Melbourne is a city that knows how to have a good time, and choosing the right area to stay at can enhance your visitor experience too. The great thing is, it features different locales, neighbourhoods, and suburbs each with something different to offer and here’s a quick look at some of them.
CBD and Southbank
If you want to be right in the heart of the action, the city centre is the place to be. It’s here you can find the Central Business District (CBD) with everything from towering skyscrapers to hidden laneways where you can enjoy dining, coffee, and street art. Nearby is Southbank, a lively precinct that stretches along the southern bank of the Yarra River, a great locale in which to enjoy art and culture. Attractions like the National Gallery of Victoria, Eureka Skydeck 88, Queen Victoria Market, Royal Botanic Gardens and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium are all easily accessible when based in the city centre.
Tullamarine
One of the main reasons to be based in the suburb of Tullamarine is because you can stay at hotels near Melbourne Airport. Also known as Tullamarine Airport, this major airline hub is only a 20-minute drive from the CBD and offers direct access to the city via Skybus services. Guests of properties like PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport which enjoys direct access to Tullamarine are well placed not only for business or leisure in the city but to also enjoy the fun things to do here; you can shop at DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) Essendon, visit the Marnong Estate winery, and even learn to surf at URBNSURF Melbourne, the nation’s first urban surfing park!
St Kilda
Those looking to be based near the beach can consider the coastal inner suburb of St Kilda, a popular destination for families. Apart from soaking up the sun, you can also enjoy recreation from cycling to paddleboarding as well as dining at the restaurants and cafes along Acland Street. You can additionally experience the rides and attractions of the historic amusement park known as Luna Park Melbourne which is perfect for those travelling with kids. Not to be missed is a visit to St Kilda Pier where apart from stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline, one can also see fairy penguins after sunset!
Fitzroy
Amongst the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Fitzroy is a captivating place to stay at or just explore; those wandering around this charming locale will come across an eclectic array of trendy cafés, vintage stores, independent boutiques, art galleries, second-hand bookstores, and street art. A hotspot for hipsters, this is the place to go to not only find unique items to add to your fashion collection but super bargains too. For retail adventures, head to Brunswick Street and Smith Street while Edinburgh Gardens is an ideal spot to unwind. What’s more, the area is also popular for foodie discoveries and speciality coffee.