Melbourne: stay, eat and play guide

When was the last time you visited Melbourne? If you can’t remember when, it may be time to put this destination on your domestic travel bucket list.

The Victorian capital combines everything you need for a remarkable city break. Escape the daily grind as you meander through the bustling laneways, where vibrant street art adds a creative edge. Stop off for excellent coffee, enjoy the exciting food scene, cool bars, striking exhibitions at the NGV and festivals a-plenty, and immerse yourself in the culture that makes this city so cool.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or a loved one, a mini break in Melbourne will leave you with lasting memories. Keep reading for the best of where to stay, eat and play, then pack your bags for a trip to remember.

STAY

Voco Melbourne Central

Located in the perfect place to easily access everything the city has to offer, this smart, sustainable hotel is nestled within the sleek 380 Melbourne skyscraper on Lonsdale Street (enter via lifts on Timothy Lane), and seamlessly blends modernity with sustainability.

Voco Melbourne Central’s rooms are spacious and feature amazing views over the city.

Voco Melbourne Central prides itself on its eco-conscious ethos. Each guestroom features beds made from 100 percent recycled materials, including surprisingly plush bedding derived from over half a million repurposed plastic bottles. Linen sourced from sustainably farmed cotton adds to the comfort, while windows that can be opened minimise the need for air conditioning. The rooms are big, too. With plenty of space to spread out if you are staying a few days, and floor to ceiling windows that offer uninterrupted city views that are truly breath-taking from the higher floors.

Enjoy drinks at the rooftop pool.

Its upscale yet relaxed ambiance is a perfect match for Melbourne’s laneway life, making Voco Melbourne Central a sustainable oasis with a taste of urban sophistication. Throw in a rooftop pool, a well-equipped gym and the delightful Blacksmith Bar & Grill (more on that later…) and you’ll never want to leave.

Insider tip: There’s a feast of dining options nearby, including always delicious Mamak just steps away on Lonsdale Street, and don’t miss Golden Monkey on Hardware Lane for dumplings then cocktails.

QT Melbourne

QT Melbourne is packed with personality. From the moody-glam lobby with its dramatic high ceilings to the uber-cool rooftop bar where you can take in the cityscape and enjoy DJs on weekends, expect a stay that surprises and delights.

A corner king room at QT Melbourne.

Rooms are spacious and a chic blend of brushed concrete, dark slate, and polished wood creates a modern and zen atmosphere. The beds are luxurious, plus, thoughtful in-room amenities, including a Bluetooth Bose speaker, free movies and a deep freestanding bath make staying in a pleasure.

Insider tip: Lune Croissanterie CBD is just a block away on the corner of Collins Street and Russell Street. Arrive early to join the queue for Melbourne’s best pastries.

Ovolo South Yarra

Set in the ideal location to explore the Tourak Road and Chapel Street boutiques, Ovolo South Yarra captivates at every turn with its clever use of space and attention-grabbing design. The entrance hall, adjacent to vegan restaurant Lona Misa, showcases striking artwork and offers a top-down view of the inviting leisure area below, complete with a pool table, vibrant decor, and a gramophone.

Rooms boast views of South Yarra.

The funky check-in area sets the scene for a memorable stay. Rooms range from ‘Go Go’ snug rooms, ideal for one, right up to the ‘Rock Star Suites’ with a king bed and sitting area. All include modern amenities like Bose speakers and high-spec TVs to ensure a comfortable stay, plus enjoy signature perks of an all-inclusive mini bar stocked with wine, craft beers, and snacks. Or savour a sundowner downstairs at social hour.

Insider tip: Try Tom, Dick and Harry café nearby for excellent coffee and Beverly Rooftop for cocktails.

EAT

Blacksmith Bar & Grill

Fire-cooked meats are the main event at Blacksmith Bar & Grill – the recently rebranded restaurant on the seventh floor of Voco Melbourne Central. Australian produce takes centre stage on the menu by renowned chef Ian Lee, with high-quality cuts sourced from Melbourne owned meat and game specialist Gamekeepers. Our menu must-tries? Don’t go past the 1.2kg tomahawk (the perfect showstopper for sharing!) and the bone marrow is heavenly.

Enjoy a sensational feast at Blacksmith Bar & Grill.

While the luxurious interiors and million-dollar views of Melbourne through the floor-to-ceiling windows are impressive, the relaxed vibe, plush furnishings and ample space make it an ideal destination for romantic soirées, power lunches, and leisurely after-work gatherings at the enchanting poolside bar. It’s the ultimate city dining experience for foodies.

400 Gradi

This renowned hotspot in Melbourne’s vibrant Brunswick East is the epitome of Italian gastronomy – and a pizza lover’s heaven! The buzzy restaurant draws in eager diners seeking award-winning pizza (owner Johnny di Francesco recently ranked the highest Australian chef in the coveted Pizza Napoletana STG category at the World Pizza Championships in Napoli), masterfully crafted cocktails, and authentic dishes, transporting you straight to the heart of Italy.

Pizzas are the main event at 400 Gradi.

We lingered over our morish entrees of flash-fried calamari, mouthwatering arancini and fiori di zucca, then devoured the margherita, calabrisella (a standout) and vulcano pizzas, all washed back with an exquisite bottle (or two) of delicious Valpolicella. The atmosphere was relaxed but service quick, staff were fun, friendly and knowledgeable and the food delicious. Prepare for a night of laughs and great food.

Lona Misa

You’ve never eaten vegan food like this. Set at the front of South Yarra’s Ovolo Hotel, every dish at this Latin American-inspired vegan and vegetarian gem tantalises taste buds, even captivating devoted meat-eaters with chefs Shannon Martinez and Ian Curley’s masterful ‘facon it’ artistry.

Experience vegan food like never before at Lona Misa.

From flawlessly crafted faux meats to tantalising veggie options, Lona Misa embraces all, beckoning food enthusiasts to join the fiesta. We loved the croquettas and the peri peri pollo (with vegan chicken) cooked in the restaurant’s charcoal Josper oven. While the cocktail list ignites the party spirit with margaritas and intoxicating rum concoctions. Lona Misa stands as a trailblazer, gracefully navigating the evolving culinary landscape with an inclusive and unforgettable dining experience.

PLAY

Royal Botanic Gardens

Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens is a vast oasis boasting 8,500 plant species, serene lakes, and lush lawns. Nestled in the heart of the city, these accessible gardens make for a perfect picnic spot or a refreshing escape. Don’t miss the delightful Punting on the Lake experience or the chance to enjoy a picnic in the lesser-known nooks scattered throughout the gardens.

National Gallery of Victoria

Australia’s oldest and most beloved art museum, stands majestically on St Kilda Road. Experience a captivating blend of classic masterpieces and cutting-edge contemporary talents through major international exhibitions like Van Gogh, Hokusai, Dior, and more. The NGV offers an art journey that shouldn’t be missed.

Degraves Street

This Parisian-esque laneway connecting Flinders Lane and Flinders Street, is a must-visit gem in Melbourne, renowned for its charming cafes with on-street dining. Savour a glass of red and a pasta dish, soak up the vibe and watch the world go by.

Whatever age or stage of life you’re at, Melbourne is brimming with excitement and there’s so much to do you’ll never be bored. From thrilling sporting spectacles to internationally acclaimed art exhibitions to the legendary Comedy Festival Melbourne really is the ultimate playground.

Want more things to do in Melbourne? Look out for these calendar highlights in Melbourne and regional Victoria: