Without doubt, the hottest months of Melbourne's year ('scorching' average of around 27°C), January and February are best based around the city's coastal areas. Minus the foul humidity and too-hot-to-be-outdoors temperatures of our northern compatriots, a Melbourne summer is really a very pleasant experience.
Williamstown is only about 10 minutes west of the city by car or train, but I'd say take the ferry (either from Southgate in the city or St Kilda pier on weekends). You could also ride a bike, if you so desire - good path, though the whole West Gate Bridge thing is a bit of a doozie.
Port Melbourne doesn't offer much more than a good beach and some nicely located pubs, but isn't that what summer is all about anyway? There's plenty to do along the beach front, or head for air-conditioned comfort of the Bay St boulevard.
The Beaconsfield Parade strip (encompassing Albert Park and Middle Park) offers us the ever entertaining Kerferd Rd Pier - great place to step down from the saddle for a while and watch the rest of the world carry on. Or if the sand and surf just ain't your thing, head for Albert Park Lake where you can enjoy a peaceful paddle over it or a subliminal stroll around it.
To be honest, St Kilda's beach is really rather crap, but the superbness of the rest of the suburb more than makes up for it. January's St Kilda Festival, Luna Park, Acland St, Fitzroy St, lawn bowls, the bike path promenade, live music, endless selections of lattés and/or lagers...that's gotta get the message through - just go.
Often considered St Kilda's poor second cousin, Elwood is actually very funky and much better suited to water lovers than the sunbake-to-be-seen crowd all too common in it's neighbouring town. The Ormond Rd/Glenhuntly Rd district will meet most of your wining and dining needs any time of the day, and will do it without the hustle and bustle (or that elusive and generally much sort out 'vibe') found about 2km to the northeast.
Now, all that said, this is Melbourne we're talking about and if you don't already know you'll quickly figure out where the old 'four seasons in one day' adage came from. Luckily, the local folk are on to this and there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you off the streets in the cold and, dare I say wet, weather you are almost guaranteed.
Check out Science Works near Williamstown, meander through the South Melbourne Market or simply settle with a jug at the Espy in St Kilda and watch the bay brew till the sky clears once more.
Finally, Melbourne is (or at least should be) renowned for it's everlasting array of festivals, exhibitions and markets. For an exhaustive, and really rather exhausting, outline of what's on when, whitehat's calendar of events is not too shabby. Aimed at the what-to-do-for-under-$10 fans (locals and visitors alike) it can be a little slow, but definitely worth the download wait.
Some Jan/Feb 2003 Highlights:
Australian Open Tennis - January 13th-26th
Big Day Out - January 27th
Walkin' the Birrarung - Thursday nights throughout January call (03) 9658 9658
Dusk Cinema Sidney Myer Music Bowl - January 3rd to March 31st
Vibes on a summers day - February 2nd
St Kilda Festival - February 9th
Gaslight Night Market - Wednesday nights until February 19th
Zoo Twilights - weekends until March 9th
Moonlight Cinema in the Bot (Royal Botanical Gardens) - Ongoing
China Town
Aboriginal Heritage Walk in the Bot - call Dean on (03) 9252 2300
To/from:
Train/tram/bus
Williamstown ferry
Bike Hire (check out www.yellowpages.com.au to search your area)
Great Escapes:
Geelong
Great Ocean Road
Mornington Peninsula
Phillip Island
Wilson's Prom
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Pacific Insiders page.
