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The Elsewhere Guide

Melbourne, Australia

Coffee, culture, and Australia's most liveable city

Oceania October–April $150–$320/day

Melbourne, a city where the old-world charm meets cosmopolitan vibrancy, offers an unparalleled luxury experience. From its eclectic laneways to the grandeur of its architectural marvels, Melbourne enchants with its sophisticated dining, arts, and cultural scene. This is where the affluent traveler finds a perfect blend of indulgence and discovery.

Best time to go

Spring (September to November) is the ideal time to visit Melbourne, when the city's gardens are in full bloom and the weather is perfect for outdoor exploration.

Where to Stay

The Icon

Crown Towers Melbourne

Southbank

$1,200 /night

An epitome of elegance with its lavish rooms, exquisite dining, and a world-class spa. The city's skyline views are simply unmatched.

Why we love it: Its location on the Yarra River provides breathtaking views and proximity to Melbourne's finest attractions.

The Urban Sanctuary

Park Hyatt Melbourne

East Melbourne

$950 /night

Nestled among historic sites, this hotel offers an oasis of tranquility with its opulent interiors and personalized service.

Why we love it: The private terraces overlooking Fitzroy Gardens make for an idyllic retreat.

The Classic Elegance

The Langham, Melbourne

Southbank

$1,100 /night

Renowned for its timeless charm, The Langham is known for its impeccable service, luxurious spa, and stunning river views.

Why we love it: The afternoon tea at Aria Bar & Lounge is an indulgent experience not to be missed.

Seven Days in Melbourne

Day 1

A Grand Arrival

Breakfast 8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Conservatory

Crown Towers Melbourne

💡 Try the decadent truffle scrambled eggs.

restaurant
Morning 10:00 AM

Private Tour of the National Gallery of Victoria

St Kilda Road

💡 Request a guided tour for insights on the Australian Impressionists.

museum
🍽
Lunch 12:30 PM

Lunch at Vue de Monde

Rialto Towers

💡 The degustation menu offers a culinary journey through Australia's finest produce.

restaurant
Afternoon 3:00 PM

Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens

Birdwood Ave

💡 Visit the Guilfoyle's Volcano for panoramic city views.

experience
🌙
Evening 6:30 PM

Dinner at Attica

Ripponlea

💡 Book well in advance for this culinary institution.

restaurant

A perfect introduction to Melbourne's art and culinary scene.

Day 2

Cultural Immersion

Breakfast 8:30 AM

Breakfast at Cumulus Inc.

Flinders Lane

💡 Order the shakshuka for a flavorful start.

restaurant
Morning 10:00 AM

Private Walking Tour of Melbourne's Laneways

Central Melbourne

💡 Focus on street art and hidden cafes with a knowledgeable guide.

experience
🍽
Lunch 12:30 PM

Lunch at Chin Chin

Flinders Lane

💡 Their 'Feed Me' menu is a must-try for a taste of modern Thai.

restaurant
Afternoon 2:30 PM

Visit to the Melbourne Museum

Carlton Gardens

💡 Don't miss the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre for indigenous history.

museum
🌙
Evening 7:00 PM

Dinner at Flower Drum

Chinatown

💡 Their Peking Duck is legendary.

restaurant

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Melbourne.

Day 3

Seaside Elegance

Breakfast 8:00 AM

Breakfast at Entrecôte

South Yarra

💡 The croissants here are a Francophile's dream.

restaurant
Morning 10:00 AM

Private Yacht Charter on Port Phillip Bay

Docklands

💡 Arrange a seafood picnic onboard for a true taste of luxury.

experience
🍽
Lunch 1:30 PM

Lunch at Stokehouse

St Kilda Beach

💡 The views of the bay are as delightful as the menu.

restaurant
Afternoon 4:00 PM

Relax at the Aurora Spa Retreat

St Kilda

💡 Try their signature Kitya Karnu steam treatment.

wellness
🌙
Evening 7:00 PM

Dinner at Donovan's

St Kilda Beach

💡 Request a table by the window for a sunset view.

restaurant

A day dedicated to the sea, luxury, and relaxation.

Day 4

The Art of Living

Breakfast 8:00 AM

Breakfast at Top Paddock

Richmond

💡 Their blueberry and ricotta hotcake is an Instagram favorite.

restaurant
Morning 9:30 AM

Private Tour of Heide Museum of Modern Art

Bulleen

💡 Explore the sculpture park with a guide for deeper insights.

museum
🍽
Lunch 12:00 PM

Lunch at The Farm Café

Collingwood Children's Farm

💡 Enjoy farm-to-table dishes in a rustic setting.

restaurant
Afternoon 2:00 PM

Shopping on Chapel Street

South Yarra

💡 Look for bespoke Australian designers.

experience
🌙
Evening 7:00 PM

Dinner at Cutler & Co.

