Exploring Melbourne's Good Friday Activities

Good Friday is a public holiday in Melbourne, Australia, and marks the start of Easter weekend. Traditionally, many shops and restaurants close for the day, but there are still plenty of things to do and places to visit.

Explore the Yarra River and its venues in Southbank or South Wharf

Melbourne's Yarra River waterfront is a vibrant mix of hospitality, arts and recreation. The river and its venues in Southbank and South Wharf offer plenty of options for a fun day out, especially during Good Friday when many other places are closed. Here's a guide to exploring the Yarra River and its venues in these areas:

Dining and Drinking

Southbank and South Wharf are known for their excellent waterside dining options, offering everything from casual bites to fine dining experiences. Along the river, you'll find a variety of eateries, bars, and cafes to choose from. For a unique experience, head to Ponyfish Island, a tiny floating bar and restaurant offering Asian-inspired dishes and stunning views of the Yarra River. Other popular spots include Arbory Afloat, Melbourne's largest outdoor floating cocktail bar, and Yarra Botanica for coffee, meals, and sunset drinks.

If you're looking for a more upscale experience, the Crown Entertainment Complex is home to super-chef-helmed restaurants and international designer boutiques. Southgate Precinct also offers three levels of restaurants and boutique shopping alongside the river. For a riverside alfresco dining experience, pull up a table at any of the excellent eateries between Southgate and the Crown Complex, and watch the city light up at night.

Arts and Culture

Take in some public art installations along the river, such as Deborah Halpern's mosaic sculpture, 'Ophelia', or the 'Travellers' sculptures on the Sandridge pedestrian bridge. The Arts Centre Melbourne and Federation Square are also nearby cultural attractions worth visiting.

Recreation and Relaxation

For a relaxing afternoon, head to the South Wharf Promenade and enjoy riverfront views while dining or sipping drinks at restaurants and bars with outdoor seating. You can also laze on the lawns in front of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre or relax in a deckchair with a drink at the Boatbuilders Yard. If you're feeling more active, you can hire one of Melbourne's famous Blue Bikes and explore the area on two wheels, or even take a waterbike out on the river.

Visit the Melbourne Zoo, Eureka Skydeck, or the Melbourne Aquarium

Good Friday is a public holiday in Melbourne, with most shops and attractions closed for the day. However, there are still some great options available for those looking for things to do, including the Melbourne Zoo, Eureka Skydeck, and the Melbourne Aquarium.

Melbourne Zoo

The Melbourne Zoo is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and bulls. The zoo offers exclusive experiences with these animals, such as the Elephants, Keepers, and Calves Experience, the Elephant Bull Experience, and the Giraffe Experience. These experiences provide visitors with the opportunity to connect with the natural world and learn more about their favourite animals. The zoo also has a range of dining options, from sit-down meals to takeaway treats.

Eureka Skydeck

The Eureka Skydeck offers breathtaking views of Melbourne from the heart of the city. On Good Friday, the Skydeck is partnering with the Good Friday Appeal to raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. Visitors can support the fundraiser by scanning the QR codes on the observational window stickers, which allow donations to be directed to the geographical region of the donor's choice. Additionally, the Skydeck will donate 25% of direct general admission ticket sales made on Good Friday to the Good Friday Appeal. By visiting the Eureka Skydeck, you can enjoy stunning views and contribute to a worthy cause.

Melbourne Aquarium

The Melbourne Aquarium, also known as Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, is a popular attraction that allows visitors to explore the wonders of the underwater world. It is home to a diverse range of marine life and offers a unique after-dark event called SEA LIFE Nights. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, SEA LIFE Nights are currently on hold. However, the aquarium typically has opening hours that accommodate visitors looking for a fun activity on Good Friday.

Take a train to Brighton Beach and walk to St Kilda

If you're spending Good Friday in Melbourne, one fun activity is to take a train to Brighton Beach and walk to St Kilda. This coastal walk is one of the most scenic in Melbourne, stretching approximately 6-7km across some of the city's best beaches. Here's a detailed guide to help you plan your day:

Getting to Brighton Beach

To get to Brighton Beach, you can either drive or take advantage of Melbourne's public transportation system. If you're coming from the city centre, the beach is just a short drive away. Alternatively, you can walk to Southern Cross Railway Station and catch the Sandringham train, disembarking at Middle Brighton Station. From there, it's a short walk to the beach.

Exploring Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is an iconic coastal destination in Melbourne, known for its sun-kissed sand, gentle waves, and azure waters. It's a great spot for both relaxation and beachside activities. The beach is bordered by a scenic promenade that invites leisurely strolls while offering panoramic views of the bay.

