A Perfect Weekend in Melbourne Including Ballooning
There’s no city quite like Melbourne — creative, laid-back, and full of hidden gems.
And there’s no better way to start a Melbourne weekend than watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon.
From floating above the skyline at dawn to sipping coffee in a laneway by mid-morning, here’s how to turn one weekend into a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Friday Evening – Arrive and Settle In
Melbourne is a city made for weekends.
Check into a hotel or apartment in the CBD, Southbank, or Fitzroy, and spend your first evening exploring nearby dining spots.
For casual dining: Try Chin Chin (modern Asian), Hardware Société (French-inspired), or Tipo 00 (Italian pasta perfection).
For a view: Book dinner at Vue de Monde or Arbory Afloat and watch the city lights sparkle along the Yarra River.
End the night early — tomorrow begins before sunrise, and you’ll want to be rested for an unforgettable morning.
Saturday Morning – Sunrise Balloon Flight
Wake before dawn and make your way to the launch site for your hot air balloon flight over Melbourne.
As the burners ignite and the sky lightens, you’ll see the city as it wakes:
the Yarra River winding through the skyline, the MCG glowing in the early light, and the suburbs stretching out into the horizon.
It’s peaceful, surreal, and completely unforgettable.
After landing, enjoy an optional champagne breakfast — the traditional toast to celebrate a safe and beautiful flight.
Saturday Late Morning – Brunch & Relax
You’ll land mid-morning, just in time for one of Melbourne’s favourite rituals: brunch.
A few great spots near the city include:
Higher Ground – award-winning design and flavour in every dish.
Top Paddock – famous for its ricotta hotcakes and flat whites.
The Kettle Black – beautiful, light-filled, and perfectly Melbourne.
Take your time — after such an early start, a slow, delicious breakfast is the perfect reward.
Saturday Afternoon – Explore the City’s Heart
Now that the city is awake, wander through its laneways and discover what makes Melbourne so special.
Street Art: Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane showcase ever-changing murals.
Shopping: Check out local designers in Emporium or the historic Block Arcade.
Culture: Visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) or the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).
If you’re staying near Southbank, stroll along the river, stop for coffee, and maybe enjoy a late lunch overlooking the water.
Saturday Evening – Sunset Drinks with a View
Keep the “sky theme” going and finish your day above the city again — this time with a drink in hand.
QT Rooftop Bar – stylish, central, and perfect for sunset cocktails.
Loop Roof – lush greenery, relaxed vibe, and panoramic skyline views.
Naked in the Sky (Fitzroy) – great atmosphere and unbeatable city sunsets.
Toast to a day that began in the clouds and ended under the stars.
Sunday Morning – Nature, Markets, or Coffee
Melbourne mornings are best enjoyed slowly. Choose your own adventure:
Royal Botanic Gardens: Peaceful walks and lakeside coffee.
Queen Victoria Market: Fresh produce, local crafts, and a lively atmosphere.
Albert Park Lake: Scenic strolls and swan-filled views.
If you prefer a drive, head 45 minutes east to the Yarra Valley for more vineyards, boutique breweries, and open landscapes.
Sunday Afternoon – A Final Taste of Melbourne
Before you leave, stop for one last meal or coffee — perhaps at Patricia Coffee Brewers (tiny but legendary) or Auction Rooms in North Melbourne.
Take a moment to look back at your weekend:
you’ve seen Melbourne from above, explored its streets, tasted its food, and felt its rhythm.
That’s what makes this city unforgettable — the perfect balance of adventure and calm, sky and street, nature and culture.
A Weekend You’ll Never Forget
From sunrise ballooning to sunset cocktails, Melbourne offers a weekend like no other — a city that feels alive at every hour.
Whether it’s your first visit or your hometown rediscovery, seeing it from the sky changes everything.
Because in Melbourne, the best way to start your weekend is to rise above it.
✨ Ready to plan your perfect Melbourne weekend?
Book your Hot Air Balloon Flight over Melbourne, then explore the city’s cafés, gardens, and rooftop bars to complete your unforgettable escape.