6 Ultimate Moments to Experience in Melbourne this Summer
Australia’s sporting capital is never short of incredible experiences, particularly during summer when the city’s calendar of events spans everything from the Australian Open at Melbourne Park to the American NFL at the MCG and motorsport at Albert Park. Here’s our guide to the best things to do during your next visit.
Day one
10am: Take a walk on the rooftops
Set yourself up for a day of sports entertainment, shopping or arts and culture by picking up a strong flat white on your way to Carlton Gardens for a family-friendly walk around the ornate dome of the Royal Exhibition Building. A favourite haunt of 19th-century Victorians, the 67-metre-high dome crowning this UNESCO World Heritage-listed icon has been reopened to the public via the Dome Promenade Tour. Start by exploring the building’s different levels before taking the adventurous climb to the upper promenade, and be rewarded with 360-degree views of the orderly English-style gardens that fringe the building and Melbourne’s dramatic city skyline.
Make your way around Melbourne with the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. Earn up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points.* That’s 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 13 January 2026, are approved and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months. Plus, an additional 20,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend min $1 on your Card within 90 days of paying your second year annual Card fee. Annual Card fee $450. T&Cs apply. New Amex Card Members only. Learn more.
11am: Have a caffeine hit (with a difference)
For a mid-morning pick-me-up, head to CBD hotspot Matcha Kobo on Lonsdale Street, where even the most coffee-obsessed Melburnians have become fans of the antioxidant-rich Japanese green tea. Four stone mills in the centre of the Zen cafe slowly grind the leaves into a vibrant green powder before it’s whisked to order and transformed into warm tea or refreshing beverages such as a matcha and yuzu spritz. Take the in-house Japanese experience even further and settle onto a floor cushion in a room designed like a temple – with shoji paper-panelled walls and low tables – and indulge your sweet tooth with a triple-layered matcha tart. Or, get a drink to go and sip slowly on your 35-minute stroll to catch all the Australian Open tennis action at Melbourne Park.
TIP: Book your flights with the help of the annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit¹ that comes with your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. Each year, you’ll receive a $450 Qantas Travel Credit to use on eligible domestic or international Qantas flights when booked through American Express Travel.
1pm: Head to the water to dine al fresco
Take a 15-minute drive from the gardens towards the Yarra River, then settle in for lunch at Arbory Afloat, a multi-level pontoon bar that materialises on the river next to Flinders Street Station each summer. This year’s iteration channels Rio de Janeiro with a vibrant menu of empanadas, arepas and skewers off the parilla grill, along with free-flowing pisco sours and frozen piña coladas. Elevate your Copacabana-inspired day of leisure by booking ahead for a day bed or cabana. Afterwards, weave your way back through the city to 80 Collins. This boutique shopping centre at the ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street features glossy boutiques from the likes of Saint Laurent, Moncler and chic sneaker brand Golden Goose. Grab a caffeine hit at hole-in-the-wall UpState Coffee to fuel your retail adventures.
TIP: As you enjoy Melbourne’s legendary sports entertainment, shopping, cuisine and culture, tap your way closer to your next trip with your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. You’ll earn up to 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases² so you can continue to grow your points balance. You'll also enjoy uncapped Qantas Points earning potential for every dollar you spend on your Card.
Earn Qantas Points²
6pm: Sink a cold one at a retro-inspired pub
As your day winds down, head to Melbourne hospitality legend Con Christopoulos’s new Hardware Lane venue Le Pub. Choose from one of the curated craft beers on tap; if wine is more your thing, browse the shelves of the adjoining bottle shop for something to drink onsite. Feeling peckish? Snacks such as potato cakes with salt-cod brandade will keep you going until dinner. The CBD location and a nostalgic fit-out channelling the classic Aussie pub makes it the ideal destination after a summer’s day watching your favourite sporting event.
TIP: If wine is your drink of choice, take advantage of a fantastic offer when you return home. With your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card, you’ll enjoy complimentary Qantas Wine Premium Membership where you’ll earn 3 Qantas Points per dollar spent on all Qantas Wine purchases³.
