How to Have the Ultimate Mini-break in Melbourne
From world-class dining spots to immersive arts exhibits and topnotch shopping, Melbourne is packed with secret laneways, under-the-radar restaurants and eclectic experiences that are just waiting to be discovered. If you’re in town for a mini-break, here’s how to fill 36 hours with some of the city’s best lesser-known treasures.
Where to stay
The majestic Langham, Melbourne, located in the Southbank precinct overlooking the Yarra River, may be only a short stroll from the National Gallery of Victoria and chic St Kilda – but it’s the details inside that make it a tranquil retreat from the CBD’s buzz. Plush furnishings, marble bathrooms and premium amenities, including Diptyque toiletries and a private bar, make each suite a sanctuary. On the ninth floor, Chuan Spa houses a heated saltwater pool, Jacuzzi and sauna and offers treatments – such as the invigorating Herbal Salt Scrub – that draw upon ancient Chinese healing traditions. Reserve any of the executive rooms or suites to gain access to The Langham Club on the 24th floor, which offers a complimentary Langham Club Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays, daily snacks and canapés – you’ll also enjoy a seamless private check-in/check out and the hotel will press up to three garments during your visit, on the house. It’s an ideal base from which to unpack, recharge and explore the Victorian capital.
What to see
A 10-minute drive from The Langham in South Wharf, The Lume is the world’s largest digital art gallery, sprawling over 3000 square metres. Until 8 December, the immersive space is showcasing Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, featuring giant digital projections of the Italian artist’s work set to a dynamic soundscape. Afterwards, make your way to one of the city’s thriving independent theatres to catch some of the country’s most exciting under-the-radar stage productions. Until 10 November, Melbourne institution La Mama HQ in Carlton is presenting Philip Ridley’s dark comedy, The Poltergeist; while fortyfivedownstairs, a not-for-profit gallery and theatre on Flinders Lane, presents Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist classic Rhinoceros by the acclaimed Spinning Plates Co. At Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre until 24 November, Oscar-nominated playwright José Rivera’s Your Name Means Dream features actors Lucy Ansell and Caroline Lee in a gripping exploration of the relationship between man and machine. While you’re in the CBD, head to The Butterfly Club in Carson Place for live comedy and cabaret shows, served with classic cocktails.
Where to shop
Hiding in plain sight on Swanston Street, the seven-storey Art Nouveau-style Curtin House is where you’ll find boutiques such as Dot Comme and P.A.M. Store, which feature designer labels including Commes des Garçon and Issey Miyake. For eye-catching accessories, Fitzroy’s Millie Savage offers a dazzling range of unique jewellery (using lab-grown and natural gemstones), while Kari Layton’s Lott Studio in Abbotsford is the place for handmade rings, bracelets and necklaces that embrace the Japanese principles of wabi-sabi – the perfect imperfect. In Docklands, fashion label Ngali – founded by Wiradjuri entrepreneur Denni Francisco – celebrates First Nations art with sustainable and chic garments and scarves. For vintage finds, Vault by the National Trust, housed in the CBD’s historic Block Arcade (one of the city’s top shopping destinations), is a great place to seek out sartorial treasures. If you’re after beautiful homewares with a Japanese aesthetic, Mr Kitly is a discreet space above a fabric store in Brunswick that doubles as an art gallery.
Unwind at The Langham, Melbourne’s Aria Bar & Lounge and other restaurants. To book, visit: langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/melbourne/dine/
Where to eat
After a full day of exploring the city, unwind at The Langham, Melbourne’s Aria Bar & Lounge, where the two- and three-course set lunch menu features a chicken saltimbocca with white wine sauce and is one of the menu’s most popular offerings. The hotel’s elegant Melba Restaurant plates up an international spread of dishes, including wild-caught octopus, abalone and wattleseed panna cotta. A 10-minute drive away, executive chef Jae Bang, who has worked at Michelin-starred Re-Naa in Norway, opened the doors to local favourite Freyja in 2022. The waffles with smoked sour cream and trout roe and the rockling with burnt butter are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. One of the city’s newest offerings is the British brasserie-inspired Reed House, situated next to the Wesley Church on Lonsdale Street in what was once the vicar’s residence. Here you’ll find classic plates – including Scotch eggs, Welsh rarebit and rice pudding – all made with local produce. For something more intimate, slide onto one of just 16 seats at sleek bar Above Board in Collingwood – this drinking hole just landed the 100th spot on the extended World’s 50 Best Bars list.
For the perfect 36 hours in Melbourne, elevate your stay with one of The Langham’s club and suite retreats. Book now.
