Think you know Melbourne? No chance! With new events, shops and restaurants popping up all over the city and a wealth of hidden hotspots that only locals know, innovative Melbourne is constantly reinventing itself.
Whilst international borders remain shut and Aussies holiday at home, there has never been a better time to venture south and unravel Melbourne’s multifaceted charm.
If you’re unsure of where to go and what to do, Viva Holidays has made things tons easier by putting together some incredible packages that promise to deliver – whatever floats your boat!
Such as…
Living la vida luxury
Lap up the luxury in magnificent Melbourne and feel like royalty for a weekend.
Shop for high-end international brands such as Hermes, Aesop and Armani on Collins Street before dining at the world-famous Vue de Monde on the 55th floor of the Rialto building – with views to match the food. Then stay at one of Australia’s finest luxury hotels.
The 3-night Luxury Melbourne & Yarra Valley Experience package delivers an exceptional dose of Melburnian luxe and charm. Staying at the uber-opulent Crown Towers on the banks of the Yarra River, the hotel isn’t just a benchmark for Australian luxury – it’s also the sophisticated heart and soul of Melbourne’s fabulous dining and entertainment scene.
Also included in the package is a private trip to the world-class wine region that is the Yarra Valley. Just over an hour away from the CBD, you’ll dine on delicious, locally sourced food, sip some of the best vino in the country, enjoy a gin tasting at Four Pillars and drive along beautiful country roads whilst looking out for kangaroos.
- 3 nights at the ★★★★★ Crown Towers Melbourne in a Deluxe King Room
- Includes a private Yarra Valley Tour with gin tasting at Four Pillars with 2 premium wine tastings, tutored gin tasting and a 2-course lunch with a glass of wine
- From $749 per person twin-share (Save $243)
- Find out more here
Taste talent on a plate
From local laneway dining hotspots to hole-in-the-wall eateries to world-class fine dining, Melbourne has exceptional taste.
For a delicious introduction to the city’s culinary fare, the 3-night Melbourne Foodie Experience package has you sorted. Located at the intersection of Melbourne’s iconic Flinders and Queen Streets, Vibe Hotel Melbourne positions you just a short walk away from the city’s best foodie haunts. You’ll discover – and more importantly taste – some of these on the included foodie tour, plus in your own time as you check out local faves Chin Chin, Supernormal, Cumulus Inc. and Coda.
If you can, try and time your visit down south to coincide with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (Winter Edition) which runs from 30 July to 8 August.
- 3 nights at Vibe Hotel Melbourne ★★★★ in an Urban Room
- Foodies Trail Melbourne Foodie Culture including tastings at five locations, admission to the Immigration Museum and customised Foodie coaster gift pack
- From $379 per person twin-share (Save $129)
- Find out more here
Arty adventures that inspire
When it comes to creativity, Melbourne’s where it’s a(r)t!
Shop for the latest designer fashion in the city’s charming back lanes, marvel at the colourful street art in secret nooks and crannies, admire the historic Victorian architecture all around, and wet your whistle at the quirkiest cafes and bars in Melbourne. If creativity courses through your veins, Melbourne’s where you can top-up your creative soul.
Staying in the bustling Southbank area, the 3-night Melbourne Laneways Adventure package positions you in the he(art) of all the artistic action, with an included walking tour guaranteed to deepen your love of this magical city.
Check out The Story of the Moving Image which is currently running at the nearby ACMI on Federation Square and be awed as you make your way through interactive experiences at this unforgettable (and free) exhibition. Also running at the moment at ACMI is Disney: The Magic of Animation.
- 3 nights at Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne, Southbank ★★★★ including a BONUS upgrade to a One Bedroom Apartment
- Guaranteed late check out until 12pm
- 3 hour Lanes & Arcades afternoon walking tour
- From $355 per person twin-share (Save $116)
- Find out more here
See the stars of the stage
Come and see the stars of the stage in Melbourne’s renowned East End Theatre District – home to the city’s historic theatres which regularly host world-class theatrical and musical performances.
Book a seat at the uber-popular Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Princess Theatre, or come in August and see a spectacular performance of the critically-acclaimed production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The 2-night Melbourne City Short Stay package puts you smack-bang inside the heart of Melbourne’s theatre district. Staying at Rydges Melbourne, you’ll also be a short hop, skip and a jump away from the city’s best museums, art galleries, shopping and restaurants.
The package also includes a Melbourne Star Observation Wheel general admission ticket which includes a 30-minute flight with an in-cabin audio tour.
- 2 night at Rydges Melbourne ★★★★ including BONUS upgrade to a Queen Suite
- Guaranteed late check out until 12pm
- Melbourne Star Observation Wheel general admission including 30-minute flight with in-cabin audio tour and map
- From $169 per person twin-share
- Find out more here
Cruising for a viewing
The best views of Melbourne are from the Yarra River, the historic waterway that witnessed the birth of Melbourne and has been of spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities since time immemorial.
With the 3-night Yarra River Adventure package, you’ll literally be staying on the banks of this iconic river that snakes its way through the heart of the city before draining into the magnificent Port Phillip Bay. Staying at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne, you’ll be a stone’s throw from the CBD, Southbank, the Crown Entertainment Complex, Melbourne Aquarium, Marvel Stadium and the city’s best shopping.
Included in the package is a fantastic cruise that takes in all of the city’s highlights, such as its scenic river gardens and Herring Island.
- 3 nights at Crowne Plaza Melbourne ★★★★ including BONUS upgrade to Superior King River View Room
- Buffet breakfast daily
- Guaranteed late check out until 2pm
- Bottle of wine in room on arrival
- 2 hour Melbourne Highlights Cruise
- From $445 per person twin-share (Save $345)
- Find out more here
Extending your stay
Truth be told, there’s much more to Victoria than its magical capital.
After you’re done taking in the city, escape the hustle and bustle and explore the state’s other highlights within close proximity, such as the King Valley region (three hours northeast of Melbourne) with its local wineries, fresh-food eateries and historic towns. The 1-night King Valley Escape Whitfield includes accommodation, car hire, a 4-course dinner and wine tasting, and should give you a taste of Victorian country charm.
Or book the 2-night Grampians Getaway Halls Gap package and combine a luxury hotel experience (with a heated infinity pool) with spectacular mountain views. Just three hours west of Melbourne, Grampians National Park is renowned for its abundance of native flora and fauna, including echidnas and wallabies.
Alternatively, tick off some of Victoria’s world-class highlights by booking the 5-night Great Ocean Road Discovery Lorne & Warrnambool package and set off for one of Australia’s most scenic coastal road trips. See the famous Twelve Apostles, visit the nearby Great Otway National Park and walk along spectacular surf beaches, all the whilst staying at some exceptional properties. Car hire, wildlife tour and chocolate included!
So what are you waiting for?
Explore Melbourne and its surroundings by speaking with the friendly team at Viva Holidays today on 1300 TRAVEL or visit here for even more ideas on what you can do in magical Melbourne.
And make sure to hashtag #HolidayHereThisYear #vivaholidays or tag @vivaholidays on your travels to show the world what they’re currently missing out on. Happy travels!
This article was brought to you by:
