The Best Outdoor Activities in and Around Melbourne

A year-round fishing spot, Port Phillip Bay is a popular location for both local fishermen and tourists. Most people come to this spot in the hopes they’ll land a red snapper, but the waters are also full of squid, yellow-eye mullet, Australian salmon, flathead and silver trevally, among other marine life. As well as a great fishing spot, Port Phillip Bay is a perfect place to spend a day out. The horsehead-shaped bay is a perfect spot for hiking and scuba diving, as well as spotting local dolphins. Take a walk down the pier and drop in at the local Esplanade Market.

If you like going for a run on your day off, the 3.8km (2.4mi) running route around the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular trails in the city. Locally known as ‘The Tan’, this trail has a mix of hills, shaded areas and long straight sprints, perfect for working out on hot summer days. If going for a run doesn’t appeal to you, it’s also open for walkers, bikes and dogs. A stroll around the Botanic Gardens will take you around three quarters of an hour. Look out for the colourful birds and interesting plant species, as well as for views across Yarra River.

The most popular of Melbourne’s beaches, St Kilda Beach stretches 700 metres (1/2mi) between St Kilda Marina and St Kilda Harbour, with clean white sands and inviting water. Home to the city’s water sports, visitors to this spot can have a go at kitesurfing, paddle boarding and windsurfing in the ocean, skimboarding on the shoreline and even rollerblading on the foreshore. This beach is also popular for its wildlife, with local groups of little penguins often seen in the rocks at the shoreline. Spend a day on the sand, before taking a stroll down the iconic St Kilda Pier and getting a drink at one of the many bars and cafés.

One of the best ways to explore a city in a short time frame is through a bike ride. The Capital City Trail, which is just under 30 kms (19mi) start to finish, takes you through much of Melbourne’s sights, on a gentle road for riding. Starting at Princes Bridge near Flinders Street station, you can choose to ride the trail clockwise or anticlockwise, by either heading east or west. Make sure to keep an eye out for famous landmarks such as the Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Zoo, Southbank and Melbourne Cricket Ground en route.