Melbourne & beyond: 7 things to do for a complete vacation during Australian Open 2024

Come January 14 and tennis aficionados from around the world will descend on Melbourne for the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open. The highest attended Grand Slam event, the ‘Happy Slam’ witnessed more than 9 lakh spectators over three weeks last year. While the tennis tournament itself is the biggest draw, visitors also have the choice of experiencing a whole lot more in and around Melbourne to turn their visit into a complete vacation, especially if travelling with family. Here, in no particular order, are the seven most fun and engaging things to do in Melbourne and short distances away in the countryside of Victoria.

Take a guided tour of world-class sporting venues

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia.

As Australia’s unrivalled sporting capital, Melbourne is a haven for the ultimate sports enthusiast. Embark on a guided tour and immerse yourself in the city’s dynamic sporting culture, diving behind the scenes of iconic venues hosting diverse sports. Begin at the mecca of cricket, the Melbourne Cricket Ground or MCG, a cricketing colosseum with a capacity of over 100,000 that has hosted numerous legendary battles since 1853. Discover cricket’s rich history within the hallowed corridors, explore the players’ dressing rooms and the renowned Long Room, stand on the sacred turf and feel the aura of the stands, and visit the MCG Museum for a captivating journey through the sport’s evolution.

At the Grand Prix Circuit winding around the picturesque Albert Park Lake, feel the adrenaline-pumping rush of Formula 1 as you take a drive with an experienced guide, while also learning about the fast straights and challenging turns, and how the track is transformed for the Grand Prix. At Melbourne Park, home to the Australian Open, immerse yourself in the action-packed journey of the Grand Slam from a player’s point of view as you visit the changing rooms, superboxes, VIP areas and the arena. (Do bear in mind that this tour is not offered during the Australian Open.) You’ll also drive by the Flemington Race Course, home of the Melbourne Cup—‘the race that stops the nation’, and the Marvel Stadium, a modern arena for various events.

Quick Fact: Prices begin at AUD 250 or roughly Rs 14,000 onwards for a half-day tour with lunch and a drink.

Cruise to meet one of the largest colonies of fur seals

Seal Rock, Phillip Island, Australia.

Just about an hour from Melbourne, off the southern coast of Victoria, is the enchanting Phillip Island with rocky cliffs, pristine beaches and lush hinterlands. The island and the waters around are home to a bevy of wildlife, some of the most adorable of which you can meet on a cruise to Seal Rocks. Home to one of the largest fur seal colonies in Australia, Seal Rocks houses around 30,000 of the playful aquatic creatures.

During the 2.5 hours voyage, you traverse the sparkling waters of the Bass Strait, which separates the Australian mainland from the island of Tasmania. Panoramic views of the rugged Phillip Island coastline keep you company, as you spot seabirds and other marine life along the way. As your boat nears Seal Rocks, barks and whistles of the seals fill the air, with thousands of them lounging and sunbathing on the rocks while many come out to greet you, swimming and playing around the boat. It’s an enthralling experience unlike any!

Quick Fact: Phillip Island is easily accessible by the public V/Line bus from Melbourne and costs merely AUD 10 (Rs 550) per person. The seal watching cruise is priced at about AUD 100 (Rs 5,500) per person.

Watch a parade of the world’s smallest penguins

Penguin Parade in Australia.

Phillip Island is also home to one of the largest colonies of Little Penguins in the world and you can have the most enchanting close encounter with them at the Penguin Parade. A protected wildlife area overlooking the picturesque Summerland Beach, the Parade sees the Little Penguins swim ashore in the thousands every evening at sunset, and waddle past you to their nesting grounds.

There are general viewing grandstands as well as an underground glass enclosure to watch the cute creatures go about their business from up close, without disturbing them. The new ultramodern Visitor’s Centre sits at the nexus of three landscapes—dunes, headland and wetland, and contributes to a more sophisticated viewing experience with various exhibitions showcasing the daily lives of the penguins as well as the history and culture of their homeland.

Quick Fact: The general viewing tickets cost AUD 75 or about INR 4,000 for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children). You can venture to Phillip Island in the evening for the Penguin Parade or simply stay back after the seal watching cruise in the morning. Either way, it’s advisable to spend the night on the island as the last bus to Melbourne departs around 6pm. Many accommodation options are available from AUD 80 (Rs 4,500) onwards.

Take a ride on the century-old Puffing Billy Railway

Puffing Billy railway, Dandenong Ranges, Australia.

For another short and delightful day trip for all ages, embark on a charming escape aboard the iconic Puffing Billy Railway. This narrow-gauge heritage train, dating back to the early 20th century, takes you on a picturesque journey through the verdant hills of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. Open-sided carriages, reminiscent of a simpler time, allow you to sit and dangle your feet out of the windows, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sun on your face as you chug past towering Mountain Ash trees and lush fern forests.

