Easter holiday has passed on by, and with the assignments piling up and due dates creeping in on you, we know that you’ll be itching to get back to some fun again! We’ve got just the right places for you – within close proximity of the CBD, and catering for everyone with a large price range. From once-in-a-lifetime experiences worth splurging on, to some cheaper but equally exciting options, read on for something you may not have heard of before. Get ready for your short escape!
1. Flight Simulation Experience
YES, everyone can fly, and now you can too! It’s not everyday that you can experience what it’s like in a cockpit, let alone try to fly a whole aeroplane! Any worries about the complexity of it are easily handled by the friendly staff on hand to assist you. If you have the luxury to spend a LITTLE more for fun, do try this unique experience! Note: they really do have a Boeing-737 model :o
Location: Shop 9, Level 2 QV Square, Corner Swanston & Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
Operation hours: Visit https://melbourne.flightexperience.com.au for the full details.
2. Ace Karts
8 minutes of Formula-One thrill with Ace Karts – A real-life racing experience. We have to be honest about the pricing being a little high, but it is nonetheless perfect for adrenaline seekers with a bigger budget.
Location: 20 Carrington Dr, Albion VIC, 3020
Operation hours: Open 7 days
Contact: (03) 9360 5005
Official Website: https://acekarts.com.au
3. Simulator World
Initially known as Motionators, Simulator World houses an expansive collection of exclusive F1 & V8 motion racing simulators that rival the quarter of a million dollar ones Red Bull uses for their champion drivers’ training. A place for the racecar fanatics to display some real racing skills, or to just have some fast-paced fun!
Location: 2G, 439 Docklands Drive, Docklands, Melbourne 3008.
Operation hours: 7 days a week
Contact: 03 9642 3203
Website: http://www.simulatorworld.com.au
4. The Grid Melbourne
The Grid has pioneered an advanced simulation venue, combining exhilarating individual-yet-interconnected GP racing on a wide variety of renowned international tracks, with a relaxed but sleekly modern lounge type setting. Form a racing league and race on any of the pre-structured tracks for some team-building spirit! What’s more? You can even BUY one for your own home if you love racing!
Location: Shop 7, 427 Docklands Drive, Docklands, Melbourne 3008
Operation hours: Wednesday(s) – Sunday(s)
Contact: 03 9640 0334 or 0416 549 853
Official website: http://www.thegridracing.com.au/racing-simulators-melbourne
5. Kayak Melbourne
There you go – a romantic activity for two. Enjoy serene moments kayaking on the Yarra River, revisit the city of Melbourne on your kayaks, and hopefully you’ll discover a new perspective on an old location: I can’t see any better way to travel across the entire city. Just in case you’re wondering, they do offer moonlight kayak tours as well, where you can enjoy the sunset with your loved ones!
Location: Shed 2 North Wharf Rd, Docklands VIC 3008
Official Website: http://www.kayakmelbourne.com.au/
6. Funfields Whittlesea
We know, it’s starting to get a little chilly for water parks, but we don’t want to miss the chance to tell you about this water park, because it’s closer than you may think! If you have plans to travel to Brisbane this coming holiday, why not consider here instead? This park is located in North Melbourne, only a short drive away!
Location: 2365 Plenty Road, Whittlesea, VIC 3757
Operation hours: Please refer to the official website - http://www.funfields.com.au
7. Galactic Circus
“Australia largest indoor arcade centre” explains all that you could want from Galactic Circus. They boast an impressive array of indoor arcade games, from driving to action-packed shooter games. The best place to kill some time (if not A LOT of time!) and enjoy a bit of competitive fun with your friends.
Location: 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, Victoria, Australia 3006.
Operation hours: 10.00am - 2.00am (7 days a week, including public holidays)
8. Rooftop Cinema
Right smack in the middle of Melbourne’s CBD, the Rooftop cinema is a funky and chill way to escape from the busy streets of Melbourne. Offering a range of movies, the cinema offers a choice between comfy beanbags or chairs; a stunning view of the city; warm blankets for chilly nights and a variety of food and refreshments!
Location: Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street
Screening Time: Check out their website https://www.rooftopcinema.com.au/info/#about
9. Put Your Heart Into It
Photo credit: http://www.putyourheartintoit.com.au/workshops.html
This one’s for the artsy fingers out there who love to make and create! Put Your Heart Into It provides a range of hands-on workshops which includes natural fabric dyeing, make-up tutorials, weaving, photography, and ceramics. If you’re looking to learn a new skill, or to expand on your artistic expertise, there’s no better option. Check out the website above for more information!
Location and time: Depends on workshop of interest.
10. Hot Tub Cinema
Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/splashouthire/timeline
Cinema with hot tubs. YUP. You read that right. This is probably one of the coolest ways to watch a show in the comfort of a hot bath, sipping on some booze. The cinema opens on April 21 and runs for 6 weeks, till May 29. So seize the opportunity and have some SPLASHING good fun!
Location: 39 Dukes Walk, South Wharf, VIC