As the last wisps of winter's chill dissipate, Melbourne transforms into a vibrant playground in August. The shoulder season brings a refreshing respite from the crowds, allowing you to uncover the city's hidden gems at your own pace. But don't be fooled – the cultural scene is about to ignite, with the Melbourne International Film Festival taking center stage. This is the perfect time to experience the city's renowned street art, live music, and coffee culture in all its glory. In this blog, we will guide you through the best experiences, events, and activities to enjoy in Melbourne during August, including tips on what to pack, where to stay, and how to make the most of your visit.
What makes Melbourne in August Special?
Pleasant weather
While other parts of the country are sweltering through strong summers, Melbourne in August offers a refreshing change of pace. Expect crisp, cool days with occasional rain showers, making it perfect for indoor cultural attractions or outdoor activities like hiking.
A great time to explore Australia
August might not be ideal for visiting Phillip Island, but it's a great time to explore other parts of Australia. With mild weather and fewer crowds, you can enjoy popular destinations without the peak season chaos.
Sports and cultural events
August is an exciting time for sports fans, with the Australian Football League (AFL) season in full swing. Catch a game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground or Docklands Stadium for an unforgettable experience. Meanwhile, the Melbourne International Film Festival takes center stage, showcasing the best of local and international cinema.
Melbourne Weather in August
In Melbourne, August, the final month of the winter, is a temperate month with an average temperature that varies between 13.4°C and 6.6°C. August typically has a relative humidity of 76%. In Melbourne, there are 6.5 hours of average daily sunshine this month. This enhances the city's appeal and the various displays of vegetation that are present there.
Visting Melbourne in August: Things to do
1
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
No matter their age, everyone desires to visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Melbourne. Kids, adults, and families who love to construct are all ideal candidates.
In Miniland, Melbourne's top attractions, especially during August, are constructed entirely out of LEGOs. The Master Model Builder Workshops can teach you how to build a LEGO structure.
August Timings
9am to 7pm
Level 2/1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone VIC 3148,
Australia
Getting There ›
2
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to see the mating season of penguins in August every year. At dusk, crowd the viewing boardwalks at Phillip Island Nature Park to see them dash to their burrows on Summerland Beach.
Witness that thrilling moment as the first young penguins emerge from the water and start to shuffle along a Phillip Island beach at sunset.
154/156 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922,
Australia
Getting There ›
3
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Get up close and personal with native Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, and emus at the Ballarat Wildlife Park. Explore the park's natural habitats, including the Australian Walkabout and the Reptile House, and enjoy interactive experiences like animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. With a focus on conservation and education, Ballarat Wildlife Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and families alike.
August Timings
Daily: 9am to 5pm
250 Fussell St, Ballarat East VIC 3350
Australia
Getting There ›
4
Melbourne Zoo
In the centre of Melbourne, explore a world of wildlife. In the stunning environment of Melbourne Zoo, you may find more than 250 species from all over the world. Wander across the beautiful rainforests of Asia, Africa, Australia, and even underwater. Especially during August when the winter is wearing off!
Visit our underwater wonderland to view the famous Little Penguins of Victoria, Australian Fur Seals, and more!
August Timings
Daily: 9am - 5pm
Parkville VIC 3052,
Australia
Getting There ›
5
Yarra River Cruise
Take a leisurely Yarra River Cruise to admire Melbourne's cityscape from a different perspective. As you glide along the river, you'll pass iconic landmarks like the Docklands, Federation Square, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. . Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds and fish, and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Melbourne River Cruises, Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC, Melbourne
Getting There ›
6
Philip Island Cape Woolamai Cruise
Philip Island is a beautiful island located off the coast of Victoria, Australia. The island is home to many amazing natural attractions, including Cape Woolamai, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. Visitors can take a cruise to enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife that Philip Island has to offer. Cape Woolamai is located on the southern tip of Philip Island and is home to a number of beautiful beaches. The cape is also a great place to spot wildlife, including penguins, seals, dolphins, and whales.
Phillip Island, VIC,
Australia
Getting There ›
7
Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is a not-for-profit conservation organisation located in Healesville, Victoria, Australia. The sanctuary works to protect and conserve Australian wildlife through education, research and rehabilitation programs.
The sanctuary has grown to become one of Australia’s leading wildlife parks, providing a home for over 200 species of Australian animals.
Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777,
Australia
Getting There ›
8
Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs
In August, Peninsula Hot Springs, a day spa and natural geothermal mineral springs complex, is less than 90 minutes from Melbourne. Discover over 70 bathing and health experiences with worldwide influences seamlessly incorporated into the surrounding environment.
