Under The Radar

Photo by James Geer
Words by Adam Blakey

A Great Summer Holiday Could Be Right Under Your Nose

Melbourne in summer has got to be the most under-rated holiday city on earth. It’s hot, it’s got a bangin’ music scene and after enduring the long miserable winter the three million people who call the place home can’t wait to take off their clothes and party. New Year’s cranks, thanks especially to the Falls Festival, a 15,000 strong gathering that this year features the Kings of Leon as headlining act. For cricket lovers there’s the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the MCG, or if you want to see Lleyton Hewitt get his greasy head waxed by Roger Federer you can check the Australian Tennis Open at Melbourne Park. In January the St Kilda Festival pumps with various arts and activities for a week straight, as does the Midsumma gay and lesbian culture march. The city zoo stays open long into the night during summer, the Moonlight Cinema fires into gear and the streets in every suburb are alive with the hubbub of diners and passers-by enjoying the late daylight hours and carnival atmosphere. The average temp sits around 26 degrees, perfect for late arvo launching into deep dark swimming holes before drying off and heading to the Espy for a cold pot. With the world getting smaller every year, it’s sometimes refreshing to remember the holiday you’re after could be right under your nose.