6 night Luxury Melbourne and Tropical Hayman Island package

Melbourne is known for its vibrant cultural scene and hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year. Some of the best events include:

1. Melbourne International Arts Festival and Fringe – held 5 -22 October in 2023, this festival features a diverse range of performances, including dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, from local and international artists. Fringe festival details here.
2. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – held from 24th March to April 2nd 2023, this festival celebrates the city’s thriving food and wine culture with a variety of events, including tastings, masterclasses, and dinners.
   All the details here – bookings launch February 2023!
3. Melbourne Fashion Festival, Runway series, exhibitions and performances across the city.  Details of events and workshops here
4. Australian Open – held in January, this major tennis tournament attracts the world’s top players and is one of the four Grand Slam events on the professional tennis calendar.
5. Melbourne Festival – held in October, this festival features a wide range of performances, including theatre, dance, music, and visual arts.
6. Melbourne Cup Carnival – held in November, the first Tuesday of the month (7th November 2023) the Melbourne Cup is a week-long horse racing event that is considered the premier event on the Australian horse racing calendar, it’s also a major social and fashion event. The race that stops a nation…
7. Melbourne International Comedy Festival – held in April, this festival features a wide range of comedians from around the world, performing stand-up, sketch, and improv comedy. Shows, dates and venues here.
8. White Night Melbourne – held in February, an all-night arts festival with free exhibitions, live music, film screenings, and interactive installations across the city.

You’ll probably encounter changeable weather, with distinct seasons. Here are some travel tips for Melbourne:

Spring (September to November): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Melbourne, with mild temperatures and colourful blooms in the city’s many gardens and parks. It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as strolling along the Yarra River, visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, or taking a day trip to the nearby Yarra Valley wine region.

Summer (December to February): Melbourne’s summers can be hot and dry, with temperatures regularly reaching over 30°C. It’s a great time to enjoy the city’s beaches, such as St Kilda Beach or Brighton Beach, and take advantage of the many outdoor festivals and events that take place during this season, including the Australian Open tennis tournament and the vibrant arts and cultural events of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Autumn (March to May): Autumn in Melbourne brings cooler temperatures, but still pleasant weather, with mild days and cool evenings. It’s a great time to explore the city’s vibrant food and wine scene, visit the nearby Dandenong Ranges for colourful foliage, or take a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road to see the changing colours of the leaves.

Winter (June to August): Melbourne’s winters can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to single digits, and occasional rain. However, it’s also a great time to experience the city’s cozy indoor attractions, such as its numerous museums, galleries, and coffee shops. Winter is also the season for skiing and snowboarding in the nearby snowfields of the Victorian Alps, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Melbourne:

Enjoy the food scene: Melbourne is a melting pot of diverse culinary experiences, with thriving foodie opportunities offering a wide range of cuisines from around the world. From fine dining restaurants to casual eateries, food trucks to hidden gems in laneways, there’s something for every palate in Melbourne. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the city’s vibrant food scene and sample local specialities.

Serai Kitchen. Time Out’s Restaurant of the Year (also Best Casual Dining Venue) is a shot in the arm for the city’s food culture. Riffing on chef Ross Magnaye’s Filipino heritage without suggesting anything like straightlaced authenticity, the fire-licked food is irreverent, playful and fun while also introducing the non-Filipino Melbournians to a new world of flavour. Backed by a pithy, natural-leaning wine list and a whole lot of buzz, the menu is a tour-de-force of things we want to eat. Racing Lane, Melbourne. Bookings at Serai Kitchen here

The Kingston is a sophisticated, yet relaxed hotel and dining experience, nestled in the quiet leafy streets of Melbourne/Narrm’s inner city suburb of Richmond. The 168 year-old, historic Richmond icon has undergone a $1.5 million update including a total refresh of the public bar, while the 120-person courtyard was redesigned by landscape architect Jim Fogarty with a provincial Tuscan look. The centrepiece of this iconic venue is the addition of Marble & Pearl, a refined dining room showcasing premium Australian beef and local seafood, all cooked on a charcoal Parilla grill where the Head Chef has been trained in the essence of cooking with fire. The menu is complemented by an extensive curated list of local and international wines, beers and cocktails. Featuring stylish leather booths, a stunning centre fireplace and unpretentious service, Marble & Pearl is where you come for the steak and stay for the banter. The Kingston details here. 

