It’s the iconic cultural capital of Australia – home to a vibrant arts scene, cosy cafes, super styling fashion and one of the most picturesque drives ever, the Great Ocean Road. So when we can all start travelling again get ready to pack your bags and head south – from the beautiful Victorian countryside to the energetic spark of Melbourne city, this state provides a ‘best of both worlds’ holiday!
Here, The Carousel highlights the top must-dos in the cool state, along with where you can rest your weary head in between.
PLACES TO VISIT
Queen Victoria Market
With a 136-year legacy, these markets are a Melbournian institution. Open year round, the endless stalls offer a spot of retail therapy Melbourne-style, stocking everything from food to clothes, knick-knacks, flowers, leather goods, you name it! Open Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday every week. Visit Queen Victoria Market for deets.
Image courtesy of Queen Victoria Market
Great Ocean Road
It’d be a travel sin to miss the Great Ocean Road drive if you’re ever in Victoria. This Australian National Heritage listed road trip takes you past some of the most beautiful lengths of coastline and Aussie landmarks like the Twelve Apostles. Rent a car and drive the whole stretch, or take a day trip from Melbourne if you’re strapped for time. Make sure you stop for a hot chocolate (or catch some waves) at Bells Beach and Torquay along the way. Visit Great Ocean Road for details.
Street Art Laneways
Melbourne isn’t considered one of the street art capitals of the world for nothing! Take a self-guided tour through these hip, artsy lanes with a coffee in hand! The best locations include Hosier and Rutledge Lane (opposite Federation Square) and Caledonian Lane (off Little Bourke Street). Take an online tour at That’s Melbourne.
National Gallery of Victoria
This monolith of a building houses Australia’s oldest public art gallery. With exhibitions covering art from the East, the West, and everything in between, a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria is both intriguing and educational. There’s a fun water feature for the kids as well! Check out National Gallery of Victoria for current exhibitions.
Fitzroy Gardens
This beautiful park provides ample shade for a family picnic, and long leafy paths for a romantic walk. A quiet haven from the bustle of the city, Fitzroy Gardens is a picturesque patch of green amid a concrete jungle. Why not set up on the grass next to Cook’s Cottage and enjoy the Victorian sun?
Image courtesy of Fitzroy Gardens
WHERE TO STAY
Rest your weary head at one of these stylin’ hotels by TFE Hotels
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne 4.5*
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD on Flinders Street, Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne
is the perfect launch pad from which to explore the city. You’ll have chic boutiques, hip cafes and trendy bars right at your doorstep.
Adina Apartment Hotel South Yarra 4.5*
Located right near Melbourne’s CBD, this hotel offers easy access to some of Australia’s most exciting and innovative designer fashion and homewares retailers. Stroll the famous shopping strips of Commercial Road and Chapel Street, experience the Jam Factory Entertainment Complex, and take a tram for a quick trip to nearby Toorak – it’s all at your disposal.
Adina Apartment Hotel St Kilda 4.5*
Have a penchant for sun, sand and sea? Adina Apartment Hotel St Kilda
is situated right in the heart of this trendy beach suburb. St Kilda boasts lots of eateries, a buzzing nightlife and a lovely sea breeze. Melbourne city is easily accessible via a short tram ride, with Fitzroy Street and Luna Park only a short walk away.
Rendezvous Grand Hotel Melbourne 4.5*
This historic hotel was built in 1913, and has been meticulously restored to provide the creature comforts of the 21st century, while retaining the elegant charm of the 1900s. Nuzzled in the very centre of Melbourne, you’ll have fine dining restaurants and boutique shops right at your fingertips.
Prices start from $179 per night. See here for deets.
Travelodge Hotel Southbank 4*
Travelodge Hotel Southbank sits along the vibrant southern side of the Yarra River. You’ll be spoilt for choice, with a myriad of restaurants, the Melbourne Aquarium, Crown Casino and Melbourne Cricket Ground at your doorstep. Prices start from $109 per night
Vibe Hotel Carlton 4*
Fancy yourself a foodie? Vibe Hotel Carlton is a stone’s throw away from the culinary paradise of Lygon Street and Brunswick Street, in the inner-city suburb of Carlton. A 10 minute tram ride will take you into the thriving Melbourne CBD, and the exciting Melbourne Zoo is just round the corner!
Vibe Hotel and Conference Centre Marysville
Keep an eye out for this hotel, due to open later this year as part of the ongoing rejuvenation of Marysville. With stylish rooms, a relaxing wellness area, spa facility and a wine bar, you’ll be ultimately indulged.
