From immersive nature-kissed walks and natural hot springs set in lush valleys to thriller-style escape rooms and an award-winning Enchanted Adventure Park, Melbourne’s irresistible contrasts effortlessly evoke wonder in every tribe of travellers. Here are some experiences you can’t miss in Australia’s cultural hub.
Southbank
From the timeless heritage glamour of Flinder’s Street Railway Station and the spellbinding history of Guildford Lane to a century-old train ride from Puffing Billy and lavishly striking interiors like the Royal Exhibition Building, there is no shortage of ambient landmarks to draw inspiration from. If you’re enamoured by old-world artistry with a vibey modern edge, Southbank is the ideal rustic-hip spot for riverside al fresco dining, designer boutique hopping, and gaping at show-stopping architecture!
Centre Place
With an atmospheric potpourri of art-spattered laneways and retro-chic arcades to wander between, from the picturesque European-style café scene of Degraves Street to the opulently secretive French Renaissance charm of Block Arcade, knowing where to start your rambles can be a daunting decision! However, Centre Place, the quirky, upbeat, coffee-infused birthplace of Melbourne’s iconic laneways, cannot be missed!
Healesville Sanctuary
If you’re heading out to revel in the blissful settings of Yarra Valley, where you can roam dazzling gardens, chase crystalline cascades, taste indigenous cuisines, and shop at gourmet market stalls, don’t forget to visit Healesville for heart-warming interactions with koalas, kangas, and platypuses. If you’re looking for outstanding apartment hotels in Melbourne proffering prime access to its chief attractions, venture no further than the likes of Oakwood Premier Melbourne.
Phillip Island
While Melbourne is rich in hidden gems, from rainforest walks and inner-city seaside botanic gardens to hidden boutiques and neon-themed galleries, a day trip to Phillip Island, with its spectacular rock architecture, parading baby penguins, and cinematic sunset beaches, will leave your heart and Insta feed utterly rejuvenated.