Melbourne, often the target of good-natured teasing by Australians from other states, boasts a vibrant atmosphere and an array of experiences that cannot be easily dismissed. The city's residents, known as Melburnians, take it all in stride as they navigate their way through the bustling streets on sleek solar-powered trams, eager to partake in the endless options for trendy dining.
Think of Melbourne as the cool older sister who effortlessly blends elegance, edginess, culture, and athleticism. This city not only knows the ins and outs of various subcultures but also embraces a spirit of fun and adventure. From indulging in a gallery crawl with pre-dinner rooftop negronis, strolling through the lushness of the Royal Botanic Gardens, savoring a leisurely vineyard lunch, to immersing oneself in thrilling sports events like cricket at the MCG, Formula One racing at Albert Park, and grand-slam tennis at the Australian Open - Melbourne caters to all interests. Remarkably, all of these sought-after venues are conveniently within walking distance from the city centre.
Did you know that Melbourne is home to one of the oldest and most beautiful botanical gardens in the world? The Royal Botanic Gardens, founded in 1846, offers a serene oasis amid the bustling urban landscape, with its stunning collection of plants, tranquil lakes, and picturesque vistas. Additionally, sports enthusiasts will be delighted to discover that Melbourne is the undisputed sporting capital of Australia, hosting world-class events like the Australian Open, where tennis legends battle it out for the championship title in an electrifying atmosphere.
Painting a picture: Melbourne’s laneways are decorated with world-renowned street art
City-life lovers
The stately grace of Melbourne’s colonial-era grid makes it Australia’s most European-tilting metropolis. Cultural institutions cluster along the Yarra River on Southbank – blockbuster shows and a notable permanent collection at the NGV International, contemporary commissions at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and several performance venues.
The city laneways are beloved by locals for the street art, yes, but also for their design shops, dumpling joints, independent boutiques and cocktail haunts, such as the internationally acclaimed Byrdi, an intimate space making waves with its non-traditional cocktails and moreish bar snacks.
For those venturing into Melbourne for the first time, embarking on a guided local walk is an exceptional way to uncover the myriad of secret treasures this captivating city possesses.
This city, synonymous with style, never fails when it comes to delivering boutique accommodation options. Besides celebrated establishments such as the uniquely transformed QT Melbourne - formerly a cinema now boasting luminous sculptures and captivating bars - and the previous motel turned design haven Zagame’s House, featuring refreshingly simplistic modern décor, the hotel landscape of Melbourne is continually evolving and pushing the boundaries. For those with a penchant for opulence, the selection of 5 star hotels in Victoria is equally impressive. These luxurious accommodations provide guests with an experience of utmost comfort and indulgence, featuring high-end amenities, personalized service, and sophisticated design. They stand as a testament to Melbourne's commitment to excellence in hospitality, ensuring that every stay is memorable.
In November, a novel attraction made its debut - the Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands. This first-rate, five-star establishment located within the Docklands is renowned for featuring the highest infinity pool in Australia, elevating 15 stories with a panoramic 200-degree vista overlooking Melbourne. Meanwhile, in the vicinity of Southbank, the Oakwood Premier Melbourne was inaugurated in December. It boasts a modern Australian menu in its eco-friendly luxury eatery, Fifth. Additionally, the suites are well-appointed with cutting-edge eco technology.
However, if you crave A-lister treatment, make reservations at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne. Introduced to the public in December, this accommodation occupies a spot in Melbourne’s Premier Tower skyscraper. The building’s design drew some inspiration from a Beyoncé music video, an exciting detail for fans. Furthermore, the hotel showcases work from some of Melbourne's top photographers, making it a truly unique, must-visit location.
Hit the road: soak up the city vibe at the hipster playground of Smith Street
Exploring beyond the grid
Each of the city’s surrounding neighbourhoods has a distinct personality. To the north, Fitzroy and Collingwood merge into one hedonistic hipster playground along Victorian shop-fronted Smith Street, while in the Collingwood Yards art hub you’ll find fashion, bookshops, cosy pubs and smart small-plate dining. Join Carlton’s academics for an aperitivo in its Italian bars, or a night of art house cinema.
