Melbourne: The Perfect Weekend Winter Getaway

Winter is upon us, and, as it cools down, you’re probably wondering where you can travel to, to keep your blues at bay. Whilst many travellers opt to migrate north for warmer, tropical locations, we recommend enjoying the cooler climate down in Melbourne. With plenty of arts, culture, and culinary experiences on offer, this city is practically built for winter. In the right city, a weekend away might just cure your seasonal depression and paint winter in a very different light.

At Park On King, we know how to spot a travel trend and have met countless people heading down to Melbourne. Whether it’s to catch an AFL game or an exclusive exhibition, this city has something to offer everyone. We’ve put together a guide for Melbourne to help you plan your next trip.

Watch an AFL Game at the MCG

There is nothing quite like watching a footy game and the “G”. It can hold up to 100,000 attendees and routinely hosts the AFL Grand Final. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is an iconic venue for sport, with games across AFL, Rugby League and Cricket. Watching an AFL game at the “G” is quintessentially Melbourne, as the sport was founded in Victoria. The atmosphere is electric and sure to kick your holiday off right!

Visit the National Gallery of Victoria​

The NGV hosts an impressive range of collections from artists across the globe. It is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. During any given month, there will be an exciting exhibition for you to enjoy. You could easily spend the day roaming through the expansive corridors of the NGV and its thousands of works, and forget all about the cold or wet weather outside.

Shop Your Way Through Fitzroy and Collingwood

No coat, no worries! If you’ve forgotten to pack anything, you’ve found yourself in the perfect place. Melbourne’s shopping scene is unmatched, particularly if you’re into vintage pieces or thrifting. Make your way through Fitzroy and Collingwood, starting along Brunswick Street, and scoop up some fabulous one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you’re looking to find a Vintage Gucci coat at a consignment store or are looking to rummage about for a bargain, there’s sure to be a store for you in the area. Some places we’d recommend include:

• SWOP
• Mane
• Error404
• Goodbyes
• Lost and Found Market

You’ll need to save a lot of time to tackle all these shops, especially Lost and Found, which spans a whopping 950m² and features 50 different vendors. Also, when you’re in the area, keep your eyes peeled for archive sales and warehouse sales, which frequently pop up. Revamping your wardrobe is the perfect cure for your winter woes.

Check out the Winter Night Market

​The Victoria Street winter market is a foodie’s dream. The market has a rich history, spanning over 140 years, and has a range of vendors, selling global street food and mulled wine. You’ll be spoilt for choice. On Wednesday nights, the market is open til 10pm, with specialty shopping and live entertainment. You’ll be surrounded by crackling firepits and glowing fairylights, which turn the Queen Victoria Markets into a winter wonderland.

Explore the Myriad of Hidden Bars

​A law passed in 1994 that allowed bars to operate without serving food reshaped Melbourne’s nightlife and bar culture for the better. Suddenly, bars were cropping up everywhere, down dank alleyways, and hidden in plain sight. For locals and travellers alike, there’s nothing quite like the experience of scouring the city to find a quaint, underground cocktail bar. To get to Above Board, for example, you’ll have to walk down an alleyway that’s not even listed on Google Maps and through an unmarked door.

We recommend simply strolling through the streets of the area where you’re staying. You’ll find a charming bar without having to contend with the crowds of places that are more well-known.

Enjoy Australia’s Best Coffee

​Melbourne is known for its world-class coffee, with its range of specialty roasters. There’s nothing better than waking up and warming up with your coffee of choice. Some popular cafes include:

• Industry beans (Fitzroy)
• Faraday’s Cage (Fitzroy)
• Operator Diner (Melbourne CBD)
• Little Rogue (Melbourne CBD)
• green refectory (Brunswick)

Either opt to sit in or grab a hot takeaway and stroll the surrounding neighbourhood.

Park On King Delivers a Seamless Experience

Flying to Melbourne takes about an hour and a half from Sydney Airport. By choosing offsite airport park at Park On King, you ensure your trip runs seamlessly. Once you’ve dropped your car off, one of our premium vans will drop you off at your terminal, and you’re on your way. At just 7 minutes away, our experienced drivers will make sure you get to Sydney airport with no fuss. That means no struggling to find a park, no rushing to your gate. Secure your spot online with just a few clicks, then park and go. It’s as simple as that!

Book your spot today or call our friendly team to see how we can elevate your travel experience.