Flight delays are less fun than wet Wednesdays in Woolloomooloo — especially if they’re long enough for you to miss the first day of your trip.
Missing a business meeting means you’re stuck with your own company — but a paused family vacation can be even more stressful.
So it’s best to make the most of your new-found free time — here are five fun distractions when you’re delayed at Melbourne Airport.
- Neighbours tour
If the exploits of Ramsay Street stalwarts Paul Robinson and Bouncer the dog have kept you glued to the goggle box, a missed Melbourne connection is the perfect excuse to absorb the TV magic of the official Neighbours tour.
Pros: walking through the real-life set of Australia’s grandest soapie export.
Cons: the 48km round trip will take 25 minutes each way, so you’ll need a decent delay to soak up everything Erinsborough has to offer.
- Mike’s Wine Tours
Wine fans who know their Merlot from their Marsanne have been raving about Mike’s Wine tours in Melbourne on ratings sites like TripAdvisor for years.
From a base seven miles from the airport, you’ll visit beautiful Yarra Valley boutique wineries like the Tokar Estate and quaff a quality chardonnay or pinot noir.
Pros: airport parking at Melbourne is safe and secure — so chill out and take a back-seat while you’re driven around some spectacular scenery.
Cons: don’t drink too much in case you sleep in the following day — one day’s delay is enough.
- Bounce Inc
When you want to recapture your childhood and perform perfect acrobatic stunts, Bounce Inc trampoline park is less than five miles away from the airport hub.
It’s great exercise, fantastic fun and is fully supervised — so no-one in your party will pull a painful muscle.
Pros: you might discover your kids are Australia’s next Ninja Warrior champs.
Cons: bounding over obstacles and bouncing around is really tiring — don’t burn yourself out.
- Living Legends
Living Legends is situated in the Woodlands Historic Park, a stone’s throw away from the airport.
And if you’re an animal lover, it’s hard to beat — you’ll meet indigenous creatures like wild kangaroos and get up close and personal to former champion racehorses like elite sprinter Apache Cat and Cox Plate winner Fields of Omagh.
Pros: seeing Australia’s greatest racehorses in the flesh.
Cons: roos can be aggressive if you get too close — obey the rules on contact at all times.
- Preston Market
Situated around eight miles from the airport, Preston Market is a haven for Boho types looking for bargains on trendy clothes, organic hair products and household decorations.
The cuisine’s pretty good too — you’ll find everything from dim sum to hot jam donuts.
Pros: the sheer variety of products on offer — you’re spoiled for choice.
Cons: since you’re taking a flight, you won’t be able to grab everything you want.
These five fun distractions might make you grateful that your Melbourne flight was delayed after all.
What do you like to do around Melbourne? Share your thoughts in the comments section.