Seventy-two hours in Melbourne

With its thriving restaurant and café culture, ever-expanding art scene and very cosmopolitan lifestyle, Melbourne is the ideal city for a little sojourn to recharge one’s batteries. Would 72 hours in the city work to get our fill?

We based ourselves at the Avani Melbourne Central Residences (photo above) while in the city. Its close proximity to pretty much everything meant we could explore the city on foot.

A towering 55 floors of apartment-style accommodations, as well as exceptional first-class facilities, make this the perfect choice when you visit.

Avani really does have something for everyone. Their guests are treated like family from the moment you step into the foyer. A warm welcome and a friendly smile await you. We arrived early flying in from Wellington, and left our luggage with the front desk while we went out to explore the city before our check-in.

Avani boasts a plethora of amenities to cater to guests’ every whim. We love the sauna, spa and lap pool for winding down after a day of exploring the city and relaxing those tired muscles from all that walking. We took advantage of the small gym and yoga studio. There was something magical about working out and looking out over the city of Melbourne and seeing people going about their morning.

We managed to explore the other facilities available to guests, such as private games and movie rooms, as well as a sky garden with private dining and barbecue terrace. It was more than a home away from home: we were able to indulge in luxury living, all within one location. For all these extra amenities, Avani’s retail prices represent excellent value.

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Avani

Our apartment was faultless. A two-bedroom modern apartment with kitchen, dining and all the facilities you could need if you choose to spend all your time in-house. The beds were super-comfortable and the rooms were so spacious that our team of three never once felt cramped. The en suites were well lit and decorated in high-end finishes to give a tranquil, almost spa-like feel. The complimentary wine and chocolates awaiting us in the room were also a nice touch.

If you are needing somewhere central that ticks all the boxes of the creature comforts, we couldn’t have asked for better.

Things to do
NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) is one of the oldest and most visited galleries in Australia. Split over two buildings, it plays host to some of the most important exhibitions around.

The NGV holds the most significant collection of art in the region, a vast treasure trove of more than 76,000 works that span thousands of years, a wealth of ideas, disciplines and styles.

The NGV should be on your must-do list. We were lucky enough to catch the Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos and Muse exhibition, which showcased the late designer’s work in a series of rooms that depicted the inspirations behind each collection. There is always something on at the NGV and there are even private late-night tours if you book sufficiently in advance.

Queen Vic Markets

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Known simply as the Queen Vic by locals, the Queen Victoria Markets is not only Melbourne’s largest but one of the oldest open-air markets with a 140-year history, and rightfully earning its place on Australia’s National Heritage List. No matter what time you visit the market, it is busy and buzzing. The energy is what makes it one of the most exciting.

From the fresh market with all manner of fruit and vegetables on offer, to the fresh meat and seafood side with its boutique and artisinal bakeries, fromage and all that a foodie could ever dream of. You could easily spend hours here just shopping. Luckily, we had no more room in our suitcase otherwise the cheeses, pasta and cured meats would have all come home with me (properly declared, of course). If food isn’t your thing, you can always check out the sheds, where local merchants sell everything from leather goods to wigs, tourist souvenirs and knick-knacks.

Check the laneways
With Melbourne’s plethora of little laneways and side streets, there is always something to discover and explore. Spend a while wandering around Hosier Lane and discovering the local art. It’s a creative marker of the city and totally Instagram-worthy. Spend time discovering the smaller art works as well as the bigger ones.

Explore nature
Get out amongst nature while still in the city with the Fitzroy Gardens, an oasis located amongst the hustle and bustle. From a model Tudor village to Capt Cook’s 1755 family home, which was relocated here and rebuilt in the 1930s, this is the perfect answer for a bit of peace and quiet.

Shopping
Your shopping addiction can be cured with a trip to Melbourne, with high-end brands such as Céline, Prada and the like on Collins Street, through to local independent designers and boutiques. There is something for everyone.

Local discovery Et Al is a favourite, with its fashions made locally in Melbourne. You can find them on Flinders Street, and they also have an online store and retail presences in Sydney and Armadale.

Their æsthetic is dark and edgy with a focus on natural fibres. Its styles transcend trends and the brand is all about fashion with a conscience. Their designs are intelligently thought out. Their store is also a treasure trove of specially curated fragrances and accessories that sit alongside their design ethos and look.

If pounding the streets is too much, then head to Harrolds on Collins Street. You will find a carefully curated stable of labels here for all your shopping needs. With brands such as Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Ami, and Balenciaga all under one roof. This is curated luxury shopping at its best.

Eat and drink
With an ever-changing roster of restaurants and food trends, Melbourne really is a foodie’s dream location. Whether it’s cheap eats or fine dining, there is a cuisine and place for every budget.

Housed in a heritage powerhouse, Higher Ground is an all-day eatery in the heart of the CBD. While it can be a bit of a wait sometimes, the food is worth it. They serve modern Australian fare with a twist on the classics and focus on seasonal ingredients and quality. The blueberry and ricotta hotcakes are a must-try as is the spanner crab Benedict.

Looking for a sweet treat fix while shopping? Look no further than Brunetti Oro on Flinders Lane. Sit outside and people-watch or head inside and feast your eyes and stomach on their cakes and cannoli. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to all things sweet. Be prepared for a sugar coma!

Outside the CBD, Teta Mona in Brunswick is worth the trek. Teta Mona is your classic home cooking made with love, Lebanese soul food for your soul. You are welcomed like family and every­thing from the décor to mismatched dinnerware is thought out and made to feel like your grandma’s home. The food is hearty and designed to share. I’m still dreaming of everything we ate here. The kousa—stuffed zucchini with wild rice, spices and served with herb yoghurt. The cigara is a must-order as well: pastry-wrapped spiced lamb with onions and sticky pomegranate molasses. This is simple food done well.

One of the oldest bars in Brunswick, the Aldermann serves up delicious cocktails and a thoughtful selection of wines. With its Victorian exterior and downstairs décor, and modern mid-century upstairs, this is the perfect pre-dinner bar or one for finishing off the night in. Cozy and intimate and excellent service.

A Melbourne institution, Cookie is known for its bar hall-style casual dining and hawker-style Thai street food. The food is always on-point, with fresh flavours that pack a punch. You can’t go wrong choosing anything from the menu. The service is attentive without being overbearing. Booking is recommended if you want to get a decent seat. The deep-fried five-spice chicken and Thai herb-cured kingfish should defintely be on your dining menu!

A five-minute walk from our hotel, we found Operator 25. Housed in a historic telephone exchange building, Operator 25 is the perfect brunch spot. Get there early though, if you want to avoid queues. An Asian fusion-style brunch menu makes this a must-try if you are after something a bit different from the usual fare. The soft shell crab omelette or char sui Benedict are our recommendations.

So were 72 hours sufficient? Maybe not. We barely scratched the surface of this city’s vibrant life. One trip is never enough and there’ll be more spots to cover—but we already know where we’ll stay. •

Sopheak Seng is fashion and beauty editor of Lucire.

Sopheak Seng, and courtesy establishments

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