Head over the river for upmarket South Yarra’s boutique hotels and further south, to St Kilda, for the palm-fringed beach party vibe. Getting around is easy: stroll through parkland to the inner north or South Yarra, while the city’s ultra-green tram network – free within the city centre – or extensive cycle paths can take you further afield.
Go for a stroll: discover native plants with Indigenous guides at the Royal Botanic Gardens
Urban Indigenous experiences
The settlements of the Bunurong and Wurundjeri peoples date back more than 60,000 years, and the deep cultural and historical knowledge of the country’s First Peoples endures. It’s vividly conjured on the Koorie Heritage Trust’s walks along Birrarung Marr (the Indigenous name for the Yarra River) to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): the site of the city’s hallowed sports stadium has long been an important Indigenous ceremonial hub, where nearby you can see ancient scar trees (those that had bark removed for various purposes).
Or you can discover native plants and their traditional uses with Indigenous guides at the Royal Botanic Gardens, while Bunjilaka at the Melbourne Museum presents a permanent exhibition of objects and immersive stories created with elders from across Victoria. Close by, Mabu Mabu Big Esso serves up dishes inspired by the Torres Strait heritage of its chef, Nornie Bero, matched with Australian wines and an island radio soundtrack.
Experience the wonders of nature at Phillip Island, a mere 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Here, you can witness the enchanting spectacle of penguins strutting their stuff, a sight that is sure to captivate and delight.
Embark on a day trip and be astounded by Melbourne's proximity to diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you find yourself amidst rolling hills or by the glistening shores, you'll discover that the city's renowned culinary expertise extends beyond its borders, accompanied by an added touch of sophistication and the allure of sea vistas.
Make a 50-minute flit to the golden beach-fringed Mornington Peninsula for exquisitely simple, wood-fired cooking at Tedesca (which you’ll need to book before you travel), wines aged in amphorae (clay jars) at nearby Quealy cellar door and a soak in the bubbling geothermal pools of Peninsula Hot Springs. Across the bay, whale watch from the beaches of the Bellarine or swim with wild seals and dolphins. The Yarra Valley’s vineyard restaurants, such as De Bortoli and Yering Station switch it up a little on the luxury front, but the rolling hills and distant forests remain bucolic.
Phillip Island is popular for its charming penguin parade, and its rugged south coast feels deliciously remote, with marine reserves that are home to seal colonies, dolphin pods and rare seabirds. For a lost-in-time feel, there are the rhododendron and rose gardens, tea houses and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges, where you can ride a steam train from the 1900s on the Puffing Billy Railway or take the Black Spur Drive past towering mountain ash trees.
As you venture down the picturesque Great Ocean Road in Victoria, you will be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of the 12 Apostles. These majestic limestone stacks, standing tall like ancient deities emerging from the Southern Ocean, create a scene that is both breathtaking and mystical.
In addition to the dramatic cliffs and enchanting coastlines, this region offers a gateway to nature's marvels. The Otways, adorned with flourishing fern forests and abundant wildlife, provide a serene backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Local produce is a culinary highlight, ensuring a delightful journey for your taste buds.
On the other side of the city in the east of Victoria, hike in the exquisite Wilsons Promontory National Park, where the wildlife is friendly and the sand is impossibly white, then keep driving along the Gippsland coast to take in the stretch of 90 Mile Beach, behind which you find Australia’s largest inland system of lakes and waterways teeming with wildlife.
Go west again for the majestic mountains, stunning Indigenous rock art sites and the outdoor-adventure-mad town of Halls Gap, which is set on the new Grampians Peaks Trail, an exhilarating 100-mile hike along rocky ridgeways, up sky-grazing mountain peaks, and through the Aboriginal creation story heartlands of Gariwerd. Choose part of the trail for a shorter hike, or take on the whole thing on a multi-day adventure. Then head north for the 125-mile Silo Art Trail, the largest outdoor gallery in Australia, and on towards the Murray River.