The 25-kilometre journey unfolds like a storybook, revealing quaint townships, cascading waterfalls and rolling emerald hills. Keep your eyes peeled for charming country cottages, grazing sheep, and the occasional wallaby hopping through the forest. For an even more unique experience, choose the ‘Footplate Rider’ option and stand alongside the driver, feeling the heat of the boiler and the thrill of piloting this iron horse.

Quick Fact: The journey starts from the town of Belgrave, which is directly connected to Melbourne by the metro. From the Belgrave metro station, the Puffing Billy station is a just 2-minute walk away. Return tickets for the entire journey aboard Puffing Billy costs AUD 40 or INR 2,200 per person.

Savour an afternoon of fine wines amid finer landscapes

Yarra Valley wineyard, Melbourne.

Nestled among the rolling hills of Victoria’s countryside, Yarra Valley is a haven for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Renowned for its cool-climate wines, this picturesque region boasts over 80 wineries, each crafting unique expressions of the land, terroir and climate. These varietals thrive in the interplay of sunshine, cool nights and well-draining soils, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity, elegant tannins and complex aromas. While Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the undisputed stars of Yarra Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and sparkling wines offer exciting alternatives for curious palates. You can also explore smaller producers experimenting with lesser-known varietals such as Gamay or Nebbiolo, and discover hidden gems that reflect the region’s diversity.

Numerous tour operators offer curated journeys that take you behind the scenes of family-run wineries, boutique producers and established icons. Learn about soil types, grape varietals, and winemaking techniques from passionate winemakers. Round it off with wine tastings, paired with delectable meals at winery restaurants showcasing local produce.

Quick Fact: Full day Yarra Valley wine tours start from $160 or Rs 9,000 approx., and include pick up and drop at designated sites in Melbourne, transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, tour of three-four wineries, wine tastings and lunch.

Meet Australia’s native wildlife and learn about conservation efforts

Healesville Sanctuary, Australia.

Also located in Yarra Valley is the Healesville Sanctuary — a haven for native wildlife and a beacon of conservation. This enchanting sanctuary amid eucalyptus forests isn’t just home to adorable koalas and bounding kangaroos; it’s a vital centre dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting some of Australia’s most vulnerable animals. While spotting natives like wombats, emus and echidnas is a guaranteed delight, the sanctuary also plays a crucial role in securing the future of threatened species like the Eastern Barred Bandicoot and the Leadbeater’s Possum, through dedicated breeding programs and research initiatives.

Beyond the animal encounters, Healesville Sanctuary offers a range of educational experiences as well as a very engaging bird show called ‘Spirits of the Sky’. Held twice daily, the show presents Aussie winged marvels such as Galahs, Rainbow Lorikeets, Wedge-tailed Eagles and other birds. Besides the awe-inspiring displays, the presenters also share fascinating insights into the ecology, behaviours and conservation efforts surrounding these birds.

Quick Fact: General admission ticket to Healesville Sanctuary costs AUD 46 or Rs 2,500 for adults, while children under 16 enter for free during weekends.

Indulge in holistic wellness at natural thermal springs 

Peninsula Hot Springs, Victoria, Australia.

An hour south of Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula makes for a relaxing getaway, with its coastal charm and rolling hills, beneath which lies a hidden treasure — a network of thermal springs and luxurious spas promising the ultimate R&R. Peninsula Hot Springs is the crown jewel, boasting over 70 geothermal bathing experiences nestled among natural bushland. Immerse yourself in a cascading series of hot and cold pools, indulge in a mud treatment in a private pavilion, or soak under the starry sky in a moonlit bath.

Alba Thermal Springs in Victoria, Australia. (Photo: Jesse Hisco)

For a more intimate and luxury-infused experience, the world-class Alba Thermal Springs & Spa is the premier choice. Float in their magnesium-rich infinity pool overlooking native gardens, unwind in a Moroccan-inspired hammam, or treat yourself to a bespoke massage using locally sourced ingredients. Awarded the best spa in Australasia last year, the subterranean Aurora Spa & Bathhouse is a wellness experience unlike any, featuring a magnesium float room, four mineral salt hydrotherapy pools and a Bathhouse with an array of contrasting thermal experiences.

While the thermal springs are the highlight in Mornington Peninsula, you can also explore charming coastal towns like Sorrento and Portsea, indulge in local gourmet delights at farm-to-table restaurants, or hike through scenic national parks.

Quick Fact: You can hire a self-drive car for AUD 40 (Rs 2,300) for the day. Spend as little as AUD 50 (Rs 2,700) for entry and access to over 50 different baths at Peninsula Hot Springs, or as much as AUD 975 (Rs 55,000) for a full day package at Alba including springs access, artisan massage, essential facial, guided meditation and lunch.