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Australia's southern states are home to some of the country's best cultural attractions, surfing beaches, wineries, national parks, and gourmet experiences that you'll find Down Under. And when it comes to hip and happening places to hang, we can't go past these two beauties!
The Waterfront, Hobart - Tasmania
"Mona: a museum, or something. In Tasmania, or somewhere. Catch the ferry. Drink beer. Eat cheese. Talk crap about art. You'll love it". Back in 2011, the visionary David Walsh opened a museum in his hometown, Hobart. But not just any museum - this was a melting pot of modern Avant Garde art; the likes of which Australia had never before seen. It was a place designed to push buttons and push boundaries. And, almost overnight, Walsh's Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) kickstarted the transmogrification of the Tasmanian capital from slightly daggy into a mecca for culture vultures and connoisseurs of all shapes and persuasions.
To this day, pilgrims continue to pour into Hobart (or wait longingly for Premier Gutwein to wave a checkered flag and signal the borders are open for business) to immerse themselves in the art, the history, nature's bounty of food and wine and the world-class seafood-driven dining scene. So too, the annual journey for the Dark MOFO festival is a lesson in modern-day bacchanalia and a must do on the Australian cultural calendar.
LOCALS SAY: "You'll come for the scenery and come back for the food scene."
EAT: Belvedere is a destination restaurant within a hotel (our brand new Vibe Hotel Hobart) that effortlessly shifts from breakfast to all day dining with casual ease. It’s place where passionate team wax lyrical about the destination. And, most importantly, it’s a place where you can unwind with a full-bodied red in front of a roaring fire or connect with friends.
DO: Did we mention MONA? Be sure to catch the ferry there from the waterfront and book a berth in the 'Posh Pit’ where you can quaff drinks on the 30-minute ride to the gallery.
STAY: In Tasmania's very first Vibe Hotel - Vibe Hotel Hobart, which opens in September this year! On a Saturday it’s an easy stroll to the Salamanca Market and a further taste of Tassie.
Footscray, Melbourne - Victoria
Melbourne enjoys a reputation as one of the most livable cities in the world. And, as traveller's appetites continue to grow for authentic tourism and foodie experiences, visitors are becoming more adventurous and leaving the confines of the CBD in search of other adventures. Thanks to a thriving migrant community, a devil-may-care attitude and a colourful personality, the inner west suburb of Footscray is winning hearts and stomachs.
Nomads from all corners of the globe converge on Footscray in a colourful cultural cacophony. This is a place where meals are made with love, and you can gulp down a goat curry, swig on a masterful Pho or buy some of Melbourne's best cannoli all within a coo-ee of each other.
With food, comes art and Footscray is basking in the glory of its growing contemporary arts scene, thanks in part to the Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC): that allows this colourful community to come together.
LOCALS SAY: "It's real. It's multicultural. And you can leave any illusions of grandeur at the door."
EAT: Nhu Lan bakery in an institution in these parts and locals flock to gorge themselves on shredded pig and the moorish Vietnamese banh mi.
DO: Footscray Market is a must-do even with social distancing in play.
STAY: Adina West Melbourne will open its doors in the heart of Melbourne's CBD in October this year. Be one of the first to stay in these brand-new rooms and discover a side of Melbourne that locals absolutely love.
Peace of mind when you stay with us: Introducing Clean Touch.