Fitzroy

💡 The tasting menu is a must for food enthusiasts.

restaurant

Explore Melbourne's vibrant art scene and indulge in retail therapy.

Day 5

The Great Ocean Escape

Breakfast 7:00 AM

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

South Melbourne

💡 Their coconut chia is a refreshing start.

restaurant
Morning 8:30 AM

Private Helicopter Tour over the Great Ocean Road

Essendon Airport

💡 See the Twelve Apostles from a breathtaking aerial perspective.

experience
🍽
Lunch 12:00 PM

Lunch at Brae

Birregurra

💡 This is a destination dining experience with a focus on sustainable produce.

restaurant
Afternoon 3:00 PM

Scenic Drive Back to Melbourne

Great Ocean Road

💡 Stop at Lorne for a quick coffee break.

transport
🌙
Evening 7:00 PM

Dinner at Ezard

Flinders Lane

💡 Enjoy their modern Australian cuisine with an Asian twist.

restaurant

A day of breathtaking vistas and exquisite dining.

Day 6

A Day in the Yarra Valley

Breakfast 7:30 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Crown Towers Melbourne

💡 Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out of the city.

hotel
Morning 9:00 AM

Private Wine Tour of Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley

💡 Visit Domaine Chandon for a sparkling wine tasting.

experience
🍽
Lunch 1:00 PM

Lunch at TarraWarra Estate

Yarra Valley

💡 Pair your meal with their acclaimed Pinot Noir.

restaurant
Afternoon 3:30 PM

Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art

Yarra Valley

💡 Explore contemporary art in a stunning setting.

museum
🌙
Evening 7:00 PM

Dinner at Ezard at Levantine Hill

Coldstream

💡 The degustation menu with wine pairings is a culinary delight.

restaurant

Experience the lush landscapes and gourmet offerings of the Yarra Valley.

Day 7

City Lights, Final Nights

Breakfast 8:00 AM

Breakfast at Higher Ground

Little Bourke Street

💡 The ricotta hotcakes are a must-try.

restaurant
Morning 10:00 AM

Visit to the Melbourne Zoo

Parkville

💡 Book a behind-the-scenes tour for an exclusive experience.

experience
🍽
Lunch 12:30 PM

Lunch at Supernormal

Flinders Lane

💡 Their lobster roll is a crowd favorite.

restaurant
Afternoon 2:30 PM

Relax at a Luxury Spa

Crown Spa Melbourne

💡 Try the La Prairie Caviar Lift Facial for ultimate rejuvenation.

wellness
🌙
Evening 7:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Grossi Florentino

Bourke Street

💡 Savor the truffle risotto for a luxurious send-off.

restaurant

Conclude your Melbourne journey with an indulgent day of relaxation and culinary excellence.

The Table

Restaurants that define the destination.

Attica

✦✦✦

Known for its innovative approach to Australian ingredients, it's a must for culinary enthusiasts.

dinner $$$$

Vue de Monde

✦✦

Offers a high-end dining experience with stunning city views.

lunch $$$$

Flower Drum

A Melbourne institution for fine Cantonese dining.

dinner $$$$

Chin Chin

A vibrant atmosphere with a modern twist on Thai cuisine.

lunch $$$

Cutler & Co.

Celebrated for its contemporary Australian menu and stylish setting.

dinner $$$$

Brae

✦✦

A destination dining experience celebrated for its sustainable and seasonal menu.

lunch $$$$

Ezard

Known for its modern Australian cuisine with an Asian influence.

dinner $$$$

Grossi Florentino

Offers a luxurious Italian dining experience with a historic charm.

dinner $$$$

Make It Extraordinary

Experiences beyond the obvious.

cultural

Private Tour of the National Gallery of Victoria

Explore Australia's oldest public art museum with a knowledgeable guide, offering insights into its vast collection.

nature

Private Yacht Charter on Port Phillip Bay

Sail in style along the picturesque coastline, complete with a gourmet seafood picnic.

nature

Private Helicopter Tour over the Great Ocean Road

Experience the breathtaking views of the Twelve Apostles from above, an unparalleled aerial adventure.

culinary

Private Wine Tour of Yarra Valley

Indulge in exclusive tastings at some of the region's finest wineries, accompanied by a local sommelier.

wellness

Luxury Spa Experience at Crown Spa Melbourne

Unwind with a range of lavish treatments, including the signature La Prairie Caviar Lift Facial.

cultural

Private Walking Tour of Melbourne's Laneways

Discover hidden gems, street art, and boutique cafes with the guidance of a local expert.

Melbourne is a city that rewards the discerning traveler with its exquisite blend of culture, cuisine, and comfort. Each experience is a testament to the city's dynamic spirit and refined elegance. Whether you're savoring a meal at a world-class restaurant or exploring its vibrant art scene, Melbourne promises a journey of indulgence and inspiration.

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