While Sydney is often the first choice for Brits travelling down under, in-the-know Aussies insist Melbourne has the edge when it comes to culture, cuisine and cool. Just ask actress Cate Blanchett and sisters Kylie and Dannii Minogue, who all grew up there.
As well as being a hub for art, music and dining, Melbourne is the nation’s capital of sport, with major international arenas for tennis, cricket and football.
And if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, the surrounding state of Victoria offers spectacular scenery and plenty of relaxing retreats as OK! found out on a recent trip…
Time to explore
In the Central Business District, a wander among Melbourne’s famous “laneways” is a must. Not only will you find hidden restaurants and bars, many of them on the rooftops, but you will also discover colourful street art at every turn.
The iconic AC/DC Lane – named after the Aussie rock band – is full of edgy graffiti, while Hosier Lane attracts hordes of Instagrammers looking for the perfect shot.
Any sightseeing trip should include Queen Victoria Market, which has been serving Melburnians for 145 years. Known locally as the “Queen Vic”, it is the biggest open-air market in the southern hemisphere and has a staggering array of fresh produce, clothing, crafts and souvenirs. The market is a great place to pick up everything from Ugg boots to jewellery – and we found the hot jam doughnuts at the American Doughnut Kitchen well worth queuing for.
Australia is also crazy for caffeine, so grab a flat white from Market Lane Coffee. There are branches across the city, including in chi-chi Carlton, a trendy district with delis, bookstores and boutiques. If sand and surf are more your thing, the lively beachfront at St Kilda is a short tram ride from the CBD.
Stopping to refuel
With more than 3,000 bars, cafes and restaurants in the city centre alone, Melbourne deserves its reputation as a foodie mecca and a firm favourite with locals is Mamasita. Head up the narrow stairwell and you’ll enter a buzzy 50s-inspired eatery where head chef Martin Zozoya’s menu celebrates modern Mexican street food.
The tacos and tostaditas are legendary, and we’re still dreaming of the melt-in-the-mouth slow-cooked beef rib and chargrilled corn. Wash it all down with one of a wide range of authentic mezcals, or a punchy cucumber and jalapeno margarita, as the DJ spins some tunes.
Southbank is home to glitzy waterfront bars and eateries – including an outpost of Nobu – but the bohemian Fitzroy and Carlton districts are where the hipsters hang out.
At sunset, head to Naked For Satan, a rooftop bar strung with fairy lights and boasting hypnotic views of the city skyline, as well as “Naked In The Sky” house fizz.
Where to stay
There are loads of options in central Melbourne, but we felt very relaxed and at home at the stylish Hyatt Centric near the Southbank. Open since late 2021, it has 277 luxurious rooms, and offers nice touches such as walking tours with the concierge, and local buskers in the lobby. There’s a stunning indoor pool and spacious gym.
You’ll also spot lots of interesting relics salvaged from the site’s excavation prior to construction. Up on the top floor, chilled-out Langlands restaurant and bar has 360-degree panoramic views, and it’s also where you’ll tuck into a delicious buffet breakfast.
On the wine trail
Melbourne sits amid several award-winning wine regions and Mornington Peninsula, just over an hour’s drive away, is where you’ll discover the finest examples.
Benefiting from the cool sea breezes, the area is famous for pinot noir and cool climate chardonnay. We loved our short stay at the Jackalope, a boutique hotel set in its own gorgeous vineyard. Blending rustic features with modern, daring design, you’ll be greeted by an enormous black sculpture of the mythical jackrabbit with antelope’s horns, from which the hotel derives its name.
Our spacious room with balcony overlooked the 30-metre infinity pool, in which you can lazily bob about while gazing at the vines beyond. Eating is another highlight here.
Choose from the informal Rare Hare restaurant with its vineyard setting, or a fine dining extravaganza in Doot Doot Doot. There’s also a swish cocktail bar called Flaggerdoot.
How to book
Rooms at the Hyatt Centric are from £150, hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/melct-hyattcentric-melbourne. Rooms at the Jackalope are from £360, jackalopehotels.com/. Visit mamasita.com.au/ for reservations.
Source: Read Full Article