Image Source: iStock
If you are heading to Melbourne this autumn and looking for the ideal base to explore, look no further than the Docklands harbour precinct. Here, you can get a great night’s sleep, enjoy a stone oven pizza by the water, indulge in retail therapy or adventure down the Yarra River by night.
Dining by the water
If you enjoy your eggs benny with a side of waterfront views, a stroll along Docklands Newquay or Victoria Harbour Promenade will present you with plenty of options. Cargo is a firm favourite offering modern Australian cuisine like woodfire pizzas, paella and hefty sharing dishes all with a side of harbour views.
Image Source:Cargo
Insider Tip: Cargo is the perfect starting point for a footy match at Marvel Stadium. You might want to get their early to avoid missing a seat.
Retail therapy anyone?
If you haven’t purchased extra baggage for your return journey from Melbourne, do so now! Docklands boasts more than 80 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, whilst the nearby The District Docklands and Sunday Market will delight those keen for a stroll in the open air. Plus, if you’re looking to snap up a bargain, the Spencer Outlet Centre is a must.
Kayak by moonlight
See the sun set over Melbourne from the Yarra River with Kayak Melbourne. Departing from Docklands harbourside, enjoy a sparkling nighttime tour of the sights in Victoria Harbour before tying up to a dock for fish & chips on the water. After dinner continue upstream, under the Bolte Bridge, to embrace the city skyline as the day transitions into night.
Go past city sights like Crown Casino, Southbank, Flinders Street Railway Station and beneath historic Princes Bridge before arriving at the approach to Melbourne’s sporting precinct. Best thing is that no experience is required! This is an evening adventure like no other.
Image Source: Visit Melbourne
Insider Tip: If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, take a scenic Yarra Cruise including tea/coffee and live commentary.
Glow in the Dark Golf!
Whether it’s date night or a family friendly day out, put your skills to the test at Docklands Glow Golf, Australia’s first 18-hole glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course.
Putt your way around Australia with 18 themed holes paying homage to Aussie icons including the Kingswood ute. Glow Golf also features what may very well be the world's smallest bar: Le Bar Europeen. It’s perfect place for an after-match tipple.
Urban Alley Brewery
Urban Myth, Slapshot, Man-Goes-Nowhere… Urban Alley Brewery and Brew Pub has a tasty range for every taste and budget. Plus the Brewpub is more than just a craft beer hall, the food menu features modern interpretations of traditional pub classics. With capacity for more than 600 people across the spacious outdoor terrace, deck, and indoor areas, it’d be rude not to duck in for a couple.
Image Source: Mamma Knows Melbourne
Insider Tip: if you’re not a beer fan, Urban Brewery also serves an impressive gin list. Try their Gin Tasting Flight, with four tipples to try from.
The ideal base
Located in the heart of Docklands, a 20-minute tram ride from the city centre, and four kilometres from the famous Southbank Promenade, the new Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands puts you in the heart of the action, while providing a quiet space when the exploring is done. The hotel offers a heated outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness centre, in-house bar and dining destination, Storehouse Docklands, where guests can take a moment to relax and recharge after a day of meetings or sightseeing.
