can always find a quiet spot on the Port Phillip Bay coast.
Head to St Kilda Beach for a while and enjoy the last few hours of daylight on the sand before heading down to the pier just before sunset when the light is best.
Between the rocks on the piers furthest out from the beach, you will see the local penguin colony coming back to rest for the night. They will appear between the rocks but you need a sharp eye as they’re hard to see in the dark and they’re very small. It’s a fulfilling, relaxing nature-based experience with a great cityscape view in the background to round it off.
2. Lose Yourself in the Labyrinth of Hosier Lane
Hosier Lane’s graffiti-filled labyrinth is a nice little break from reality. If you’re in the city and you’re seeking a quiet spot then meander through this canvas of colours and street art, take in this crazy and colourful world created by Melbourne’s talented artists. It’s a bit like Narnia but with more coffee shops.
3. Take a stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens
If you’re going to do some green walks anywhere in Melbourne then Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the best spots for it. There are plenty of lakeside walks and tropical greenery to take in and you feel a million miles away from a big city. If you’re into yoga as well then it’s a perfect spot for that.
4. Enjoy the quiet surroundings of Albert Park
There’s quite a lot to do in Albert Park, you can walk the large stretch of the park just south of the city, sit by the large lake, and relax. You could have a Barbeque on the free grills dotted around the park, check out the Formula 1 buildings in the middle or maybe even take an outdoor swim in the MSAC swimming pool to the West.
If you’re after some chill time there’s enough to do and see around the park. Just don’t visit during late March when the Formula 1 races are in town as it’ll be very loud with the sound of buzzing high-speed engines.
5. Go Zen with Art at the National Gallery of Victoria
Take a stroll through the National Gallery of Victoria, where art meets architecture. There are some good masterpieces here to check out, and there are often a few good immersive exhibitions on too. You can sit in the quiet outdoor areas for some real peace in the city or sit in the huge gallery rooms and just take in all of the art on show. Even if art is not your thing I’d say it’s still a good visit for anyone.
6. Cruise the Yarra River
There are a few options here but you can board a leisurely cruise along the Yarra River and take in the sights. You can cruise down the Southbank past Melbourne Park to see all of the stadiums and head towards South Yarra the opposite direction will take you to the open waters around the Docklands and the more modern build-up areas here. The South Yarra area is quieter and calmer but the Docklands route will be a bit more industrial.
Either way, Melbourne is a nice city to admire and there’s plenty to see. It’d be worth grabbing a quiet drink before or after the cruise in the riverside bars such as Arbory, Afloat, or Ponyfish Island bar.
7. Get up to a rooftop bar before they get busy
Melbourne has a ton of rooftop bars and a lot of them are either limited on space or get busy after 8 pm so it’s a great place to relax in one if you can have a nice cold cocktail or even a coffee with a view. Try the following rooftop bars: Loop Bar, Imperial Hotel, Stolen Gem, Transit Bar, and Carlton Club, all before 8 pm is an ideal time to relax on a rooftop. After that time they often get busy, especially on weekends.
8. Sit off at Jawbone Marine Sanctuary
This is a great little spot in Williamstown, which is full of coastal and marine life and it’s just 20 minutes drive from the CBD. Jawbone offers amazing views of Port Phillip Bay, Point Cook, and the surrounding Peninsulas. There are also plenty of opportunities for some bird watching too in this quiet spot west of the city.
9. Visit Collingwood Children’s farm
If you want to sample a bit of nature around the city but the zoo is a bit too much then Collingwood Children’s farm is the ideal happy medium. It goes down well with both kids and adults, this not-for-profit inner city farm takes up seven hectares and is full of farm animals. Complete with a café, this farm is a good spot to stroll around for a bit of peace and animal interaction throughout the day.
So there you have it, mates. Melbourne’s quirky charm and humorous vibe make it the perfect destination for those looking to relax and rejuvenate. Whether you’re serenading penguins or practicing yoga, you can find all the best chill spots in the city. If you’re looking to go out of Melbourne there are some very relaxing day trips available in Victoria too.