VIC_Blog_Header Banner.jpg
Keep dreaming of creative laneways and spectacular getaways
The world needs us to stay in right now, so instead of boarding your next plane, join us as we continue dreaming about your next holiday.
Melbourne and its surrounds are fast becoming Australia's favourite city, embracing all things art and culture, conventional and alternative, trendy and historic. From the inner city of Melbourne where remarkable dining venues live and art is present throughout the streets; to the outer regions where nature, wildlife and rejuvenation can be found almost anywhere, it’s a thriving hybrid for all the senses. Join us as we explore Melbourne - Australia's cultural playground.
Where to Stay
Jackalope is a modern and luxurious property situated on a private vineyard in the heart of Mornington Peninsula. Although famed for its artistic and modern design; it's the rejuvenating experiences on offer that are the highlight of this venue. Enjoy a glass of wine at the Rare Hare and watch the sunset over the countryside. Or enjoy a relaxing spiced chai soak in the comfort of your own bath. With restaurants on site and a renowned spa - this little haven has everything you need for a relaxing break.
Discover Jackalope online now. Click here to take a virtual tour.
Jackalope Entrance Exterior
Lake House lies on the shores of beautiful Lake Daylesford surrounded by forest and native landscape where wildlife encounters are not unheard of. Native birds such as rosellas, kingfishers and kookaburras flock to this peaceful spot and you may even spot a wombat on longer walks through the forest. Each of the spacious rooms are perfectly decorated with country interiors, the perfect compliment to the property's natural surroundings.
Explore the beautiful Lake House at Daylesford. Click here.
The Lake House on Lake Daylesford
A hidden sanctuary nestled in Southbank Promenade, The Langham is the perfect hotel to retire to after a day of exploring Melbourne. Wake up each morning and gaze out your window at views of the Yarra Valley and city skyline - offered in each of the 388 rooms. For those who enjoy all things art - the hotel is situated in close proximity to Melbourne's captivating arts and leisure district.
Kerrie Hess Residence Suite Living Room, The Langham Hotel, Melbourne
Overlooking Victoria’s first vineyard in the Yarra Valley, Chateau Yering offers a refined escape with close proximity to the region's most spectacular experiences. Each room is elegantly furnished with antique furniture, highlighting the property's vintage establishment. Sample the region's world-famous wines and fresh produce either at the property's fine-dining venue Elenaor's, or venture out and uncover the wider Yarra Valley.
Chateau Yering Sitting Room, Yarra Valley
Where to dine
Guests at the Lake House, Daylesford can enjoy a cooking class or demonstration held in the custom-designed Cooking School kitchen. Meet the country’s most celebrated chefs at an array of master classes that offer the chance to get up close and watch the masters at work. Alternatively, sign up for a cooking class with the Lake House’s resident chefs and spend a few hours working with the region’s freshest produce to create culinary masterpieces.
Discover a taste, of what's to come....
The Cooking School at Lake House
Bistro Guillaume at the Crown Entertainment Complex, home of the Crown Towers Melbourne, is inspired by France’s most popular neighbourhood bistros, and owned by legendary chef Guillaume Brahimi. Born in France, Brahimi trained in Paris under Michelin-starred chef Joel Robuchon before moving to Australia and bringing his French influence to Australian cuisine. Choose a French bistro classic or sample the daily ‘plat du jour’.
Bistro Guillaume Champagne Sundays
A visit to Minamishima is a step into Head Chef Minamishima’s realm; where his desire to showcase traditional sushi can be shared with each diner. There is no set menu at this iconic Sushi restaurant as the Head Chef insists on only using the freshest produce, which means the dishes on offer are always ever-changing. You can choose to dine at either a sushi-bar style setting, or enjoy a private dining room — either way both experiences are omakase bound by a common thread — meticulousness, precision, technique and exquisite produce.
Minamishima Itamae | Credit: Minamishima
The ever-changing Australian-inspired menu at Brae allows the venue to incorporate produce from their own Brae Farm and the surrounding land. Resident chickens provide free range eggs, bees produce honey, and organic produce from vegetables, fruits, nuts, olives and what grain are incorporated into all facets of the menu. After your meal the property invites you to explore the land with dedicated walking paths. Discover for yourself why Brae is a celebrated award winner year on year.
Plated food at Brae at Birregurra
With 2 Michelin stars and considered by some as the best restaurant in Australia, Attica offers a memorable dining experience. The only item on the menu is a 'tasting menu' and although ambiguous; their love of beautiful, rare and unique ingredients are sure to create some truly delicious meals. Dedicate your evening to a visit here to truly appreciate the food on offer, eclectic music and friendly, dedicated team.
Attica Restaurant, Melbourne | Credit: Attica
What to experience
The Montalto & The National Package, located at Cape Schanck on the spectacular Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia's finest pieces of golfing real estate. Enjoy 18 holes, followed by a three-course culinary feast of Victorian produce with expertly matched current release and vintage wines, all hosted and curated by the winemaker at Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove.
Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove
One of the most inviting aspects of Melbourners, is their love for all things unconventional, expressive and artistic. It's only in Melbourne where artists can use the walls of buildings in intricate laneways as the canvas for their creation. And what's even more amazing, is that these amazing pieces of art are cherished by the community, adding to Melbourne's individuality. Click the link below and take a self-guided tour, exploring the best of Melbourne's Street Art.
Explore Melbourne's Street Art
ACDC Lane, Melbourne
Located in the city centre of Melbourne, The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) exhibits breathtaking art in two impressive galleries - NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre. While there are mesmerising collections of art, classic and contemporary, from Europe, Asia, America and the greater Oceania; It's the local Australian indigenious and non-indigenous art on permanent display at theThe Ian Potter Centre that we find most captivating.
Explore the NGV online here.
National Gallery Victoria
Treat yourself to a relaxing and rejuvenating thermal bath at Peninsula Hot Springs. Immerse yourself in natural thermal mineral waters which flow from deep underground into the Spas pools. The water is infused with natural minerals and trace elements which detoxify the body. This is a detox we can get on board with.
Peninsula Hot Springs & Day Spa
Just after sunset, we recommend taking a stroll down St. Kilda pier to visit the locals of the area - an active colony of fairy penguins who have been inhabitants of the area since the 1950's. Of course, visitors are advised not to touch or feed the penguins and volunteers ensure that our presence in no way disturbs their home. That being said, many still enjoy simply observing these wild little animals in their environment.
Fairy penguin in the nest near St.Kilda beach, Melbourne
