What could be better than a long weekend in Melbourne hitting up all the local hot spots? You’re only a Wotif away with our insider tips on what to eat, drink, see, and do.
Eat
Cosmopolitan and diverse, Melbs isn’t just cool – it’s also a fantastic place to eat. Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world with local faves like Vola Foods for authentic West African soul food; Soi 38 for delicious Thai street food; Citrus for all-you-can-eat Sri Lankan; 400 Gradi for traditional Italian panuozzo sandwiches; or Welcome to Thornbury for an ever-changing line-up of food trucks from all over Melbourne and Geelong. Or for those classic Melbourne vibes, head to a cosy laneway café like Bakemono, Seedling, or Union Kiosk. They’re iconic for a reason 😋
You’ll find unreal fine dining as well. Top of your hit list should be Reine and La Rue for modern French cuisine in a stunning heritage setting; Etta for global fusion cuisine that’s perfect for sharing; Minamishima for exquisite, elegant sushi; Maha for modern Middle Eastern (not to mention the best slow-cooked lamb in town); and Attica – a true one-of-a-kind dining experience where every dish has a story.
Got room for dessert? Pidapipó gelato and Lune croissants are must-eats! Or for serious indulgence, try Grossi Florentino’s chocolate soufflé.
Drink
What’s dinner without drinks? Thankfully, in Melbourne that’s a question you won’t have to answer. Whether you feel like a bevvy or a caffeine hit, this city has got you covered.
For cocktails with a side of cool, you’ve got to check out a laneway bar (or three). We love Little Lon for boutique gin and true-crime history; Beneath Driver Lane for whisky, blues, and excellent late-night nibbles; Eau De Vie for speakeasy vibes and clever cocktails; and Lily Blacks for old-world charm, sophisticated tipples, and hand-cut ice. On the main streets, also check out Brunswick Aces for a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails; Albert’s Wine Bar for all your oenophile dreams; and The Black Pearl for incredible cocktails and mocktails.
Of course, it’s not a weekend in Melbourne without a trip to the pub – especially if you’re a music lover. Check out The Great Northern Hotel for craft beer and classic pub grub; The Cornish Arms for a great vegan-friendly menu and a cosy, fully enclosed rooftop beer garden; The John Curtin Hotel for craft beer, boozy cocktails and live music; The Local Taphouse for local, international and non-alcoholic beer, as well as comedy and trivia nights; and The Town Hall Hotel for cold suds, awesome food and even better music.
And it goes without saying, if you’re in Australia’s coffee capital you’re going to find AMAZING brews. Stop in at Rat the Café, Disciple Roasters, Seven Seeds, and Proud Mary for a start. Ask for a Magic – they’re pretty much exclusive to Melbourne.
See
Equal parts grungy and gorgeous, there’s plenty to see (and snap) in Melbourne. Yes, it’s touristy, but a laneway selfie is almost obligatory. Traveller faves like AC/DC Lane, Hosier Lane, Centre Place, and Tattersalls Lane really do deserve their fame – but make time for some lesser-known gems like Healey’s Lane, Niagara Lane, Sutherland Street, and Equitable Place as well.
While you’re in the city centre, be sure to wander over to Melbourne Central. It’s one of the city’s biggest retail spots and home to Coop’s Shot Tower. One of only three 19th-century shot towers still remaining in Australia, it was once Melbourne’s tallest building – but it’s now housed entirely within the new, modern shopping centre. 😮
Keep strolling east and you’ll find Fitzroy Gardens – the perfect spot for an outdoor lunch or a roam with the kids. Keep your eyes peeled for the Fairies’ Tree, Cook’s Cottage, and the adorable miniature Tudor Village. If you’re getting into a bit of a history and culture kick, check out Abbotsford Convent too – Australia’s largest arts and cultural precinct.
Feeling romantic? Hire an electric picnic boat and cruise down the Yarra River- no boating license required! Or for an even bigger adventure, take a day trip to Organ Pipes National Park. It’s just 20km out of the city and home to incredible volcanic rock formations that will literally make your jaw drop.
Do
Melbourne’s earned a rep as Australia’s sports and culture capital – and, boy, does it live up to the hype.
First on your sporty to-do list has to be the MCG. AFL, cricket, soccer – there’s always something on (including tours), no matter the time of year. The MCG is also home to the Australian Sports Museum, which is a must-visit for sports fans of all ages.
If you’ve got a car, why not go for a cruise around Albert Park Lake, aka the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit? It’s a great little drive, especially for racing enthusiasts… just maybe not in March 😉 Or for something really unique, head out to Living Legends at Woodlands Historic Park, about 30 minutes out of town. It’s a retirement farm for racehorses (including big names like Might and Power, Rogan Josh, Apache Cat, Brew, Fields of Omagh and Efficient) and, yes, you can meet them.
For arts and culture, you’ve got to visit some of Melbourne’s incredible museums and galleries. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, the ACMI, and Scienceworks are great places to start, but make sure to have a squiz at some smaller galleries, like Grau Projekt, as well.
Film and theatre more your thing? Melbs has got you there as well. Catch a flick (and swoon over the gorgeous art deco design) at The Astor, or take in a show at the Limelight Department or the Arts House. Live music fans are in for a treat as well. The Espy, The Tote, and the Corner Hotel are just a few of our fave venues, but they’re certainly not the only ones in town – especially not on the weekend, when it seems like every pub has its own Sunday session band.
Itching for some retail therapy? Check out Emporium Melbourne, The Strand, Gertrude and Brunswick Streets in Fitzroy, The Rose Street Artists’ Market, and the classic Readings book shops.
Phew! We think you’ll need a break after all that. So why not treat yourself to some pampering at Nimbus Co in Richmond?
Stay
Melbourne is home to lots of fantastic stays to suit all budgets and tastes. Some of our favourites include Ovolo South Yarra for retro glamour and excellent veggie cuisine; the Cosmopolitan Hotel for stylish, family-friendly apartments just a stone’s throw from Luna Park; the Adelphi Hotel for luxury with a touch of whimsy; The Jazz Corner Hotel Melbourne for its effortless blend of cool and comfy; and QT Melbourne for classic city chic and an amazing on-site spa.
PLAN YOUR MELBOURNE GETAWAY