15 Things To Do When It's Sunny In Melbourne (That Aren't The Beach)

Let's get the most out of the remaining sunny days before winter.

1. Take out a rowboat at Fairfield Boathouse.

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Serenade a lover and work on your upper body strength at the same time by taking out a hand-built boat at Fairfield Boathouse. Set in the bushlands of Fairfield Park on the banks of the gloriously muddy Yarra River, it's the perfect way to live out your The Notebook fantasies without any of the tearjerking moments (unless you fall in).

2. Have a bevvie while floating on the river.

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Supafish is literally a giant floating fish bar, berthed temporarily off Southbank Promenade until Februrary 28th. It's open from 11am so pop in for a cheeky Pimm's, kombucha cocktail, or midday margarita. The all-day Mexican grazing menu will help you ensure things don't get too messy before night falls.

3. Take a picnic to Moonlight Cinema.

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It's a Melbourne tradition to go to Moonlight Cinema, held in the gorgeous Botanic Gardens, at least once a year. It's even better if you get there early to stake out a good spot and pack your own picnic. Hit up Queen Victoria or South Melbourne markets beforehand to stock up on delicious dips, cheeses, dim sims, and arancini balls.

4. Sip gin at an inner-city rooftop pool.

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One of Melbourne's best-kept secrets, Adelphi Hotel's iconic Rooftop Pool and Deck is a glass-bottomed lap pool that hovers nine storeys above Flinders Lane. Following a recent upgrade, the team have collaborated with Four Pillars for a summer series of "Gin Fridays". Watch the sun go down with a bespoke gin cocktail in hand – just make sure you get there early to nab the best position by the pool.

5. Or just go on a rooftop bar crawl.

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Melbourne has so many rooftop bars within close proximity to each other that it would almost be an insult to the city not to go on a rooftop bar crawl. Bomba, Emerald Peacock, French Saloon, Goldilocks, Good Heavens, Loop, Madame Brussels, Rooftop Bar, QT Melbourne, Sahara, Siglo, The Hills... the list really goes on – and that's just in the CBD!

6. Zoom down an epic waterslide at WaterMarc.

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As well as an Olympic-sized indoor pool, this Greensborough aquatic centre has two massive waterslides. The Pipeline offers a decent amount of thrills, but it's Tantrum Alley that really raises the adrenaline levels. One of Victoria's biggest waterslides, it's packed with high-speed twists and turns – plus the lights go off halfway down, meaning you hurtle to the bottom in total darkness.

7. Get a hole-in-one at mini golf.

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Mini golf has a reputation for being kinda daggy - but it's an awesome way to spend a sunny afternoon. Embrace your love of all things miniature at La Trobe Golf Park's Adventure Mini Golf Course. Choose between a lake and a desert theme, both set amidst some cracker native trees and plants.

8. Watch wild penguins in St Kilda.

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The penguin parade in St Kilda starts after sunset so check out the local Twilight Market before strolling to the far end of the pier. During the warmer months, you'll see plenty of these inner-city penguins clamber out of the water and waddle over the breakwater rocks to their nests.

9. Soak up the sun over brunch in a cafe courtyard.

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Melbourne has no shortage of great cafes, and on sunny days, there's nothing quite like a tasty brekkie and the perfect cup of coffee in a pretty courtyard. Bring along a book, and listen to the trees rustling and the birds singing. Try Gypsy Hideout, Min Lokal, Las Chicas, Penny Farthing Espresso, Hawthorn Common, or Snow Pony for maximum courtyard goodness.

10. Try your hand at tree surfing.

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Just outside of Melbourne on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, Enchanted Adventure Garden has everything you need for an epic summer's day out. Hedge maze? Check. Tree surfing? Check. Tube slides? Check. Sculpture park? Check. Lolly shop? Check. Get amongst the tree canopies before the leaves start falling. Make a day trip of it and end your adventure with fish 'n' chips on the beach at sunset.

11. Pat other people's dogs at a dog park.

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If you don't have a dog but you'd like to pat one, you can! You'll find pooches galore at Melbourne's multiple dog parks over summer. Head to Albert Park, Caulfield Dog Park, Citizens Park, Edinburgh Gardens, Ruffey Lake Park, or Yarraville Gardens to meet your new doggo friends.

12. Eat all the fancy gelato at Il Melograno.

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Melbourne has a lot of gelatarias, but it doesn't have many that offer air conditioning and indoor seating. Cool down with a cold drip coffee made from Il Melograno's house blend, then order a signature gelato stuffed into a Sicilian brioche bun to take away. Doubling as a cafe, this northside gem also serves brunch, lunch, and dinner – think baked eggs, charcuterie boards, and unicorn hotcakes.

13. Embrace your inner kid at Funfields.

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Funfields is a gigantic theme park just outside of Melbourne. It's home to 24 gravity-defying and heart-stopping rides, as well as a water play area and 26 metre-high waterslide. Make the most of your visit and get there early.

14. Check out the NGV Architecture Commission.

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The NGV's garden has been transformed by glimmering white walls, a misting moat, and a labyrinth of overlapping mesh panels as part of the 2017 Architecture Commission. Check it out before April 15th – even if it reminds you of an IKEA showroom, it's a winning place for a warm afternoon snooze.

15. And run like a zombie is chasing you at Sunset Series.

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Test your fitness and sign up for a 4km or 8km fun run at three of Melbourne's favourite locations: Melbourne Zoo, Princess Park, and The Tan. Each event in the Sunset Series includes group warm-ups, prize presentations, post-run yoga, and live music – and no other event lets you run through the zoo. You don't have to commit to all three events, just choose one that appeals to you.