How to Have the Ultimate Weekend Away in Melbourne This Winter
There’s nothing like Melbourne in winter, when the city’s cosy cafes, hip bars, galleries and light shows come alive. Plan your ultimate weekend escape with our guide to the best places to eat, sip and stay in the country’s cultural capital.
Where to stay
Looking for somewhere sophisticated and central? The Langham, Melbourne – a five-star hotel located on the Southbank promenade overlooking the Yarra River – provides easy access to the National Gallery of Victoria, the CBD and plenty of cool cafes and bars. Each of the luxury property’s 388 rooms and suites is draped in old-world luxury through plush carpets, or velvet bed heads, and is light-filled – even the indoor pool has great views of the Yarra River.
Where to get brunch
The BondStore Café, a three-minute walk from the Langham, makes an excellent flat white and a tasty smoky bacon-and-egg roll; Workshop Bros, close by at Riverside Quay, serves next-level “Mac n Cheese” croissants filled with poached egg, bacon and cheesy macaroni, and spicy shakshuka with marinated fetta.
But if you want to sample an icon of Melbourne’s food culture, Lune, a 10-minute drive or 15-minute walk away, is home to what could be the country’s best croissants. You can’t make a booking so rise early to be first in line.
Where to shop
The hotel is near Chapel Street, the place to go for quintessentially Melbourne threads. Hit up Shag, brimming with luxe vintage items such as YSL scarves and 1970s Gucci loafers. Then head to Scanlan Theodore for Australian designer dresses. Drop by The Block Arcade on Collins Street for old-world boutiques, including the botanical perfumery Essensorie and jewellery stores.
Book the Everlasting Melbourne package at The Langham and you’ll enjoy luxurious overnight accommodation for two adults, a $50 food and beverage credit, Melba breakfast for two, bubbles on arrival and valet parking. To find out more, visit langhamhotels.com
Where to grab lunch
The newly opened Clementine in South Melbourne is a hip cafe serving creative dishes with Asian flare such as Wagyu brisket over kimchi fried rice and Scotch eggs encased in a crisp panko crumb. After a late lunch? Olmate’s, a seven-minute stroll from The Langham and near the NGV, serves huge sandwiches featuring beetroot and sprouts with vegan-friendly crushed chickpeas.
Where to unwind
Chuan Spa offers an extensive menu of wellness treatments designed to help you detox, unwind and recalibrate after a long day exploring the city (or a night out on the town). Our pick is the Chuan Yu Facial, which combines gua sha techniques and acupressure to visibly lift and tone the skin. You can also try a bathing treatment or speciality massage for deep relaxation.
Where to enjoy afternoon tea
Treat yourself to a leisurely afternoon beneath the chandeliers in the Langham’s Aria Bar & Lounge. Sip fragrant tea or champagne while enjoying an array of delicious bites, including vanilla scones with clotted cream and rhubarb-and-apple jam, macarons and prosciutto croquettes – all expertly created by the hotel’s executive pastry chef, Markus Bohm.
Where to find a culture fix
The Rising festival (1 – 16 June) is an annual winter celebration of established and emerging artists, music, light and performance in the heart of the city. Check out performances by American model and musician Sky Ferreira and comedian Daniel Kitson, as well as installations by First Nations artist Richard Bell. There are also live shows at Fed Square and Flinders Street Station – both are an easy walk from The Langham.
Where to indulge in dinner
Enjoy the best views of the city from The Langham’s restaurant, Melba. Choose from a broad range of dishes, including fresh oysters, sushi, pork ribs with Carolina sauce, tiger prawns with tropical salsa, and chargrilled corn with sweet paprika butter. Graze on a selection of artisan cheeses, such as Berrys Creek Tarwin Blue from South Gippsland and Yarra Valley Dairy’s goat-milk Black Savourine, with fine wine or satisfy your sweet tooth with a double-chocolate and walnut brownie or peach and double-fromage mousse. Retire afterwards to Aria Bar & Lounge for a nightcap or the signature Langham Celebration cocktail featuring gin, champagne and essence of ginger and rose.
Book the Everlasting Melbourne package and you’ll enjoy luxurious overnight accommodation for two adults, a $50 food and beverage credit, Melba breakfast for two, bubbles on arrival and valet parking. To find out more, visit langhamhotels.com