Additional options include yoga, reformer pilates, body clay, fire and ice, aerial yoga, and several others.
140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939,
Australia
Getting There ›
Melbourne in August: Events to Look Out For
Melbourne International Film Festival 2024
August 8 to 25, 2024
Melbourne is honouring its 72nd anniversary in style. MIFF is back with a sizable lineup of acclaimed Australian and international films, illustrious speakers, premieres, galas, discussions, and special activities.
The festival will hold screenings in suburban locations, the Victoria area, and Melbourne's central business district.
Queen Victoria Winter Night Market
June 5 - August 28, 2024
The Queen Victoria Summer Night Market is always bittersweet when it ends, but there is a bright spot: it signals the arrival of the Winter Night Market. On the main stage of the market, live music will be performed by a rotating lineup of local musicians and roving entertainers.
Melbourne August Essentials
LanguageEnglish
Time zoneGMT+10
Country Code+61
Socket Type I
CurrencyAustralian Dollar ($)
Melbourne Weather in August
August's lowest temperature in Melbourne is 6.2°C on average. With an average of 41mm, August's rainfall is typical. 13 days in total on average saw rain. Around 16.0°C is the standard maximum midday temperature. The sun will occasionally appear with 166 hours of sunshine throughout the entire month.
Melbourne Accommodation In August
The second-largest city in Australia, while lacking an expansive harbour, recognizable bridge, or opera house, rivals Sydney as the nation's commercial, creative, and cultural hub. Numerous factors contribute to this city of roughly five million people consistently receiving the title of "World's Most Liveable", including the enormous parks, inner-city beaches, excellent public transportation, and easy access to attractions throughout the state.
- Luxury - InterContinental The Rialto, Langham, Sofitel on Collins.
- Moderate - Lyall Hotel and Sp, Treasury on Collins Apartment Hotel, The Jazz Corner.
- Budget - Cosmopolitan, Crest on Park, Grand Chancellor.
Getting Around Melbourne in August
Trams are free to ride inside much of Melbourne. But be mindful of the limits.
Melbourne boasts a robust and well-organized public transportation system. Commuters can use a Myki Card to access trams, trains, and buses. Mykis are offered as either a full fare or a concession. Ticket inspectors will not accept a student card or passport; a concession card issued by the government is required. Mykis can be topped off at 7/11 convenience stores or specialized top-up kiosks at tram stops and train stations.
Melbourne in August: What to eat
You can enjoy the Tzatziki dip without waiting until you get to Paros, the Greek island where it was discovered. The Tzatziki is readily available in Athenian restaurants and includes three healthy ingredients—cucumber, yoghurt, and garlic.
The supreme celebration of the fanciest mushrooms is held at the Collingwood restaurant, where guests will be served course after delectable course of truffley pleasures paired with fine wines. We advise you to eat these truffles while you still can because, if you don't realize, the truffle season ends in August.
Johnny Di Francesco's Margherita Pizza, which won first place at the 2014 World Pizza Championships, is topped with handmade tomato sauce, creamy fior di latte cheese, and fresh basil. The base of the pizza is absurdly thin, baked for 90 seconds at 400 degrees.
You may still enjoy a night of French dining and drinking at Voilà if Vue de Monde is a little too racy for you. A four-course dinner honouring the best of the wintry harvest, created by the night's two hosts, the chiselled French chefs Fab and Nico, includes a hearty pumpkin, cassia, and sorrel soup.
With three locations now available in Melbourne, it's more convenient than ever to sate your appetite for tender chicken. Four sides, four sauces, and 16 fried chicken wings are all included in the Baller Bucker. Order old bay fries, a roast yam salad, or mac and cheese. You can't have chicken without a pint, so Belle's Hot Chicken also offers a variety of beers.
Tips for visiting Melbourne in August
Keep these tips in mind when visiting Melbourne in August.
- Pack for the weather: When packing for Melbourne in August, be sure to bring warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings, as well as waterproof gear for potential rain showers.
- Buy a Myki: A Myki card costs $6, but the contactless ticketing system for Melbourne's public transportation system costs $1.5 billion and has been plagued by issues.
- Walking tour: -The greatest way to see Melbourne, if you can, is on foot, so lace up your boots. A walking tour is the best way to learn the city's history, find some undiscovered attractions, and get a sense of the area.
- Theatre is inexpensive: Melbourne has a modest but thriving theatre community. There may be a half-dozen major blockbuster productions and at least a dozen lesser ones throughout the city. Many performances have ticket prices well above $100, and there isn't a TKTS booth such as in London or New York where you may score discounted tickets.
