New Years Day

New Year’s Day falls on the 1st of January each year, at the height of the Australian summer. It has been designated a public holiday, allowing many people to relax on a day off work.

Even though there may be some restricted trading hours for some businesses in Melbourne, there are still heaps of things that you can do on New Year’s Day.

For many Victorians, the best way to spend New Year’s Day is to head down to the beach. After a massive night of partying, thousands flock to Williamstown, Brighton and St. Kilda Beach to relax the day away. Many others head into the city with a picnic and enjoy the Royal Botanical Gardens, as there are plenty of shady places to avoid the heat.

Other fun ways to enjoy New Year’s Day in Melbourne include visiting Melbourne’s famous attractions, which remain open. These include the Eureka Skydeck, from which you get panoramic views of the city, the Melbourne Aquarium, and the Melbourne Zoo.

Another great way to escape the heat on New Year’s Day is to head to the large shopping malls, which are still in full sale mode after the launch of the Boxing Day Sales. Some must-visit places for the best sales include DFO Moorabbin, Chadstone Shopping Centre, Highpoint Shopping Centre, Westfield Southland, Doncaster Shopping Town and Eastland Shopping Centres.

Supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths remain open, as do petrol stations and many cafes and restaurants in and around the city. Public transport operates on a Sunday timetable.