1. Go to the zoo
Three Zoos Victoria locations will be open on Christmas, so take your pick! Will you go into the city and visit Melbourne Zoo, or venture out towards Healesville Sanctuary or Werribee Open Range Zoo? Soak in the summer sunshine and hang out with animals all day long. The only location closed will be Kyabram Fauna Park, which joined the Zoos Victoria family earlier this year.
All tickets must be pre-booked online.📍Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
📍Werribee Open Range Zoo, K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030
📍Healesville Sanctuary, Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777
2. Visit the aquarium
If you’d rather chill with animals inside instead of outside, visit Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. They’re also open on Christmas, and have heaps of adorable penguins, cool sharks and interesting fish to keep you busy.
Pre-book your ticket before you go.📍King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Relax at Peninsula Hot Springs
Does dinner with the relatives stress you out? Get away from it all and escape to Peninsula Hot Springs on Christmas Day. Immerse yourself in the healing waters and let all your troubles melt away. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself.
If you want to go for a nice long drive, sister location Metung Hot Springs will also be open.
📍140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939
4. Meet other people at the Melbourne Social Club Christmas Day Lunch
Not taking part in a traditional family Christmas lunch? Why don’t you meet some new people at this Melbourne Social Club gathering in Queen Victoria Gardens. Bring your own food and drink, a picnic blanket, rug or chair, sunscreen, and if you like, some outdoor games equipment like a football. You can bring food for yourself, or to share with others. A name tag will be handy too. The group will meet under a tree opposite Arts Centre Melbourne. Just look for the Melbourne Social Club banner. The event will start at 12pm and end at 3pm.
📍Queen Victoria Gardens, St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004
5. Go to the movies
Spend the day at the cinemas and pass the time by watching some awesome new movies. Enjoy outdoor screenings at Lido on the Roof, Cameo Outdoor Cinema and Classic Rooftop. Hoyts will also be open on Christmas Day.
6. Take part in this free breakfast from Queerspace
Queerspace will hold their 5th annual Free Breakfast on Christmas morning. LGBTQIA+ folk and allies are invited to go to the Provincial Hotel for breakfast, good company and entertainment. The event runs from 9am to 11am. Vegan and halal breakfast will be available. Learn more here.
📍Provincial Hotel, 299 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
7. Explore different gardens and parks
Enjoy the beauty of nature and walk around some fabulous national parks or gardens around Victoria. Pack your own picnic and settle down in the perfect picnic spot, try hiking along the Grampians trail, explore walking trails around the state, look for flowers and more.
8. Go on a day trip
Get in the car and go! Drive to far away beaches, wander through the trees and enjoy gorgeous views. Check ahead of time to see if there are any local restaurants open, or bring your own food for the journey. Public transport will also be free on Christmas Day, so you can hop on a V/Line and explore regional towns like Ballarat and Bendigo.
9. Grab a bite to eat or a drink
These venues are open on Christmas Day. Bookings might be required, check individual websites for availability and hours:
- Maha and Maha East
- Bistro Guillaume
- Tippy-Tay
- Arbory Afloat
- Nobu
- Conservatory at Crown
- Hotel Esplanade
- HER
- Ponyfish Island
- The Crafty Squire
- Botswana Butchery
- The Duke of Wellington
10. Party at Section 8
This iconic Melbourne container bar is throwing a cheeky party on Christmas Day. Entry is free, and the event will last from 12pm to 11pm. DJs will spin some tunes from 3pm, and there’ll be a lovely barbeque to enjoy too. Find more information here.
Discover Section 8 at 27-29 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000.