Stella: Multi-story hospitality venue Stella is opening this September on the prominent corner of Chapel and Grosvenor Street in Melbourne/Narrm’s inner city suburbs, set to deliver an Italian food philosophy with a modern Australian twist, alongside a collection of signature drinks and stellar rooftop vistas. Perfect for a quick bite or a more elegant meal, Stella will offer house-made artisanal pasta with seasonal sauces, pizzas topped with classic and modern, adventurous combinations (made using Stella’s signature dough recipe passed down through the generations), as well as regional Italian favourite dishes, desserts and smaller sharing plates. Details for Stella here.

Amphlett house – good honest fare and vibrant drinks on tap!
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s restaurant and theatre district, Amphlett House, is the new 120-seat taphouse with a designers 80s vibe which sees exceptional drinks and elevated pub classics come together in a welcoming and upbeat atmosphere. The new venue is spearheaded by two of Australian hospitality’s finest, Andrea Gualdi (named ‘The Best Bar in Australasia 2021’ by ‘The World’s 50 Best Bars’) and celebrated Melburnian chef, Ian Curley. Gualdi has curated a drinks list that will tap into a new way of drinking, with a variety of tipples on tap including craft beers, wines and a unique selection of handcrafted cocktails using Australian ingredients. Designed by renowned interior designer, Rachel Luchetti, the interiors nod to the building’s 80’s era, elevated by the injection of colour and energy throughout the building.
For more information, click here for the website.

Melbourne’s best laneway secrets. From rooftop bars to basement boutiques, they are filled with one-of-a-kind experiences. There is an Alice in Wonderland feel to Melbourne’s lively laneways: you never know what lies around the next corner. You might come across a cobbler creating made-to-measure shoes, or a talented chef reinventing Indian favourites. There’s really only one thing that’s certain – you’ll find something new every time.
Art: Try Union Lane, walk down this quiet thoroughfare and you find yourself in a different world, dominated by the ever-changing street art that covers every wall. You might even bump into an artist creating a new work as you watch.
Coffee: Step into this converted warehouse in Rankins Lane and you will immediately understand why Manchester Press café is always full. The high ceilings and oversized wooden tables create a welcoming feel, but what really keeps its devoted followers coming back is the fabulous coffee and the tasty selection of bagels.
Garden Rooftop Bar: This offshoot of the much-loved Loop art space has become almost more popular than its big sister. Climb the long staircase in Meyers Place and you will emerge into Loop Roof, a verdant oasis framed against a striking view of the city skyline. The cocktail list continues the garden theme. The speciality of the house is juleps, which come in unusual variations such as herbaceous (dill, cucumber and capsicum), and earthy (beetroot and walnut).
A leafy Laneway: Many of Melbourne’s laneways give off an artsy alternative vibe, but one laneway is brightening its alley with green. Part of the ‘Green Your Laneways’ campaign, Guildford Lane has become home to potted plants, window boxes and creeping vines. Within the urban oasis you’ll find equally pleasant cafés. Krimper features tables made from recycled lift doors and a menu of hearty yet fresh breakfast and lunch options, while Cat Café Melbourne – as the name suggests – houses rescue cats that wander freely throughout the two-storey premises.

Golf Retreat: Yering Gorge Cottage guests can lunch or dine in the understated elegance of the Eastern Golf Club’s Dining Room or the more relaxed Members’ Lounge & Bar.

Close to Yering Cottages is the Maroondah Highway – an easy drive of approximately 10 minutes – and where you will find a great selection of wineries that you can book in for a cellar door tasting, linger a bit longer over some incredible food designed to perfectly complement the wines being poured – all whilst enjoying the unique stories that are waiting to be told and spectacular landscapes that can be discovered at each destination. And, for those that enjoy their cocktails, there’s a couple of wineries that are now producing their own spirit ranges.