8pm: Check in to an eclectic new stay
In the heart of the CBD, the recently opened Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins has eclectic flourishes that nod to Melbourne’s storied past, including a striking spiral staircase inspired by Sidney Myer’s original drapery store and murals in each room and suite depicting the city’s famous laneways. Head to dinner at onsite restaurant Fern Bar & Dining, which combines the Victorian capital’s obsession with local produce with a playful culinary twist – expect surprises such as grilled haloumi with spiced treacle, rockmelon and a sprinkling of togarashi, as well as chicken liver parfait with pinot gel. For the ideal summer nightcap, head to the adjoining Fern’s Garden for a rhubarb martini made with gin from neighbourhood producer Little Lon Distilling Co. The hotel is ideal for sports fans visiting the city to attend high-profile games and events – on 5 February, Melbourne will be hosting the first ever NFL game in Australia at the MCG, which is just a short tram ride away. For motorsport buffs heading to town to see the Australian Grand Prix in March, the hotel’s central location will ensure getting to and from Albert Park is straightforward.
TIP: Plans can change, so ensure you’re covered. The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card's Complimentary Travel Insurance⁴ offers domestic and international insurance for you, your partner and your dependent children when you pay for your return trip on your Card. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). Please check your Travel Insurance terms for the full coverage details for specific activities.
Day two
8am: Head to a celebrated wine region
Make your way to the Mornington Peninsula, a 75-minute drive south of the CBD, to sample its award-winning chardonnay and pinot noir against a glimmering ocean backdrop. Check into the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, a limestone landmark built in 1875 that’s been transformed into a sumptuous seaside retreat. Laze on the pool deck and indulge in a massage or beauty treatment at the spa, then head to nearby Red Hill, in the peninsula’s rolling green hinterland, for a cellar-door tasting at the acclaimed Montalto winery. Treat yourself to lunch in its equally celebrated restaurant, where French-Med dishes such as chargrilled pork loin with brassicas and creamy taramasalata are made with produce sourced from the extensive kitchen gardens. Back in Sorrento, indulge in a casual dinner of stone-baked pizza at the buzzy Continental Public Bar & Beer Garden.
TIP: Enjoy every moment of your Melbourne escape, right up until you board. With the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card, you’ll receive two Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge Invitations each year after your first Card spend on selected Qantas products and services⁵ and two passes to The Centurion® Lounge to use at Sydney or Melbourne International Airports⁶. Lounge access entitles you to complimentary food and beverages, plus enjoy free and fast wi-fi and more.
Qantas Amex Ultimate Card
Have fun getting there
Fly Sydney to Melbourne return using Classic Flight Rewards, Classic Plus or Points Plus Pay. Taxes, fees and carrier charges apply.^
Experience the best of Victoria’s capital with the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. Earn up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points* – that’s 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 13 January 2026, are approved and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months. Plus, an additional 20,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend min $1 on your Card within 90 days of paying your second year annual Card fee. Annual card fee $450. T&Cs apply. New Amex Card Members only.
You’ll also receive:
- An annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit¹ to use on eligible domestic and international Qantas flights booked through American Express Travel.
- The potential to earn more Qantas Points with up to four Additional Cards for family at no extra fee⁷.
- Two Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge Invitations each year after your first Card spend on selected Qantas products and services⁵, plus two complimentary entries to The Centurion® Lounge⁶ at Sydney and Melbourne International Airports.
- Complimentary Qantas Wine Premium Membership³, allowing you to enjoy exceptional wines while earning 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent.
- Complimentary domestic and international Travel Insurance⁴ (for you, your partner and dependent children) when you pay for the return trip with your Card. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits).
Own a business? Supercharge your Qantas Points balance and check out the latest offer for the American Express® Qantas Business Rewards Card. Plus, unlock the possibilities for your business with up to 51 cash flow days⁸ and access to a line of unsecured funding with flexible spending power⁹. Find out more.
The Card offer, benefits and features mentioned throughout are subject to Exclusions, Terms and Conditions. Click here to learn more.
SEE ALSO: 6 Ultimate Experiences to Have in Thailand
Image credit: Dylan McDade (Le Pub)
The Card products referred to on this page are not Qantas products and not offered or issued by Qantas but by the relevant credit licensees referred to above. The information about the credit products has been provided by the relevant credit licensees and not Qantas. Qantas does not hold an Australian Credit Licence and is not a licensee in relation to the credit activity being engaged in by the relevant credit licensees.
