I often think about the amount of time and money I spend going overseas when there’s so much right here on our own doorstep. I’m reminded of it every time I return from being away and as such am a massive advocate of a good staycation in Melbourne when you're not visiting other places. When was the last time you kicked back, threw on your flip flops and explored our incredible town like a tourist?
No stranger to being voted the most liveable city in the world, Melbourne offers a wide mix of style, culture, sport, beaches, architecture, music, wineries, and more.
There’s Federation Square, opposite Flinders street station, to offer a dose of cultural energy and people watching while you enjoy the expansive precinct and its concerts, galleries, markets, exhibitions, cafes and restaurants. There’s never a dull moment at Fed Square and when you need some time out from all the activity, you can take a wander down to the Yarra River and watch the rowers go by, or jump across to Hosier Lane to see the latest street art that may have appeared up overnight - or in the last hour. Need to upload some images? There are loads of wifi hotspots in Melbourne to help work and play at the same time and stay connected.
See the sun set over the water from Southwharf.
If you want to feel the sand between your toes, St Kilda beach is just 20 minutes by tram from the CBD along with a promenade full of live musicians and restaurants. Or, just an hour from the city, hit up the incredible surf that’s to be found on our peninsulas. It’s always worth a quick road trip for a mini break with soul.
Naturally, there’s the food, and with a healthy number of Michelin starred venues and the likes of Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner by Heston, or Vue de Monde on level 55 of the Rialto building, to Asian and Italian hotspots right across the city - you’re never without good flavours from other countries right here.
Enjoy a diversity of cuisines from all around the world like traditional Chinese at Mr Kwok.
For a breath of fresh air, spend some time in the beautiful Botanical Gardens, take a boat tour on the Yarra, head further out a bit further along the Great Ocean Road to visit the 12 apostles, or stay city side and enjoy one of the many rooftop bars around town for a different perspective on things.
This merely touches the surface on what you can get up to on a staycation in Melbourne. Make the most of this cultural mecca and you’ll soon be feeling grateful again that you actually get to live here too.