Most of us are already familiar with Australia’s most liveable city, but there’s always something new to discover. Get ready to be surprised by Melbourne.
Most of us are already familiar with Australia’s most liveable city, but there’s always something new to discover. Get ready to be surprised by Melbourne.
FOR THE ACTIVE MILLENNIAL…You’ve been to Melbourne, but always with family. This time, you’re looking forward to finally discovering the city with your girlfriends!
Go bar-hopping
Whether you’re seeking a rooftop spot with a breathtaking view of the Central Business District (CBD) skyline, or an award-winning cocktail bar squirrelled away down a laneway, going barhopping in Melbourne is the epitome of a “something for everyone” experience. If you like all things whimsical, rooftop bar Madame Brussels is decked out in Alice in Wonderland-inspired furniture and accoutrements. Those who take their tipple seriously will appreciate the craftsmanship at speakeasy The Black Pearl. And industrial-chic Section 8, essentially made up of two shipping containers in a carpark, is great Instagram fodder.
Explore quirky neighbourhoods
Venture out of the bustling CBD to the surrounding neighbourhoods and discover a more relaxed way of life. The laid-back St Kilda hugs the coastline, and should the weather permit, it’s a great spot for cycling or skating. Fuel up with deeply flavourful seafood dishes at Claypots, then grab a colourful pastry from Glick’s Cakes and Bagels.
To experience Melbourne’s bohemian vibe, head over to Fitzroy, home to an eclectic mix of art galleries, specialist bookstores and hipster bars. The many commissioned street-art murals that adorn the buildings make fascinating viewing on an afternoon stroll. On Saturdays, make a stop at the Rose Street Artist Market and purchase a trinket or quirky work of art to show your support for local designers.
Visit Phillip Island
Just 90 minutes by car from Melbourne, Phillip Island is where you should go for some fun under the sun. Here, you can get up close and personal with penguins as they return from their daily fishing trips; swim in the waters off the pristine white beaches; or rest your feet at one of the many cafes and restaurants. The Cape Kitchen, for example, is popular for its breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean and coastline.
FOR THE URBAN SOPHISTICATE…You’re well-travelled and have no interest in the overly touristy or cliched. Enriching encounters are what you’re looking for now.
Get a taste of true cafe culture
Melburnians take their coffee and cafes very seriously, and you’d be hardpressed to find a neighbourhood that isn’t well served by all-day breakfast joints and coffee roasters. While it’s tough to whittle down the list of tovisits, institutions like popular cafe St Ali and old-school Italian espresso bar Pellegrini’s are always a must. Serious caffeine addicts should visit Aunty Peg’s – a roasting house, coffee bar, event space, retail shop, bakery and barista training centre all rolled into one. Otherwise, you’ll do just fine wandering and stumbling upon hidden cafe gems on your own.
Enjoy the freshest produce in Yarra Valley
The home of Victorian wine is also where you’ll find numerous U-Pick orchards (pick what you want and pay a nominal sum) ripe with fruits like strawberries, peaches and plums, and restaurants focused on using only the best of the region’s produce. Don’t miss Rayner’s Orchard’s daily fruit tours, which let you pick your favourite stone fruits for just $5 a kilogram; and the restaurant at Coombe The Melba Estate, which highlights estate produce.
Go on a laneways and arcades tour
Some of Melbourne’s best-kept food, art and design secrets are hidden within the laneways and arcades of the city. The best way to uncover them? Leave it to the experts and go on a walking tour. This is your key to sussing out cafes, street art, architecture, and historical anecdotes about Melbourne that you’d otherwise never know about.
Melbourne’s markets are a must-visit for every foodie.
FOR THE SUPERMUM…If you and your friends are mothers who have finally found time to escape from domestic responsibilities, you need a good holiday to unwind.
Indulge in gastronomic experiences
Home to restaurants boasting worldclass chefs and innovative cuisines, Melbourne is the place to be for foodies wanting to be pampered. Order sharing plates at the uber-cool Cumulus Inc, or tuck into fiery flavours at contemporary Thai restaurant Longrain. Feeling indulgent? Book early for Attica, which was recently named the No. 1 stop on Australia’s Top 100 Restaurants list.
Shop at the local markets
Make a pit stop at one of Melbourne’s many farmers’ markets – such as South Melbourne Market, Prahan Market and Collingwood Farmers’ Market – for fresh produce at reasonable prices. Also expect a smorgasbord of other gastronomic delights like food trucks, delis and speciality food stands. Grab a burger, sip hot chocolate, or munch on a doughnut as you browse.
Unwind in the soothing waters of the Peninsula Hot Springs
Make full use of the naturally heated mineral waters of the Peninsula Hot Springs – Australia’s first geothermal resort – for rest and restoration. If you’re craving peace and quiet, opt for the Spa Dreaming Centre, which is only open to guests 16 years and older. Take a dip at one of the thermal mineral pools, book a spa treatment, then adjourn to the cafe for a nourishing meal.
HOW TO GET THERE
Looking to save on airfare so you can splurge when you’re in Melbourne? Scoot flies there five times a week, with fares starting from just $193 for FLY and $493 for ScootBiz. Other benefits include in-flight Wi-Fi chargeable in three blocks of time (from US$11.95 an hour; about S$16.40), and a ScootInSilence quiet zone at the front of the plane for you to scoot in ultimate comfort on board any of their Boeing 787 Dreamliners! Visit www.flyscoot.com/melbourne to book your flight today!