The information on this webpage is factual and of a general nature only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or particular needs.
Qantas is not recommending the products described on this page. We recommend that you obtain independent advice before you apply for any product which is described on this webpage. Qantas does not accept liability for any loss arising from the use of, or reliance, on the information provided on this webpage.
*Bonus & Eligibility: To earn up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points you must apply online by 13 January 2026, be approved and meet the following criteria - You’ll receive 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 or more on eligible purchases on your new Card in the first 3 months from the Card approval date. Eligible purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion. To receive an additional 20,000 bonus Qantas Points, you need to remain on the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card after the first year and spend a minimum of $1 on the Card within 90 days of paying the second year annual Card fee. Please allow 8-10 weeks after the spend criteria has been met and the second year annual Card fee has been paid for the bonus points to be credited to your Account. The additional 20,000 bonus Qantas Points will still be awarded after fee renewal even if you did not meet the $3,000 minimum spend criteria to receive the 70,000 bonus Qantas Points in the first year of membership. This offer is only available to new American Express Card Members. Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months are ineligible for this offer. Qantas Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the Qantas American Express Card Points Terms and Conditions. Qantas Frequent Flyer membership and the earning and redemption of points are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program available at qantas.com/terms. $450 annual Card fee applies. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.
^Classic Flight Rewards are available on Qantas, Jetstar and partner airlines. Seats are subject to capacity controls, availability is limited and some flights may not have any Classic Flight Rewards available. Taxes, fees and carrier charges are payable to Qantas (excluding any amounts payable to third parties at the airport) by an Accepted Payment Card in addition to the points required on Classic Flight Reward flights. Qantas Points required and taxes, fees and carrier charges are subject to change and quoted at the time of booking. For more information, visit qantas.com/classicflightrewards.
Cards are offered, issued, and administered by American Express Australia Limited ABN 92 108 952 085, Australian Credit Licence No. 291313. American Express income and credit approval criteria applies.
The Card products referred to on this page are not Qantas products and not offered or issued by Qantas but by the relevant credit licensees referred to above. The information about the credit products has been provided by the relevant credit licensees and not Qantas. Qantas does not hold an Australian Credit Licence and is not a licensee in relation to the credit activity being engaged in by the relevant credit licensees.
The information on this webpage is factual and of a general nature only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or particular needs.
Qantas is not recommending the products described on this page. We recommend that you obtain independent advice before you apply for any product which is described on this webpage. Qantas does not accept liability for any loss arising from the use of, or reliance, on the information provided on this webpage.
*Bonus & Eligibility: To earn up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points you must apply online by 13 January 2026, be approved and meet the following criteria - You’ll receive 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 or more on eligible purchases on your new Card in the first 3 months from the Card approval date. Eligible purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion. To receive an additional 20,000 bonus Qantas Points, you need to remain on the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card after the first year and spend a minimum of $1 on the Card within 90 days of paying the second year annual Card fee. Please allow 8-10 weeks after the spend criteria has been met and the second year annual Card fee has been paid for the bonus points to be credited to your Account. The additional 20,000 bonus Qantas Points will still be awarded after fee renewal even if you did not meet the $3,000 minimum spend criteria to receive the 70,000 bonus Qantas Points in the first year of membership. This offer is only available to new American Express Card Members. Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months are ineligible for this offer. Qantas Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the Qantas American Express Card Points Terms and Conditions. Qantas Frequent Flyer membership and the earning and redemption of points are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program available at qantas.com/terms. $450 annual Card fee applies. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.
^Classic Flight Rewards are available on Qantas, Jetstar and partner airlines. Seats are subject to capacity controls, availability is limited and some flights may not have any Classic Flight Rewards available. Taxes, fees and carrier charges are payable to Qantas (excluding any amounts payable to third parties at the airport) by an Accepted Payment Card in addition to the points required on Classic Flight Reward flights. Qantas Points required and taxes, fees and carrier charges are subject to change and quoted at the time of booking. For more information, visit qantas.com/classicflightrewards.
