There’s something about Melbourne that just pulls. It doesn’t announce itself with grandeur, but rather draws you in with a knowing smile, making you want to stay awhile. It’s a city of contrast and creativity, where 19th-century architecture sits comfortably beside industrial-chic laneways and edgy street art.
The Australian Open
It was pure luck that we found ourselves in this fabulous city for the Australian Open and the Men’s Finals. We had the joy of experiencing the festive atmosphere at the renowned Rob Laver stadium and watching the finesse of Jannik Sinner in a stunning win over Alexander Zverev.
Park Hyatt Melbourne
Our home for three nights was the Park Hyatt Melbourne — an Art Deco haven, tucked behind the city’s Parliament House. It was the perfect base for us to explore the surrounding area by foot, with St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the leafy expanse of Fitzroy Gardens right at our doorstep.
Dining in Melbourne – a feast for all the senses
Choosing your restaurants in Melbourne can be a bit overwhelming, our concierge list was mouth-wateringly deep with multiple dining establishments from India, Lebanon, Korea, Mexico, Japan, Scandinavia, Greece, Taiwan, Filipino, Thai, Italian, Turkish, Malaysian, Spanish, and Vietnamese – to name a few.
The Builder’s Arms was our top pick for Sunday lunch. We mingled with friendly locals and regulars, while diving into some seriously delicious gastropub classics—from a perfectly flaky fish pie to mussels with just the right kick of spice.
You’ll notice that places like the Builder’s Arms often have “Hotel” in the name, even though they do not offer rooms these days. It’s a quirky nod to the past—back in the day, eateries were required to provide lodging for weary travelers in order to get a license. Now, it’s more about the food than the beds, and trust us, that’s a very good thing.
Chin Chin is another institution that makes up Melbourne’s international gastronomic tapestry. We had a delicious assortment of small plates from Southeast Asia, though those with an appetite might opt for their fabulous “Feed Me” Menu.
We just adored the Fitzroy neighborhood for wine bar-hopping and tasteful bites throughout our stay in Melbourne, with the Marion wine bar being another outstanding stop!
Coffee Culture in Melbourne is the real deal with more “hole-in-the-wall” coffee shops than I will bet anywhere else in the world. The Aussies take their coffee very seriously and absolutely no one serves one that is not worthy of an award.
Hidden Gems Tour
Our Hidden Gems tour took us through Melbourne’s secret heart: the cobbled laneways, tiny espresso bars, and galleries hidden behind nondescript doors. It’s a city that rewards curiosity. One moment you’re admiring a Banksy camouflaged between brick walls and the next you are wowed by unbelievable art at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum.
We ended the day with a hilarious lunch at a shared table in the kitchen, at a local old-school Italian restaurant – Pellegrini’s – where we gorged on heaping bowls of carbs while watching the cook turnout 100’s of plates of pasta to the regulars.
Mornington Peninsula
We left the city behind and drove for about an hour to the Mornington Peninsula. For Melburnians, this is their quietly held secret—a windswept coastline dotted with vineyards, eucalyptus groves, and charming coastal hamlets.
We had a great guide in James who is a Mornington local. He showed us the best views and landscapes, lunched with us at his favorite beach joint, stopped off at a winery and got us one last encounter with the region’s endemic wildlife! It was truly an insider’s view of the Peninsula.
We began with a visit to a wildlife sanctuary, where hand-feeding kangaroos (this time expertly, having done this at Bonorong the previous week) and locking eyes with a sleepy koala reminded us just how extraordinary Australia’s fauna truly is.
From there, the day unfolded like a well-paced meal. A private tasting at a boutique winery gave us a window into the Peninsula’s cool-climate terroir—Pinot Noirs with whispery tannins and Chardonnays bright with minerality.
And then—Jackalope.
Nestled among the vineyards, Jackalope Hotel is not so much a hotel as it is an art piece you can sleep in. Its sleek, sculptural design—charcoal-black exteriors, dramatic lighting, surrealist touches—feels both thrillingly modern and deeply connected to the landscape. The contrast between wild nature outside, and sleek luxury inside feels playful in a very “Aussie” way.
Our suite overlooked the vines, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the dusky light. Every detail—hand-thrown ceramics, bespoke furniture, an in-room bar worthy of a speakeasy—spoke of thoughtful, expressive design. We toasted the sunset with a glass of sparkling wine, and let the hush of the vines lull us into a quiet reverie.
Doot Doot Doot – destination dining at its best.
Beneath an arresting canopy of the restaurant’s iconic 10,000 globe chandelier, the seasonal menu is exploration of Asian cultures and Australian local produce. Given the soil on which Doot Doot Doot stands, the partnership between food and wine is always central. Fittingly, the wine list spans a unique selection of limited-release, single vineyard wines, curated from some of the world’s premier small-batch producers. Your evening meal can either be a multi-course tasting menu, as we enjoyed – or you can opt for a 2-course quicky instead!
As our stay was merely a quick dip into the Mornington Peninsula, we immediately soaked up some sun in the black infinity pool that seemed to spill into the vineyard. This is a gorgeous property and merits a three-night stay which we will be sure to do on our return visit!
In the end, it’s these details that linger. And it’s why Australia, in all its contrasts and elegance, is already calling me back.