Curator’s statement
Melbourne is a fabulous international city with a melting pot of cultures and wonderfully warm and kind people. From the Australian Open tennis tournament to the incredible botanical gardens to colorful beach boxes and top-notch wineries not far from the city, you will find something that resonates with you here. It has a vibe in the evening, cool neighborhoods and a coffee culture to envy, and stellar public transportation, making it a great place to visit down under.
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Where to stay in Melbourne, Australia
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Things to do in Melbourne, Australia
Brighton Bathing Boxes lining the beach
Australian Open Tennis: We saw matches in January and loved this tournament for its vast grounds, cool cocktail spots, and top-notch tennis.
Brighton Bathing Boxes: See the colorful beach boxes on the sand, painted in cheerful colors and designs. (They shockingly sell for out-of-this-world prices!)
Arts Centre Melbourne: Check out one of their latest exhibits.
Dine on Hardware Street: It's closed to traffic and lined with outdoor seating.
Wine tasting at Port Phillip Estate and lunch overlooking the vineyards: It houses a beautiful modern winery with stellar views and an elevated dining environment.
Pt. Leo Estate Winery and Sculpture Gardens: Views of the sea and creative, colorful sculptures.
Melbourne Botanical Garden: Free to visit, showcasing both drought-tolerant plants and some of the most gorgeous lilies I have ever seen. It is a sprawling place to walk, explore, and stop for a picnic lunch on the lush green lawns.
Places to eat & drink in Melbourne, Australia
Southbank restaurants on the river
Tipo 00: Intimate Italian fare with a twist. Excellent food and open kitchen. Make sure to book a reservation early.
Rice, Paper Scissors: Asian fusion shareable dishes and crafty cocktails on Hardware Street.
Bomba Tapas & Rooftop: Eat dinner here, then walk down to Caretakers Cottage for a late-night cocktail. This place, located in an old cottage next to a church, is ranked in the Top 50 Bars in the World.
Whitehart: This casual spot in the CBD is a busy after-work spot with rotating DJs and creative cocktails. It's hard to find, but once you are there, you are glad you found it. Save room for ice cream at Pidapipo. It's amazing and has lots of creative flavor choices. Also, make sure to venture down to Southbank in the evening. It is great for dining, people-watching, and views of the river. Walk down to the Crown Casino to take in the gas brigades that set off each evening. Fire!
Need to know
Melbourne is easy to get around, either by public transportation or Ubers, which are plentiful.
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Marci Mulvehill
Marci Mulvehill
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