Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place in the world where you can find all of these secret spots and rare Melbourne experiences.

Play tennis on a floating bar

Melbourne's favourite waterfront bar is getting an AO upgrade. Extending out from the Afloat pool will be a 20-metre long pop-up tennis court. The two-week activation will coincide with the Australian Open. Sip on a limoncello spritz and follow the action live on the big screen. Or join the waitlist to hit the court for a riverside rally.

Visit a museum dedicated to screen time

A happy place for cinephiles, TV buffs and gamers alike. ACMI celebrates screen culture's past and present. Explore the program of film festivals, one-off screenings and immersive exhibitions. Then get hands on at ACMI's new playable exhibition, Game Worlds. There's more than half a century of video game history to explore. Play everything from rare prototypes to major titles like Minecraft, The Sims and more.

Catch a free concert at an iconic outdoor venue

The Sidney Myer free concerts have been a Melbourne tradition for decades. The series returns again this year with four nights of performances. Pack a picnic and nab your spot on the grass. Then hear gorgeous classical arrangements performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The Find Your Voice Choir will join them for a showcase of original music. While the Australian Youth Orchestra explore video game soundscapes.

Sleep in a vintage Airstream caravan

Why settle for a regular hotel when you can sleep in a vintage Airstream caravan on a city rooftop? HOTEL NO takes glamping to glorious new heights. Perched atop a car-park rooftop, the sleek vans have everything you’d wish for. They’re fitted out with a queen bed, cooling and a ready-to-raid minibar, not to mention a pretty spectacular view.

Sail down the Yarra River by picnic boat

There's no better way to experience Melbourne's historic river. Gather your crew and set sail in a self-driving vessel – no boat licence required. Or book one of On a Boat's skippered cruises to sit back and soak in the sights. Have a pumping playlist ready to connect to the on-board speaker. Then complete the outing with BYO food and drinks.

Sip a pint of Guinness in Victoria’s smallest pub

This aptly named spot was once a caretaker’s cottage, now it’s one of the world’s best bars. Tucked away behind a church on Little Lonsdale Street you’ll find Caretaker’s Cottage. The intimate bar is run by some of the city’s best bartenders, known for their expertly crafted cocktails and milk punch. It’s also one of the best places to grab a perfect pour of Guinness. Perch up in the window and enjoy tunes from the eclectic record collection.

Watch a movie under the stars

Hiding in the lush Royal Botanic Gardens is our favourite spot for summer. Make the most of the warmer weather and catch a flick at the Moonlight Cinema. Book one of the comfy bean bag beds or bring your own blanket and cushions. Then settle in for a blockbuster screening or revisit cult classics like Back to the Future and Shrek.

See the oldest novel in the world

Did you know the first ever published novel in the world is housed in one of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks? Head to the State Library of Victoria’s free World of the Book exhibition to see 300 historic books and literary treasures. For more rare tomes, take a tour of the MCG. Sport and literature make an unlikely pair above the hallowed turf. The light-filled ‘members-only’ library holds a 400-year-old French-English dictionary containing the first ever reference to cricket.

Learn about Aboriginal history on a city walking tour

Delve into the city’s fascinating Aboriginal heritage on the guided Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk. Learn about the history of the Birrarung, which means river of mists, and discover how the land has changed over time. You’ll also see incredible large-scale art installations. The tour returns to the Koorie Heritage Trust where Aboriginal tools and artefacts are displayed. Think boomerangs, possum-skin cloaks, shields and more.

Visit a gallery frozen in the 19th century

Multi-award-winning, critically acclaimed and held at an unassuming East Melbourne location. The Johnston Collection is quite literally a hidden gem. The home’s maze of rooms are filled top to bottom with all that’s gilded and antique. Think chequerboard floors, glittering chandeliers and portraits of ruffle-necked figures. The special house museum hosts exhibitions and events year-round.