Is it just us, or did the Labour Day long weekend sneak up on you too? But we're not ones to look a three-day weekend in the mouth, so let's get amongst it.
Eat
Bar Saracen's closure left a hummus-shaped hole in Melburnians hearts, but ex-head chef Tom Sarafian is here to fill them with the continuation of his Sarafian Sunday Sessions at Little Andorra. However, on Sunday, March 7, he's teaming up for a one-off event with Melbourne whisky distillery Starward Whisky. Come along and try his classic Middle Eastern-inspired barbecue dishes with whisky cocktail pairings at Starward Distillery. Two sessions will take place on the day. Guests can expect a whisky cocktail upon arrival with the sounds of a DJ playing tunes all night long for $70 per person (plus booking fee). If you like Middle Eastern food and whisky (and who doesn't?), this is the event for you.
Love it or hate it, durian is an extremely popular fruit. If you're a fan of the spiky fruit, the durian picnic at Flagstaff Gardens is for you. Starting at noon on Saturday, March 6, the free picnic will include samples of the ever-popular premium Musang King durians and live entertainment, including DJs. Durians will be available to purchase by the kilo (for $30), and durian ice cream will be on offer too.
Drink
If you like your drinks with both live jazz and gorgeous views over the city, Lui Bar's Sunday jazz sessions are for you. Musos from Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will serenade drinkers between 5 and 8.30pm, and Lui Bar's extensive cocktail selection is inspired by sister venue Vue de Monde. Bookings are available for groups of four or more.
If you like cocktails, whisky, blues, good service and eating Reuben sandwiches at 2am, Beneath Driver Lane is your basement of dreams. Occupying an old bank vault in the CBD, this bar has a Harry Potter feeling that’s rare in a city whose subterranean spaces are sorely underused. And if you'd rather enjoy your drinks on Driver Lane than beneath it (it is going to be 29 degrees on Sunday, after all), the bar has now been extended onto the laneway with outdoor tables.
Things to Do
In Melbourne, Labour Day weekend is also (and rightly) known as Moomba weekend, and although the beloved Birdman Rally won't be taking place this year, there will still be plenty to keep Melburnians of all ages entertained. There will also be no parade or waterskiing, but there will still be the Moomba Carnival (with rides and food trucks); roving performers and creative activations; a busking competition in the CBD (the winner gets a "golden ticket" to Melbourne's best events); street art installations and pop-up concerts across the city; a "digital forest" at ArtPlay; and a Moomba Conversation event at Library at the Dock (Docklands Library).
Feel like a bit of a road trip? It is a three-day weekend, after all, and if you head to Ballarat you can enjoy the Begonia Festival, dedicated to the gorgeous flowers. The city’s 150-year-old botanical gardens will serve as the event’s main location, with its floral display including a multi-coloured (and might we say, very Instagrammable) display featuring 700 rare and common begonias. An audio tour will also be available to listen to while viewing the floral extravaganza that will highlight the history of Ballarat’s gardens and begonias.
Want to get out of town and make the most of your three-day weekend? Here are our favourite camping spots near Melbourne (and if you're a bit fancy, here are the best glamping spots). Here are some gorgeous cosy cabins, if you want to switch off from the world. Left it too late to book? Here are the seven best day trips from Melbourne, and you'll be home by dinner time.
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