In collaboration with W Hotels, our updated 24-hour guide to Melbourne gives you the scoop on all its hidden gems, many of which are secreted away down little lanes, unmarked entrances and tucked away basements. Whether you’re after food, fashion or design, dig a little deeper and you shall be rewarded…
But first, coffee
Coffee is to Melbourne what Chris Hemsworth is to Thor – essential – so kickstart your day at java specialists Seven Seeds where the seasonal beans are roasted on site. Then potter over to epicurean heaven Queen Victoria Market groaning with breads and cheeses, fine chocolates at Koko Black and Market Lane Coffee in case you need another cuppa.
The Yarra Riverside
Take a tram to Flinders St Station and look for Rentabike on the banks of the Yarra River. Your destination is Yarra Bend Park, a slice of Aussie bush in Melbourne’s north, but there are two ways to get there. For the scenic route, cycle along the Yarra Trail following the river, or halve the time by heading east along Flinders St, past Fitzroy Gardens and on to meet the river at Abbotsford.
Gallery hopping
Once you’ve reached the park, rest and refuel at the restored Edwardian-era Studley Park Boathouse because there’s more pedalling to come. Cycle back towards the city to Collingwood Yards, a sprawling creative precinct, home to artists’ studios, galleries and boutiques including West Space and Licorice Pie.
Shops and snacks
On you go to The Standard Store for hip men’s and women’s threads, Crumpler bags and backpacks, and Third Drawer Down funky homewares. Feeling snacky? Swing by Moon Cruller to grab a deep-fried choux pastry by pastry chef, Kate Reid of Lune Croissanterie, in six delicious flavours.
Then, return your wheels to Rentabike before heading back to the W Hotel Melbourne for a dip in the pool before dinner.
By night
Fancy some fine dining? Head to Society, the ambitious and much anticipated new restaurant from Chris Lucas (of Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Kong and Kisume). Or head to Aru, where Chef Khanh Nguyen draws on his Vietnamese heritage and primal cooking techniques to shape a delectable menu of Oz-Asian snacks and sharing dishes.
With the night still young, skip up to the rooftop bar at Farmer’s Daughters, a mini oasis among the glassy city towers.
See the full 24-hour itinerary for Melbourne on W Hotels!
This article features the W Melbourne and is part of the ‘W Hotels Unleash Your Curiosity campaign in partnership with LUXE.’ Head to W Hotels for more of our 24 hour itineraries featuring the hottest hangouts, best eats and greatest to-do lists across Asia Pacific.
