This Tuesday Melbourne will be celebrating the annual Melbourne Cup Day. Whether you’re a horse racing fan or not “the race that stops the nation” does come with a public holiday! If you’re looking for some fun things to do on your day off that do not include watching the Melbourne Cup, then we’ve got you covered!
1. Maho Magic Bar
Trade in the races for some magic as you enter Maho Magic Bar. Open in Chinatown at 19 Celestial Avenue, this pop-up bar features live magicians and premium cocktails. Inspired by the magic bars in Tokyo’s nightlife district, Maho Magic Bar feels like you’re stepping into a part of Japan. Once inside, the intimate space offers table seating, and the magicians move between the tables ensuring that every guest is part of the action.
2. Aboriginal Heritage Walk In The Royal Botanic Gardens
Spend this holiday learning more about the ancestral lands of the Kulin nation and their connection to nature on this guided walk. Your aboriginal guide will take you through an hour-and-a-half walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Discover over 8000 kinds of plants and experience a traditional aboriginal ceremony to acknowledge the ancestors.
3. Yarra Valley Cellar Door And Gin Day
Embark on a delightful journey through the picturesque Yarra Valley. This tour will take you to 3 carefully selected wineries where you can take part in a wine tasting and learn more about the wine and gin-making process. You will also get to enjoy a delicious lunch while staring over the lush vineyards.
4. Phillip Island Seal Watching Cruise
Enjoy afternoon or morning tea while cruising towards one of the largest seal colonies in Australia! Seal Rock is home to over 5,000 resident Australian fur seals. You will be getting a front-row view of their natural environment as your boat drifts within metres of their home. Learn facts from your guide as you go, and spot all kinds of sea birds and maybe even dolphins.
5. Living Legends Champion Racehorse Guided Tour
Keep with the theme of The Melbourne Cup and pay homage to some of the retired champion horses at Living Legends. Just a short drive north of Melbourne you can spend the day with purebred racers now living out their golden years at the Woodland Historic Park. Meet former Melbourne Cup winners, and learn about the horses’ histories and accomplishments with your professional tour guide. End off the day with your own picnic under the trees, or order a gourmet hamper from the Living Legends cafe.
6. Melbourne Skydeck Experiences Package
Spend your day off with breathtaking vistas at the highest public viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. The Melbourne Skydeck offers spectacular 360° views that you can enjoy while participating in the incredible activities on offer. Choose from various packages including the 1-Hour MAX Super VR Experience, 1.5-Hour Thrill Seeker, Cocktail In The Clouds and more!
7. ArtVo Immersive Gallery Experience
The first in Australia of its kind, ArtVo is an immersive art or ‘trick art’ gallery. Journey through 1400 square meters of illusionary art pieces, and have fun taking pictures in weird and wonderful situations! There are nine themed zones to explore with over eighty hand-painted immersive installations. Explore the ocean, polar ice caps, space, and the forest throughout the various themed rooms.