Melbourne identity
Melbourne beckons urbanites to its boutiques, cafés and trendy suburbs writes Ben Lerwill, but the city is also an excellent springboard into the state’s wine regions, rugged coastal scenery and some of Australia’s most lauded national parks.
It’s little wonder that Melbourne has been ranked the world’s most liveable city – twice. Twelve hours ago I’d been high above the city in a hot-air balloon, watching ocean and skyscrapers twinkling in the dawn sunrise. By midday I’d been immersed in indigenous art at the National Gallery of Victoria and by 4pm I’d explored the city’s markets and hopped on the tram to St Kilda for some café culture, a sunbathe and a swim. Now, with the sun melting over the Yarra River, my seafood platter grilling to perfection in the restaurant’s kitchen I reflected on an action-packed day… and ordered another crisp Riesling.
Melbourne and the state of Victoria take the classic elements of urban living – shopping, fine dining, the arts, entertainment, sports events and nightlife – and throw their own unique ingredients into the mix. Where else can you go surfing after breakfast and then spend the day watching Grand Slam tennis? Which other city combines designer boutiques with world-class vineyard tastings and lets you go off and spot penguins between gallery visits?
Thoroughly modern Melbourne draws plaudits for everything from its festivals and architecture to its music scene and fine dining (Gordon Ramsay has rightly called it “Australia’s culinary engine room.”) As well as its excellent range of galleries and museums, its world-class zoo and fantastic shopping it’s also a nature lover’s dream – blessed with a beautifully rugged coastline, copious beaches and world-renowned vineyards.
Melbourne’s surrounding countryside is epic. From the Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island to the Grampians and the magnificent Great Ocean Road, Victoria is blessed with some of Australia’s most iconic and awe-inspiring attractions. Postcard views are everywhere, and this being the smallest state in Australia, Victoria is eminently manageable (and rewarding) to explore as part of a Melbourne break. Tour the acclaimed wineries of the Yarra Valley, take in the Twelve Apostles and other momentous coastal scenery on the Great Ocean Road, join the penguin parade on Phillip Island (90 minutes from the city) and observe indigenous wildlife at Wilson’s Promontory, one of the country’s most cherished and unspoilt national parks.
The Great Ocean Road is renowned as one of the world’s classic drives, but there’s now another way to enjoy Australia's most spectacular coastal and forest scenery. Offering an alternative twist on the coast-hugging drive, the Great Ocean Walk stretches along Victoria's spectacular west coast, from the idyllic resort town of Apollo Bay to Glenample, just ahead of the 12 Apostles visitor area. Go all out on the eight-day, 56-mile hike from Apollo Bay to the famous Twelve Apostles or opt for gentler walks and dip into smaller sections in a few hours, a day or over a weekend.
As well as admiring numerous stunning coves and beaches, highlights of the walk include Blanket Bay and Great Otway national park. Camp at picturesque sites on route or pre-book a tour and stay at the new Bothfeet Walking Lodge, where you can treat yourself to a massage or foot spa. Such is the region’s diversity it is even possible to play a Melbourne beckons urbanites to its boutiques, cafés and trendy suburbs writes Ben Lerwill, but the city is also an excellent springboard into the state’s wine regions, rugged coastal scenery and some of Australia’s most lauded national parks hands-on conservation role, helping to monitor small mammal populations in the spectacular Grampians National Park. Naturewise Conservation Holidays has helped the nationally vulnerable long-nosed potoroo and eath mouse, and the nationally endangered southern brown bandicoot. In October and November, the Grampians puts on a stunning wildflower display.
Finally, if time is tight and you don’t make it to see Australia’s little penguins waddle across the beach, you can now see majestic king and cheeky gentoo penguins at Melbourne Aquarium's Antarctica exhibition. Five years in the making, the new multi-million-dollar penguin exhibition at Melbourne Aquarium is an Australian first.
Melbourne’s raft of exciting openings last year included spas, hotels, museums, bars, restaurants and upmarket boutiques. Acclaimed eateries Nobu, and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen opened to critical acclaim and Gordon Ramsay’s Maze will open in the city early next year. The newest watering hole in town is the chic Match Bar and Grill, hot on the heels of Match bars in Ibiza, New York and London. Mixologists at the Melbourne offshoot include legendary Cosmopolitan maker, Dale DeGroff.
Martini aficionados should make a beeline for the stylish new Market Lane Bar with its impressive 100-strong martini menu. Find the bar at the Rialto, Melbourne’s grandest heritage hotel, which has reopened following a (£28 million) makeover. For a natural high whizz up to the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower for unparalleled views of the city and surrounds, or take a turn on the Southern Star observation wheel for breathtaking 360-degree views of Melbourne, the Docklands, Port Phillip Bay and beyond. A new shopping and entertainment centre now links the Southern Star with the lively Docklands waterfront.