The Yarra Valley Grand Hotel is our go-to-place when wanting classic ‘pub style’ food in a relaxed environment. Built in 1888, this landmark historical hotel is classified with the National Trust. Offering casual bistro dining with indoor and outdoor spaces, the menu offers something for everyone – with local Yarra Valley producers well-showcased.

Visit Queen Victoria Market: The Queen Victoria Market is a historic landmark in Melbourne and one of the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a must-visit for food lovers, where you can sample fresh produce, gourmet delicacies, and local specialities. You can also find unique souvenirs, clothing, and crafts at the market.

Take a tram ride: Melbourne is known for its iconic trams, which are a part of the city’s public transport system but also offer a unique way to explore the city. Jump on one of the historic trams or the free City Circle Tram, which loops around the city centre, and enjoy a leisurely ride while taking in Melbourne’s landmarks and architecture.

Explore Melbourne’s cultural precincts: Melbourne is a city with a rich cultural scene, and there are several precincts worth exploring. Visit Southbank, which is home to the Arts Centre Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria, and various theatres and galleries. Wander through Fitzroy and Collingwood, known for their trendy shops, galleries, and street art. And don’t miss the vibrant neighbourhood of Brunswick, known for its diverse food scene, live music venues, and eclectic street art.

Take a day trip to the Great Ocean Road: The Great Ocean Road is a stunning coastal drive that stretches along Victoria’s coastline, known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Twelve Apostles. Rent a car or join a guided tour and spend a day exploring this scenic route, with stops at beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and quaint coastal towns.

Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens: The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne are a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city, offering serene gardens, stunning views of the city skyline, and a variety of plant species from around the world. Take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or join a guided tour to learn about the botanical wonders of this tranquil oasis.

Catch a sports game: Melbourne is known as the sports capital of Australia, and catching a sports game is a quintessential Melbourne experience. Whether it’s Australian Rules Football (AFL), cricket, or tennis, attending a live sports event can be an exciting and memorable experience, immersing yourself in the local sports culture.

Take a ferry to explore the bay: Melbourne is located on Port Phillip Bay, and taking a ferry or boat ride is a great way to explore the bay and its surroundings. Take a ferry to Williamstown, a charming coastal suburb with historical architecture and waterfront dining options.

Did you know…Melbourne was founded in 1835 by John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner, who established competing settlements on the northern and southern banks of the Yarra River, respectively.

In 1851, gold was discovered in Victoria, including in the areas around Melbourne, which led to a significant influx of population and economic growth. This period, known as the Victorian gold rush, transformed Melbourne into a major city and the financial and administrative centre of the colony.

In 1854, the Eureka Rebellion took place in Ballarat, a city located about 120 kilometres west of Melbourne. It was a significant event in Australian history, as gold miners protested against oppressive mining laws and demanded democratic rights.

Melbourne became the capital of the newly established colony of Victoria in 1851, and remained the capital when Victoria became a state within the Commonwealth of Australia upon its federation in 1901.

The first Australian Rules football match was played in Melbourne in 1858, making it the birthplace of this popular Australian sport. Today, Melbourne is home to numerous Australian Rules football clubs and hosts the annual Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final, which is one of the biggest sporting events in Australia.

Melbourne’s streetcar system, known as trams, began operation in 1884 and is now the largest urban tram network in the world. The iconic trams are an integral part of Melbourne’s public transport system and a distinctive feature of the city’s urban landscape.

In 1901, the first Australian Parliament was opened in Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It served as the seat of the Australian Federal Government until the capital was moved to Canberra in 1927.

Melbourne hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics, which were the first Olympic Games held in the Southern Hemisphere. It was a significant event for Melbourne, as it put the city on the global stage and helped establish Australia as a sporting nation.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Melbourne became a centre of cultural and social change, with the emergence of the arts and music scene, and the rise of the counterculture movement. It was a period of social activism, cultural diversity, and creative expression that shaped the city’s identity as a vibrant and progressive metropolis.

Today, Melbourne is known for its diverse population, rich cultural heritage, and thriving arts and culinary scenes. It consistently ranks highly in global livability surveys, and has been recognized as the world’s most livable city by The Economist Intelligence Unit multiple times.