Easter traditions and events in Melbourne are a time for family gatherings, feasting, fun activities – and exploring the great outdoors.
In Australia’s second largest city, Easter is an excellent time to enjoy the great outdoors and explore the beautiful scenery. This year, Easter Sunday falls on April 16th, and it is a four-day long weekend in Australia. So let’s take a look at how Australians celebrate Easter, including the traditions, and activities that make this holiday unique.
Easter traditions in Melbourne, Australia
Exchanging chocolate eggs
One of the popular traditions during Easter in Australia is to exchange Easter eggs. The exchange of eggs is a symbolic representation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Chocolate eggs and chocolate bunnies are the most popular gifts exchanged during the Easter period. They can be purchased from supermarkets and confectionery stores which stock up on a variety of chocolate products at this time of year.
Church services
Another popular Easter tradition in Australia is attending church services. Many Christians attend church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday to commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Exploring outdoors
The long weekend provides the perfect opportunity for Australians to get outdoors and enjoy nature. The weather in Melbourne is always unpredictable and can sometimes be quite cold at the time. However, many people take advantage of extra days off work by going on camping trips, bushwalking, or to the beach. Holiday parks are usually packed with families during the Easter period.
Easter Events in Melbourne and Australia
- Each year Melbourne’s Luna Park hosts the The Great Luna Park Easter Egg Hunt. It is one of the biggest Easter egg hunts in the city. Children can participate in the egg hunt and other fun activities, including face painting, arts and crafts, and live performances.
- Easter at Melbourne Zoo offers a fun-filled experience for families. Visitors can explore an Easter trail, where they can spot hidden eggs and learn about animals that hatch from eggs. There are also craft activities and an Easter-themed photo booth.
- The iconic Queen Victoria Market hosts a variety of Easter-themed activities during the long weekend. The market offers a range of food and drinks, live music, and activities for children, including face painting, balloon twisting, and Easter egg hunts.
- Rippon Lea Estate in Melbourne’s south-east hosts a unique Easter egg hunt in its beautiful gardens. Children can explore the estate’s gardens, solve clues, and find hidden eggs along the way. There are also craft activities and live entertainment.
- Not far from Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road, an annual surfing event is held each Easter. The Rip Curl Pro surfing event takes place at Bells Beach. Top male and female surfers from across the globe come to compete. It is just one of the stops on the professional world tour.
- The Royal Easter Show in Sydney is one of the most significant events during the Easter period. The event takes place across a couple of weeks and it showcases agriculture, entertainment, and food. The show features amusement rides, animal shows, and of course the showbags filled with goodies that kids love.
In conclusion, Melbourne offers a diverse range of Easter events and activities that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you want to enjoy an egg hunt, visit the zoo, or explore the beautiful gardens, Melbourne has something for everyone. Make sure to check out these events and activities and have a fun-filled Easter in Melbourne!
Take a tour at Easter
A tour is a fun and easy way to explore Melbourne and its surroundings during the Easter period. At Go West Tours we offer a range of tours that cater to different interests and budgets. Here are some of the tours we offer:
- Great Ocean Road Tour: The Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia, and we offer a full-day tour that takes you on a scenic journey along the coastline. You’ll see the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and other stunning landmarks.
- Phillip Island Tour: Phillip Island is famous for its penguin parade, and we offer a tour that takes you to the island to see the penguins in their natural habitat. The tour also includes stops at other attractions, such as the Brighton Beach Boxes and Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park.
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour: The Yarra Valley is a wine region that’s located less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Go West Tours offers a tour that takes you to some of the best wineries in the region, plus you can taste a variety of local produce and enjoy a gourmet lunch.
- Grampians National Park Tour: The Grampians National Park is a stunning natural wonder that’s located about three hours from Melbourne. Go West Tours offers a tour that takes you to the park, where you can see stunning waterfalls, rock formations, and wildlife.
In conclusion, Easter is a time for celebrating with family and friends in Australia. The long weekend provides ample opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and participate in different Easter activities. Plus, we would love to welcome you aboard a tour!
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au