One of the highlights of Brighton Beach is the colourful line of bathing boxes. These whimsical structures, synonymous with Melbourne's identity, were originally built as ladies' changing sheds in the 1800s. They are individually owned, often passed down within families, and can be rented out for a unique weekend escape.

The Walk to St Kilda

The Brighton Beach to St Kilda coastal walk is a scenic adventure that will take you approximately 2 hours to complete. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can start the walk from the Brighton Beach train station, which will add about 30 minutes to your journey.

Along the way, you'll be treated to beautiful views of the bay, sailing boats, and the city skyline. You'll also pass by some incredible mansions and tranquil beaches, such as Elwood Beach.

Exploring St Kilda

Once you arrive in St Kilda, you'll find plenty of restaurants and bars to refuel and refresh. You can also visit the penguins that come out at sunset at the end of the St Kilda Pier. To get back to Melbourne, simply jump on Tram 96 from various stops in St Kilda.

Good Friday Considerations

It's important to note that Good Friday is a public holiday in Melbourne, and many shops and attractions may be closed for half or the entire day. However, there are still plenty of restaurants that will be open and offering themed menus for Good Friday and Easter. Additionally, some nightclubs and hotels host events on Good Friday Eve.

Go to the Botanical Gardens in the city

If you're looking for something to do in Melbourne on Good Friday, why not take advantage of the autumn weather and visit the Royal Botanic Gardens? Here are some ideas to make the most of your day:

Explore the Gardens' Natural Wonders

Discover the diverse plant life and natural wonders that the Royal Botanic Gardens has to offer. With over 10,000 plant species from around the world, you can explore a kaleidoscope of colours and textures. Wander through sweeping lawns, tranquil lakes, and majestic trees, all within the heart of the city.

Discover Hidden Gems

The Royal Botanic Gardens has hidden gems around every corner. Seek out Guilfoyle's Volcano, a decorative 18th-century-style volcano that recyles and stores storm water for the gardens. Or, if you prefer something spikier, visit the Arid Gardens, home to over 3000 cacti and succulents, offering a striking contrast to the lush greenery of the RBG.

Activities for All Ages

The Royal Botanic Gardens has something for everyone. For a peaceful experience, explore the three meditative spaces of Fern Gully, including the Bird's Nest, where you can relax in a suspended swing chair. If you're feeling more active, take a jog on the famous Tan track, a broad path that's easy on the knees, or hire a boat and go punting on the lake.

Learn About the Gardens' History and Ecology

Join a free guided walking tour to learn about the natural flora and fauna of the gardens. For a deeper understanding of the area's cultural significance, take part in the Aboriginal Heritage Walk. You can also learn about the importance of drought-resistant plants in the warming climate by visiting the Arid Gardens.

Dining Options

Enjoy a bite to eat at the Botanical Hotel, known for its welcoming atmosphere, fine food, and wine. Or, for a more elegant experience, indulge in a high tea at Jardin Tan, complete with bubbly and a selection of savoury and sweet treats.

So, if you're looking for a mix of natural wonders, activities, and dining options, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is the perfect destination this Good Friday.

Check out the Melbourne Comedy Festival

If you're looking for something to do in Melbourne on Good Friday, why not check out the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF)? It's the largest stand-alone comedy festival and the second-largest international comedy festival in the world! The festival features a wide range of performances, including stand-up, cabaret, sketch shows, plays, improvisational theatre, debates, musical shows, and even art exhibitions. It truly has something for everyone!

The MICF takes place annually in Melbourne, typically starting in March and running through to April. The festival spans four weeks and features hundreds of local and international artists. In 2018, the festival had over 550 shows and 6,700 performances! The Melbourne Town Hall has traditionally been the hub of the festival, but performances are held in venues throughout the city.

The MICF also produces several development programs and competitions, such as Raw Comedy, Australia's biggest open-mic competition; Class Clowns, a national comedy competition for high school students; and Deadly Funny, an Indigenous comedy competition celebrating the unique humour of Indigenous Australians.

The festival also features several popular flagship events. The Gala, a televised event, showcases short performances from headline and award-winning comics. There's also The Great Debate, a televised comedy debate with teams of comedians facing off over humorous topics. And let's not forget Upfront, a night dedicated to performances by female comedians only.

So, if you're looking for a good laugh and a great time, be sure to check out the Melbourne International Comedy Festival during your Good Friday in Melbourne!

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