What do you think of these seven signs that it’s spring time in Melbourne?
Melburnians! – Spring has sprung and we couldn’t be more excited! Finally our long, dark, cold winter has come to an end and the season of rebirth and rejuvenation is upon us.
7 sure signs that Spring has arrived in Melbourne!
The dreaded annual spring clean
Spring – the season of new beginnings! Having a massive spring clean is one of the more unpleasant traditions that homeowners indulge in. Driveways come alive as garage sales, auctions and open house inspections fill the weekends.
Footy Finals Time
The start of spring marks AFL finals season, so get ready to talk footy. AFL is a sport that is unique to Australia, also known as ‘footy’ or ‘Aussie Rules’. Enjoy a fun day at the footy and experience the atmosphere of the crowds, as you watch this fast pace game. No matter how badly your team has gone you’ll spend the next few weeks thinking about how it is mathematically possible that they could make the top eight.
Temperamental Weather
It’s a well-known fact that Melbourne weather is as temperamental as a toddler, and this is especially true in Spring. If you get a nice day – or even a nice 15 minutes – be sure to take full advantage and soak up some of those sun rays.
It’s Breeding Season!
Spring is on its way, and that means warmer days and wildlife viewing opportunities are on the horizon. Spring is such a great time of the year to visit Phillip Island. During the spring nights, the colony behind the Penguin Parade is alive with the braying sounds of Penguins mating and fighting over females. During Spring the Penguins party all night as they begin making a family.
Melburnians are emerging from their winter hibernation
Got a case of the ‘Winter Blues? The journey to the tram feels like a trek through Antarctica? Well have no fear, the morning birds are singing and it’s time to get your life back. The outdoor areas of cafes and the famous laneways of Melbourne’s CBD are filling up too.
Spring Racing Season
It’s time to head for the track! Spring in Melbourne also means fascinators, dresses, and of course horse racing. Every year the Spring Racing Carnival attracts tens of thousands to the racecourse. Whether you’re there to cheer on the horses, take part in Fashions On The Field, or to pop a bottle of champagne in the sun, you can’t beat Melbourne’s racing season.
Daylight Savings
As of October 1st, it’s time for clocks to be wound forward one hour. There will be more daylight hours for activities and you won’t have to leave the house in total darkness for the morning commute.
While Spring has only just begun, there is plenty to get excited about…
Check out these fantastic events that happen in Melbourne during Spring:
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
One of the big sporting events that takes place in springtime in Melbourne is the Spring Racing Carnival. This horse racing carnival draws international competitors and includes Australia’s richest horse race – the Melbourne Cup.
AFL Grand Final
The AFL – Australian Football League – has its Grand Final during the spring months, in either September or October. There is a big build up through the year as the season runs for about six months prior. The Finals series runs through September with just two teams advancing to the Grand Final.
Melbourne Fringe Festival
The Melbourne Fringe Festival has run for many years and is the city’s premium independent arts festival. Each year they host a program of over 100 events. Independent artists from across Australia and from overseas come to participate in the festival.
Melbourne Fashion Week
The Melbourne Fashion Festival is a celebration of the city’s retailers. From pop-up stores to runway shows, this festival is not for the fashion-elite – it is for any fashion-lover who wants to explore more of Melbourne’s creative side.
Melbourne Writers Festival
The Melbourne Writers Festival is held annually to bring together writers and readers. It is a celebration of the written word and features authors from both Australia and overseas.
The Affordable Art Fair
During the Affordable Art Fair participating galleries from across Australia will feature original artworks by both emerging and established artists, ranging in price from $100 to $10,000.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival returns over ten days in October – bringing rhythm and life to the city. You can revel in the world’s very best jazz exponents; family-friendly collaborations, world premiere commissions from across the country.
Or if it’s a day trip from Melbourne that you prefer, these tours will definitely put the Spring back in your step:
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is an iconic coastal road near Melbourne that is on most visitors’ bucket list. It is home to some of the best surf beaches in Australia, cosy seaside towns, wildlife including koalas, plus rainforest and towering eucalyptus trees. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road is the incredible Shipwreck Coast, home to the Twelve Apostles rock formations, Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a wildlife wonderland that is home to the famous Little Penguins. These seabirds can be seen every evening returning from the ocean in what is known as the ‘Penguin Parade’. While this is the highlight of a visit to Phillip Island, there are other scenic beaches and opportunities to see other wildlife including seals, whales, wallabies and many species of seabirds.
Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley provides a great day trip for foodies and wine-lovers alike. The region is renowned for its wines and wineries – most of which specialise in chardonnay and pinot noir. In addition to the winemakers, there are plenty of local producers making gourmet delights such as cheese, chocolate, relishes, fruit juices and more.
Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is considered the playground of Melbourne’s rich and famous. It has idyllic bay beaches, trendy seaside towns and incredible ocean views. It is also home to the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs, which is the ultimate place to relax and rejuvenate during a trip to Melbourne.
Grampians National Park
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is home to incredible sandstone peaks, grand waterfalls, rare wildflowers and native Australia wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies and emus. It is a nature-lovers paradise waiting to be explored.
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Wilsons Promontory is a national park at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. A visit lets you remote coastal bushland trails and swim at pristine beaches dominated by granite boulders. The Prom is a truly unique and unspoilt region, characterised by its untouched wilderness.
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
