For hipsters, foodies, beach lovers and ski bunnies, this Melbourne guide will tell you how to have a relaxed getaway and perfect vacation in this awesome city Down Under
On the hunt for a hot new vacay spot? Here at Honeycombers HQ, we exist in a perpetual state of wanderlust and are constantly on the lookout for new destinations to explore. And when we’re researching where to visit next, there’re a few key things we look out for to ensure we make the most of that precious time away. Firstly: How long will it take to get there (with limited vacay days, we don’t want to waste too much time on planes, trains, and automobiles)? Secondly: Where can we get a variety of things to do, all year round (living on a tropical island means we need more excitement than just laying on a beach all day)? Thirdly: Do we have access to seriously delish food and drinks (discovering new cuisines is one of the best parts of travel!)? One destination that ticks all of these boxes and is currently number one on our must-visit list is (drum roll please) – Melbourne!
Travel time? Check; taking little over seven hours to get there, Melbourne is a smart choice whether you’re planning a long weekend away, or a lengthier holiday. The best part? Value airline Scoot now operates five direct flights per week to Melbourne on its full fleet of 787 Dreamliners, making it cheaper than ever to reach this vibrant city. Stuff to do? Check; it’s a year-round destination, so come rain, shine, or snow, there are tonnes of things to fill your days with. Top food and drink? Check; renowned for smashing wines, multi-cultural cuisines and, arguably, some of the best coffee you’ll ever sip, Melbourne is mecca for foodies.
Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party, escaping for a girls-only break, or just want to indulge in some unadulterated ‘me’ time, Melbourne is full of surprises and is crying out to be explored. Here’re our top picks of things to do in this chilled out city Down Under.
For the beach bums: St. Kilda
A mere 6km from Melbourne’s city centre is the beautiful sandy beach and palm-lined boardwalk of St. Kilda. Take in the stunning views of Port Phillip, get involved in the beach activities (paddle-boarding, anyone?), and sink a few cold ones in the numerous bars and cafes that line the streets.
For the kooky: Bohemian Fitzroy
Head for buzzy, boho Brunswick Street to explore the numerous vintage clothing stores and second-hand bookshops. It’s alternative, it’s dripping in cool, and we could easily spend all day browsing through this treasure trove of a road.
For the nature lovers: Phillip Island
For off-the-chart animal cuteness, a trip to Phillip Island is a must. Check out koalas at the local sanctuary, watch as the smallest penguins in the world waddle their way home across the beach each evening at sunset, and view the fur seal colonies that line the coast of this magical island. There’re also plenty of beaches and coastlines to explore, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
For the foodies: Yarra Valley
For the discerning foodie, no trip would be complete without visiting Yarra Valley for a true paddock-to-plate experience; trust us, it ain’t known as Melbourne’s ‘food bowl’ for nothing! Wander through lavender fields, pick your own fruit in the fresh air at fruit farms, taste the artisan cheeses from the Yarra Valley dairy, and don’t forget to sample the local wines. Arriving with an empty stomach is advisable.
For the girlie girls: Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs
For the ultimate girlie indulgence, pay a visit to the incredible alfresco hot springs. Soak in the natural thermal mineral waters, and make the most of the other 20 globally-inspired communal bathing options at the Bath House. From Turkish hamams and cold plunge pools, to cave and hilltop pools, we dare you to leave this idyllic setting feeling anything other than relaxed and rejuvenated!
For the free spirits: Great Ocean Road
Grab your bestie, don a silk headscarf and hit the road a la Thelma and Louise. Take in the awe-inspiring coastline, pristine beaches, rainforests and quaint seaside towns. Don’t forget to check out the famous 12 Apostles, an impressive collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park.
For the ski bunnies: Victoria’s Snowfields
Skiing? In Oz? Yes, really! Melbourne ain’t just a summer destination, as proven by the snow-capped peaks and alpine villages of Mount Buller, Hotham and Falls Creek. From skiing and snowboarding, to tobogganing and snow biking, this little-known Winter wonderland will please lovers of powder and clear blue skies.
We say it’s time to Scoot to Melbourne, stat!
This article is sponsored by Scoot & Tourism Victoria