Melbourne is ringing in 2015 with a full schedule of world-class events and happenings. Summer has arrived in Australia and with so much to do in Melbourne and throughout the state, there’s no better time to showcase the best of Victoria. Here’s our preview of the can’t miss happenings:

Food & Drink

·         Melbourne Food & Wine (February 27 – March 15): Now in its 23rd year, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival will take a journey to new frontiers of flavor once again proving why Melbourne is a world-class gastronomic destination. Internationally celebrated Dan Barber of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns will make his first appearance in Australia to participate in the 17 days of events. Other highlights include the weekend-long tasting, Langham Melbourne MasterClass, featuring chef Jamie Bissonnette and Ruth Rogers and the hallmark wine events – Return to Terroir and Acqua Panna Perfect Match.
·         The Fat Duck is coming to Melbourne this February for a six month engagement and the city is abuzz about this culinary fête. The entire team, including Chef Heston Blumenthal will be working from their temporary home at the Crown Resort in Melbourne. This highly coveted experience is in such high demand that it is reservation only!
·         Good Beer Week (May 16 – 24): This is a weeklong festival and the world’s largest annual beer program. The non-profit organization invites brewers of all sizes to showcase their creations in venues throughout Melbourne and Victoria.
·         La Condesa is a Fitzroy neighborhood hotspot, famous for its backyard street art bar and boozy snow cone cocktails. This cantina and taqueria is the perfect warm weather destination serving fresh Mexican fare. The restaurant has extended summer hours and lets Melbourne experience a slice of life in Mexico City.

Events

·         Australian Open (January 19 – February 1): The world’s top 100 men and 99 women tennis superstars will head to Melbourne in January for the 2015 Australian Open including 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal who recently declared himself fit to compete in this year’s Open. The Open is revamping their look at Margaret Court Arena with one of the world’s fastest retractable stadium roofs. Tickets for Margaret Court Arena are just $60 per session. In addition, Hisense Arena has added 9,600 seats to Grounds Pass holders allowing fans to get closer to the action for less.
·         White Night Melbourne (February 21): Inspired by Paris’ Nuit Blanche and the international network of White Night programs around the world, White Night Melbourne is the only all-night cultural festival in Australia, with more than half a million people celebrating in the city from 7pm to 7am. With an expanded event landscape, White Night Melbourne 2015 will offer a mix of free and ticketed entertainment during 12 hours and feature local, national and international artists, with visitors experiencing visual art, exhibitions, spectacular illuminations, music, theatre, special dining experiences, film, design and performances on display in venues and major cultural institutions right across the city center.

Nature & Adventure

·         Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (January 31 – February 1): The first event of its kind in Australia, and inspired by the prestigious Spring Classics of Europe, the elite one-day race format delivers high excitement and intense competition. Named after Australia’s most celebrated cyclist, the route travels through Cadel’s home town of Barwon Heads as it makes its way around the beautiful seaside Bellarine Peninsula.
·         Philip Island Aboriginal Heritage Tours takes a cultural journey through the sand dunes of the Penguin Parade where numerous archaeological sites hint at the rich Aboriginal heritage of the area. Discover how the Boonwurrung used seasonal plants and animals for their everyday needs, and the impacts of European arrival and settlement on Boonwurrung people and culture. The tour concludes with reserved front row seats to the evening Penguin Parade and access to Penguins Plus premium viewing area.