A couple weeks’ back Luke and I travelled to Melbourne for a whirlwind trip to celebrate my friend Georgie’s 30th birthday. Eating good food, and catching up with friends was high up on the agenda, and it’s little surprise that we left with bellies bulging and hearts full. Given we’ve been living in Australia over five years now, and seldom head on the road to travel outside of Sydney, it was a good reminder to jet off on a city break every now and then.
Wearing M&S navy sweater, Levis skinny jeans, Stella McCartney coat (old but love this one as an affordable option), Everlane reknit day gloves, Mon Purse bag, Isabel Marant belt
For those of you heading on a similarly short trip, I wanted to share some suggestions for where to eat, what to see and do, and where to stay as a bit of a starting point for your own plans. So, let’s dive right in.
EAT
It’s safe to say, I’ve never had a bad meal in Melbourne. A city that prides itself on its food first and foremost, you’re spoilt for choice.
Shortstop Doughnuts (12 Sutherland Street, Melbourne 3000) – After hearing great things about Shortstop from a friend, I made a point of adding this to our itinerary. Light, soft and fluffy, and they do great coffee too. Basic is best – opt for one of the regular cake doughnuts over a filled one (trust me!), and only order as many doughnuts as you can eat; they’re best consumed fresh.
Lune Croissanterie (119 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065) – Like many great cafes and restaurants in Melbourne, this is a bit of an institution. Lines often snake out the door, which you’d expect given a New York Times writer dubbed the pastries the ‘world’s best’!
DUMBO (11 Argyle St, West Footscray VIC 3011) – This little gem will be a bit far afield if you aren’t staying locally like we were, but I thought I’d mention it anyway. The name is a nod to the New York location, reflected also in the industrial-style interior design elements. The food here is excellent, especially if you’re after a healthy – but still satisfying – meal after a night out. Oh, and the coffee is great too.
Chin Chin (125 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000) – A bit of a Melbourne institution, the food here is excellent. You aren’t able to book so be sure to arrive early to secure a table, otherwise the wait can run a few hours long.
Cumulus Up (Level 1 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne VIC 3000) – On paper it might just look like any other wine bar – especially considering it’s located just above its sister restaurant, Cumulus Inc – but it stands up all on its own. The menu combines great wine (the selection is pretty fantastic) with fine dining, and the atmosphere here is warm and inviting. This is the kind of restaurant I wouldn’t mind being stuck in during a downpour. As most options on the menu are share plates, it’s the kind of meal that is best enjoyed with friends.
Kisume (175 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000) – This one is a recommendation from a friend; excellent Japanese food served in an intimate setting. The Chef’s Table is supposed to be a pretty special dining experience.
SEE & DO
I’ve only scratched the surface here of things to do in Melbourne. It’s a city full of culture and incredible eateries, and you can switch up your itinerary based on your mood and preferences. Not mentioned below? The shopping. If you’re planning to hit up the shops, the CBD is your best bet. There are boutiques scattered through the little laneways, and the larger department stores and shops located on the main streets.
See an exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria – this sits pretty high up on my hit list, mainly because the exhibitions held here are such a major draw card. Previously, they’ve brought exhibitions from Dior and Warhol to the gallery, and during our trip, the Terracotta Warriors. If you’re on a tight budget, I’d still recommend stopping in just to see the other artworks.
Royal Botanic Gardens – located just across the road from the museum, and adjacent to the Yarra River. Being right in the middle of the city, a quick stroll through the expansive gardens is a lovely way to begin your morning, before hitting up the museum or the shops.
Head on a day trip to the Yarra Valley – For a completely different experience, book a wine tour to Victoria’s premier wine region, the Yarra Valley. It’s less than an hour from the CBD, and the cellar doors of the region’s most well-known vineyards open to the public on weekends.
See a musical at the Regent Theatre – Regent Theatre has been home to some of the biggest plays in show business, including Wicked, The Lion King and The Wizard of Oz. There’s a sense of old world glam here, and a night at the theatre is a definite must if you enjoy a good musical.
STAY
* We stayed with friends during our most recent trip to Melbourne, however I’ve picked out a handful of hotels that are centrally located.
The QT Melbourne (133 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000) – if you’re after a hotel that is dark and intimate, then this is your best bet. Centrally located, it’s just a 200 metre stroll down to Regent Theatre, plus there’s a lovely on-site bar and restaurant that boast excellent views of the city.
Adelphi Hotel (187 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000) – nestled right in the heart of all the action – Flinders Lane – this is the perfect place to treat yourself to for a weekend getaway, especially if you’re planning on hitting the shops.
Jasper Hotel (489 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000) – Another super centrally-located hotel, a hop, skip and a jump away from the Queen Victoria Markets. There’s an internal sunlit courtyard, and each room has a small balcony overlooking the city.
I’m a proud Melburnian and love this post! Cumulus Inc is great for breakfast too! Madeleines made to order are to die for. But pretty much anything on Flinders Lane has spectacular food. For a more casual Japanese affair, try Izakaya Den (114 Russell St). A bit hard to find down some stairs, but a cool open kitchen where you can see some mastery with a knife!
There’s a newly opened Lune in the city too if you don’t want to venture to Fitzroy.