Where Christmas Day is typically reserved for family and friends, Boxing Day is a public holiday where you can play it your way.
We've found the activities that are up and running on 26 December so you can make this the best Boxing Day yet.
Top things to do on Boxing day in Melbourne
Go out for brunch, lunch or dinner
Why spend the day at home cooking for yourself when someone else can do it for you? Especially when you're nursing a Christmas hangover. Stacks of cafes, restaurants and bars are open on Boxing Day, making it a super breezy day for you.
There's nothing better on a sweltering Boxing Day than to cool your jets at the beach. For something a little more special than lazing on a towel, try adding an experience into the mix. Mornington Peninsula has more than a few including swimming with dolphins and learning how to surf.
Enjoy that December sunshine by getting on the water. It's not just relaxing cruises you can tuck into on Boxing Day (although there is that). Experience the adrenaline rush of a jet boat ride or get active with a kayak tour.
It's been a heck of a year and you deserve to let some steam out. Play it your way and hit the spa, book a massage or let your anger out inside a smash room.
If you’ve got the day off but are not keen to sit around, get that brain working by trying out a new skill. Whether it’s mastering the classic martini, learning how to make something from a completely new cuisine or finding something that can help you stay active, your new talent is just a lesson away.
Boxing Day is the perfect excuse to get out of the city and enjoy this must-see tourist region as a local. It could just be for a relaxing lunch, an indulgent afternoon winery tour or maybe something a little more daring. Whatever you're craving, the Yarra Valley has got you covered.
Take in Melbourne from a new angle with a daring sky adventure. Romantics can take a helicopter scenic flight over the city while adrenaline junkies can try out one of many skydiving experiences across the state.
Shared Helicopter Flight Over Sydney and Beaches- 20 Minutes
Stacks of museums keep their doors open on Boxing Day. There's the Melbourne Museum for history buffs, the National Gallery of Victoria for artistic types and Scienceworks for budding scientists.
Boxing Day stops for no sporting activity and the big one to watch is the Boxing Day Test. Held at Melbourne Cricket Ground, it's an iconic experience and one not to be missed. You can also watch the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race on the tele this morning if that's more your style.
Spend your holidays the right way – sitting on your couch and taking it easy. Tuck into some Netflix, Binge or Disney, whichever takes your fancy. Cricket fans will know that 26 December is also the day of the famous Australia vs India Boxing Day Test Cricket. Invite some mates, grab some snacks and get excited.
However, if you're tired of the elbow pushing, there are loads of sales happening online. Not only do they let you sleep in and save your energy, but you can shop in your pyjamas and have your goodies delivered to your door.
Available on select dates on destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and high teas. T&Cs apply.
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and getaways. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and jet boat rides.
Available for travel on select dates and locations at TripAdvisor. Experience activities like land adventures, wine tours, water sports, and more T&Cs apply.
Available for booking on select dates at Experience Oz. It includes a free digital photo pass valued at $39.60, an Ocean Invaders interactive jellyfish exhibit, and Daily shows and presentations. T&Cs apply.
Discover penguins, seals, and other inhabitants of Victoria's coast and ocean at the Wild Sea exhibition. Available for booking on select dates at Klook. T&Cs apply.
Available for booking on select dates at RedBalloon. It includes overnight camping at Melbourne Zoo in tents (suitable for two adults) and dinner, supper, and breakfast. T&Cs apply.
Available for travel on select dates across Australia at Expedia. Destinations include Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates until 2023, including Easter and school holidays. Activities include whale- and dolphin-watching and lunch and sunset cruises in Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne.
Cirque du Soleil Crystal with Premium Fan Experience tickets from $269 per person
Grab the Cirque du Soleil Crystal with Premium Fan Experience tickets at Luxury Escapes for only $269 per person. Available in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
Sign up with your email address and unlock Sneaky Saver deals. Activities include day tours, attraction passes and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Up to 10% off Melbourne activities + an extra $10 off with code
Available on select dates until 2023 on activities including driving experiences, kayak tours, attraction passes and more. Minimum spend of $300 is required. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates on hot air balloon flights and scenic flights. Destinations include Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Sydney, Whitsundays, Gold Coast and more.
Available on select travel dates. Activities include getaways, wine tours, attraction admissions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates until 2022 on activities such as wine tours, dinner cruises, hot air balloon flights, attraction entry passes and more. Sample fare is an audio walking tour.
Stephanie Yip was the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a range of travel publications including Thomas Cook Magazine and Showpo. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping consumers stretch their travel cash while on holiday.
Here's what you need to know about what's open during the Easter long weekend and a list of activities and events to keep you occupied over the 4-day weekend.
Here's our guide on what you can do in Sydney this Easter long weekend.
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Luxury Escapes
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