If you want luxury Melbourne is your town, and if you want stylish, quirky, and individual, you’ve come to the right place. Rich in history but also home to some surprising little known twists of fate. For example, did you know that Flinders Street Station was initially designed for Mumbai and Melbourne was supposed to have the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai? Still, the same firm’s designs were switched around, resulting in a Gothic style station in India and an East-Indian inspired station in Melbourne? Cool.
Melbourne was home to Fitzroy chocolate makers. Fitzroy invented the Cherry Ripe bar in 1924, the famous Crunchie in 1929, and best of all, the Freddo Frog in 1930. Fitzroy created some iconic chocolate and all before selling the company to Cadbury in 1967. That’s not all; Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world, hosting the Australian Open, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, the AFL Grand Final, the MotoGP, not forgetting the Spring Racing Carnival.
So to help you navigate your way around the glamorous Melbourne that you may not have realized existed, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit and great experiences to enjoy.
Stay at the Crown Towers Melbourne
The first thing you need is a luxury base, and nowhere is more luxurious than the Crown Towers.
It is one of three hotels to be found at the Crown Casino, one of the biggest casinos in the world, and is perfectly appointed in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district, one of the best suburbs in Melbourne. With an impressive Forbes 5-star rating, this extravagant accommodation promises to deliver impeccable attention to detail and unrivaled customer service.
Located on the Yarra River, the Crown Towers Melbourne is one of the city’s most opulent hotels. Every suite offers magnificent city and river views, luxurious interiors, and large, beautifully fitted suites. Making this a perfect retreat after a day of exploring Melbourne.
One of the best ways to take in the city all in one go is to take a flight in a private helicopter tour.
What better way to take in the city’s glorious sites than by air? Microflite operates a range of private helicopter tours of Melbourne catering to a range of tastes. Its Melbourne City Tour takes off from the Crown Towers and offers the metropolis, parks and open spaces, famous landmarks, and beaches.
Top Class Food
Melbourne is a go-to destination for anyone who loves their food. The city’s acclaimed fine dining scene is so famous that it attracts travelers from all over the world. If you’re keen to satisfy your cravings in the most gourmet way possible, there’s a vast choice of fine dining experiences in Melbourne, but we will focus on The French Brasserie.
The French Brasserie at 2 Malthouse Lane. Offering food lovers’ sanctuary at the top end of town. The French Brasserie is best known for its relaxing atmosphere while enjoying the finest food in modern French cuisine.
You will notice the high ceilings and expansive glass windows in the Malthouse Lane building, creating a bright, contemporary atmosphere that matches the simple yet stylish dishes crafted by the talented head chef and his team.
The a la carte menu features a choice of bite-size hors d’oeuvres, delicious starters, contemporary main courses, and classical side dishes. The restaurant sommelier will help you pair the food with the distinctive Australian and French wines thoughtfully selected for you.
The French Brassier’s menu offers much-loved classics such as French onion soup and ratatouille. These feature alongside Mediterranean-inspired dishes, like sea bream in warm gazpacho. Who could turn down the signature dish cassoulet, white bean ragout with a confit duck leg, pork belly, and Toulouse sausage? Perfect for any time of the year.
For an unforgettable experience, opt for the five-course tasting menu and go all out with the matching wine – you will not be disappointed.
World-Famous Shopping Experiences
No luxury break would be the same without some retail therapy, and Melbourne is a fantastic place to shop.
Without a doubt, the most popular luxury shopping district in Melbourne is Collins St, centrally situated, it’s here you will find all the iconic global brands. Marvel at the unique architecture, walking along the street, there are constant reminders of how beautiful the city is wherever you look.
Collins street is filled with elegant heritage buildings, smells of Melbourne’s famous coffee culture, along colorful street art. You will find international brands such as Aesop, Armani, and Hermes in just a few blocks. Mixed among the global brands are Australian designers that have no difficulty keeping up with the European brands.
If you want a shopping mall experience, then look no further than Chadstone Mall. Chadstone is the biggest shopping mall in Australia and also in the entire southern hemisphere. Not situated in central Melbourne but worth the trip if you want to spend your money at Gucci, Burberry, and Balenciaga.
After all that shopping you need a little culture. Did you know that the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) is the most visited museum in the southern hemisphere? Home to many famous artists and exhibitions.
The permanent collection is at the heart of the Gallery’s activities and programs. Founded in 1861, the collection has come to span the history and evolution of Australian, Indigenous, and international art and design all under one roof—a welcome break for the soul.
