What is Melbourne like in the spring?

September through to November in Melbourne is something special. The locals start to finally defrost and tentatively begin to put their big coats in the back of the cupboard after a long and chilly winter, and the streets of the city slowly but surely come back to life.

More after-work dinners and drinks, long lunches and shopping days in the CBD, alfresco dining and trips out to Melbourne’s best landmarks – Spring is a fantastic time to visit Victoria’s capital city.

Following on from a couple of hard years stuck inside and on pause (thanks to you-know-what), it’s taken Melburnians a minute to readjust to living a life of fun and freedom, and now that the city is finally returning to its former glory, the energy is contagious and enough to put a pep in any local’s step.

Four seasons in a day

It’s a saying any local knows all-too-well. Melbourne weather is notorious for changing rapidly, and several times throughout the day.

If you are planning on visiting any time of the year you need to be prepared for all weather conditions, but Spring is particularly temperamental, and can quickly change from a sunny day to a raining or windy one.

Always have a jacket with you (yes, even if the forecast says 25), and have a quick google of the rain radar before venturing anywhere without an umbrella. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Spring Things.

If you want a guarantee, it’s that you will not run out of things to do here.

Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia, has a booming arts scene, is extremely proud of the incredible cultural diversity, has enough bars and restaurants to keep you full for a year, and each suburb you visit has its own distinctive vibe.

Adding to this the proximity to the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley, plus Mount Buller and Phillip Island, there is something for every single type of traveller.

Top Melbourne attractions in Spring:

• The AFL Grand Final

  Melbourne’s pride and joy. Held at the iconic MCG, the entire city buzzes on the last weekend in September as the AFL season ends. For the most electric atmosphere, find a pub in Richmond and settle in for the afternoon.

• Melbourne Cup Carnival

  Spanning over a week in November; Derby Day, Melbourne Cup, Oakes Day and Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse will see attendees in their best outfits, placing bets on horse races throughout the day and enjoying a champagne by the track.

• The Royal Botanical Gardens

  The flowers begin to bloom, and Spring is a beautiful time to wander through the gardens, enjoy a picnic, or walk the Tan track surrounding the area. From here you can also walk over to the Shrine of Remembrance.

• Exhibits at the National Gallery of Victoria

  There’s always something to see at the NGV!

• Luna Park

  A Day down in St Kilda is not complete without a trip to Luna Park and a ride on the Scenic Railway.

• Brighton Bathing Boxes

  Colourful beach boxes along the beach in Brighton. While you’re there you can enjoy a spot of shopping along Church Street.

• Yarra Valley Wineries

  Immerse yourself in the lush wineries dotted throughout the Valley in Melbourne’s outer east. Our favourites are Balgownie Estate and Soumah of Yarra Valley.

• Mornington Peninsula

  Drive down the coast and enjoy a relaxing spa day at the Peninsula Hot Springs, or go even further and explore the impressive mansions on the Millionaire’s Walk in Portsea.

• Flinders Lane Dining

  The entire CBD is home to countless eateries, but the best spot to start your evening is the Spring St end of Flinders Lane. Some of the best food is found along here.

• Have a coffee on Degraves St

  Melburnians love coffee, and that’s because the coffee is good in Melbourne.

• Visit a rooftop bar

  To transition from a busy day into a fun evening, stop at a rooftop bar for a drink and nibbles.

Now that you have an idea of what a trip to Melbourne could look like in Spring, there are some dates to make a note of when planning your visit – school holidays usually fall in the end of September and last for 2 weeks, and daylight savings begins in early October – meaning the days are longer from this point.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.