7 things to do in Melbourne this long weekend
The first long weekend of 2020 is upon us and what better way to spend three days off than exploring our local community? To give you some inspiration on where to go and what to do, we’ve listed some of the places you’ll find us over the long weekend.
1. Heide Museum of Modern Art in Bulleen
Pack a picnic with a crusty loaf of bread and head to Bulleen for an inspiring experience of art, architecture, gardens & social history at Heide. We recommend visiting the critically acclaimed exhibition, Terminus: Jess Johnson and Simon Ward, touring from the National Gallery of Australia. Terminus presents a quest, an immersive virtual reality adventure – with their pioneering use of virtual reality, artists Jess Johnson and Simon Ward have created an immersive virtual reality installation in which Johnson’s drawings have been transformed from analogue to digital. Once you’ve experienced all that the Museum has to offer, sit down and take in the beautiful gardens and sculpture park with your picnic lunch or visit their on-site cafe. They’re open all long weekend!
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2. Flying Fox Discovery Tour at Yarra Bend Park
Take a tour of Melbourne’s premier flying fox hang out. Run by Parks Victoria and guided by a Volunteer Park Guide, the free Flying Fox Discovery tour is an an enjoyable 45 minute return walk on an easy trail, allowing visitors to learn all about the Grey-headed flying fox creatures that inhibit the beautiful inner-city park at Yarra Bend. A truly unique wildlife encounter.
3. Abbotsford Convent Farmers Market
Held within the grounds of the historic Abbotsford Convent, the Abbotsford Farmers Market is held on the fourth Saturday of each month. Take your own bag (or pick up a Nelson Alexander tote bag when you get there) and stock up on an amazing local produce for the long weekend! Fully accredited by the Victorian Farmers Market Association and managed by Melbourne Farmers Markets (MFM), meaning when you shop with them you have the unique opportunity to meet the people responsible for the produce you are buying and directly supporting them – learning about the origins of your purchase is part of the fun.
4. Let’s Find It! Activity Sheet for Kids at the National Gallery of Victoria
What’s soft, furry, crinkly or colourful? Find out when you explore NGV and play this finding game. Created especially for young children, collect a free activity sheet from the information desk and head anywhere in the Gallery. Look at works of art, objects made in different parts of the world and discover something you love along the way!
5. Brunswick Artist Market at the Spotted Mallard
Head to the Spotted Mallard on Sydney Road this Sunday for the Brunswick Artist Market. Held on the fourth Sunday of every month, the small but vibrant market gives you the opportunity to support local artists by picking up a one-off piece, whilst experiencing live music and indulging in delicious coffee and toasties from Melbourne Social enterprise, Co-Ground Coffee.
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6. Lunar New Year Celebration at Preston Market
An icon of the northside, Preston Market is where locals and visitors alike go for just about everything. This weekend, celebrate the Lunar New Year at Preston Market with live entertainment and free activities such an Ink-Blow Painting, Chinese Face Mask Decorating and Chinese Calligraphy Art. There will be plenty of Asian inspired food pop ups and stalls – think delicious Bao’s and banana fritters!
7. Visit the Humans of Moonee Valley Exhibition
Grab a coffee on Puckle Street, then head into Moonee Ponds Central for the Humans of Moonee Valley Exhibition. Put together by talented local youth, the exhibition shares eye opening stories from the people that make up the Moonee Valley community. The grand opening is being held today, Friday 24th January, with live music performance by Summer Tunes.
