Now Reading
What To Do In Melbourne For The Best-Ever June Long Weekend

What To Do In Melbourne For The Best-Ever June Long Weekend

“The year is flying by” is something that we’ve all heard probably 100 times by now, but don’t cry because 2019 is halfway through. Smile because we’re about to get three days off from work! The June long weekend, aka the Holy Trinity of public holidays, is right around the corner.

[related_articles]71332,71056,71399[/related_articles]

When June 8 hits, most of us will be safe and sound in the knowledge that we’re at the beginning of a three-day weekend and that, come Monday, we’ll still be living the high life instead of low-key suffering through a day in the office. And Melbourne’s got the goods to make the June long weekend fan-bloody-tastic. Mulled wine, cheese, doggos and stunning art — now is the time to treat yourself to some of the city’s best, funnest, most delicious and warmest offerings.

What to do in Melbourne this June long weekend

High Cheese at The Westin

june long weekend

Forget high tea — who wants finger sandwiches when you can dine on baked brie, gruyere cheese puffs and gouda scones with spiced butter? The Westin’s massively popular High Cheese is back for 2019, and it’s more indulgent than ever. Cheese-based, infused and inspired dishes are paired with sweet delights like caramelised salted white chocolate tiramisu.

It wouldn’t be a proper cheese feast without wine though — get the matched wines or stick to free flowing coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Reserve a spot here, but don’t worry too much if you miss out on the long weekend. It’s running until August!


Get a boozy doughnut-inspired cocktail

june long weekend
Image: The Emerson / supplied

Did you know that, as well as being the start of the long weekend, June 7 is also National Doughnut Day? What better way to kick off your weekend than by heading to The Emerson on Friday after work and ordering their super-limited-edition “Dough-nut Kill my Vibe” cocktail.

This cacao infused, Gin based cocktail is ladened in Licor 43 (a citrus and vanilla liqueur), Bailey’s and Butterscotch liqueur. It’s decorated with vanilla and orange Persian Fairy Floss, and a served up in a sugar-rimmed glass. This bad boy is finished off with a cherry and a plump doughnut on top.

[related_articles]73207,71056[/related_articles]

It’s only available for one day, but The Emerson in South Yarra is open until late at night so you’ve got plenty of time to get your hands on it and start your June long weekend in style.


Port Fairy Dachshund Dash

june long weekend
Image: Winter Weekends, Port Fairy / Facebook

I don’t want to alarm you, but there’ll be SO MANY long little puppers in Port Fairy on June 9. 100 sausage dogs will compete in the annual Dachshund Dash – their legs might be little, but these small bois can run fast.

There’ll be a sausage sizzle in the morning (no sausage dogs were harmed in the making of this BBQ) and races throughout the day. All dogs are welcome, whether you want to enter your Golden Retriever in the all-breeds race, bring your Greyhound in a costume or just enjoy a leisurely day out with your four-legged friend. There’s even a competition for the “Dog Who Looks Most Like Their Owner”.

You can and absolutely should register your dog on the Dachshund Dash website.


Wine and Wildlife in the Yarra Valley

This does exactly what it says on the packet, but what an attractive packet it is.

Healesville Sanctuary will host a bunch of Yarra Valley food and wine legends for a long weekend in the chill bush surrounds of the sanctuary. There will be a Mulled Wine and Gin Bar and a Beer Garden by Detour Beer Co. And the clincher: Healesville keepers will be bringing special furry friends around throughout the weekend for visitors to meet.

Oh and all proceeds go towards saving the Tassie devil from exctintion, so this is basically all a good deed.

Buy tickets in advance to ensure your place.


Oz Comic Con

Image: Oz Comic Con / Facebook

One of Australia’s biggest pop culture events is back over two days on the June long weekend. Film and TV stars from franchises such as Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica and Arrow will be in the house at Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.

There will also be comic book artists, voice actors, gaming demonstrations and one hell of a cosplay competition. You can even sit on the Iron Throne.

Oz Comic Con runs over June 8 and 9, and you can get your tickets (which start at $40 for one day) here.


Mount Baw Baw Opening Weekend

In case the recent cold snap left you with any doubt, winter is here, which means the snow season is starting. The long weekend marks the official opening party of one of Victoria’s most loved ski areas.

Visitors on this weekend will score free resort entry, with certain runs and ski lifts guaranteed to be running.

Find out more at the Mount Baw Baw website, and check out the snow cams for a peek at the powder laid out for you.

Oh and you can also meet the two local alpine dingo team members Rowdy and Warragul.


Terracotta Warriors at the NGV

terracotta warriors

In one of the biggest exhibitions at the NGV ever, the Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality exhibition will feature real warriors, yes, from that Terracotta Army in China.

There will be eight of the warriors, two full-sized horses and two replica chariots pulled by four horses each. An impressive collection that also includes gold, jade and bronze artefacts from China’s Shaanxi province.

[related_articles]72071,71399[/related_articles]

The exhibition is part of the NGV’s 2019 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, and also work by contemporary Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang. Find out more and book tickets at the NGV’s website.

(Lead image: Healesville Sanctuary)

Scroll To Top