It’s so nice to meet other bloggers from other places and do some awesome collaborations. When I decided to start my Eat, Shop, Do series a few years ago (just bringing it back in 2018) I thought what better way than to collaborate with some of my blogger friends and in the process learn more about them, where they live or in this case where she was born and raised, and share with all of you their go-to’s in their city. For the next post in this series were headed to Melbourne, Australia!
Meet my friend Ione!! Her and I became friends almost two years ago. We bonded instantly. I met her when I was pregnant with Mason. She had shared her love for writing with me and even mentioned she was considering starting her own blog. So when she finally launched at the beginning of this year I was excited to include her here on the blog! Without further ado meet Ione of Loved From: Hi! My name is Ione, I am a Melbourne girl currently based in California. Here are a couple of my favorite places if you are thinking of visiting Melbourne and need some travel ideas! A side note I feel I really need to mention…Melbourne truly has so many greatplaces to eat and shop, while there are also so many wonderful things to do and great places to stay! This is just a little collection of some great options while there, I hope it inspires you to plan a trip (or even do some virtual traveling from your couch 😉
EAT
1. Hawker Hall, Windsor
This delicious establishment is a newer fixture along ever popular Chapel St in Melbourne, known to locals for its many restaurants, food options and a variety of shops. Inspired by the hawker halls of Singapore, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian markets, the restaurant offers a fusion of Asian favorites on their menu along with craft cocktails and an awesome vibe. Since traveling to Penang and spending time in Singapore, my favorite on their menu is the Char Qway Teow, the Hawker Hall take on pan fried noodles with spicy prawns and smoky soy sauce. I used to order this wherever I went on my travels and each hawker stall had a different style of making this amazing dish. On the side at Hawker Hall don’t forget to order this amazing cocktail, an Old Fashioned with a chili… this totally made my visit. A must do in Melbourne!
2. Conservatory, Crown Melbourne
Conservatory sits on top of the Crown Complex on Southbank, a beautiful airy space for breakfast, lunch dinner and afternoon tea buffets. Perfect for special occasions and dining while staying onsite, the restaurant offers scenic views with attentive service and convenience above all of Crown’s many activities. Conservatory caters to international and local guests and offers a large variety of eats for each of their buffets. My husband always loves the Indian food and freshly made roti while I am a sucker for the sweets as usual and the many desserts freshly baked on site. The breakfast buffet is expansive along with their afternoon tea offerings which with a more worldly touch offers many savory fusion items along with sweet goodness.
3. Zumbo’s Cafe, South Yarra
Here comes my sweet addiction again! I love afternoon tea and on my last visit to Melbourne my cousin Natashya took me to a newer addition on pastry chef Adrian Zumbo’s belt, the Zumbo Cafe in bustling South Yarra. Offering breakfast/brunch, a delicious high tea and a dessert bar at various dining hours, a reservation is highly recommended for a table at this great local fixture.
Here are a few photos of the aptly named ‘I’m so Fancy’ high tea we had recently, needless to say we both weren’t hungry after the many courses that came with this one!
SHOP
1. Bridge Rd, Richmond
First on this list has to be Bridge Rd in Richmond, an inner city suburb of Melbourne popular for its trendy cafes and factory outlet stores lining its streets. Since I was a teenager my friends and I would plan all day shopping adventures into the city and this was always a must on our get to list for a great day skipping through the outlets for some fun. I suggest googling certain stores you may have in mind and then finding them on a map, as outlets are spread across Bridge Rd and a few other spots in Richmond. It’s always a fun way to spend the day with some Melbourne coffee in tow.
2. Chadstone Shopping Centre, Malvern East
Nestled into a suburb in Melbourne is the giant shopping mall Chadstone, full of every store you can think of and everything under the sun. It seems like over the past decade the mall has continued to expand with over 500 stores, eateries and displays for visitors to enjoy. There is something for everyone here, from a significant selection of designer stores to local Australian favorites and select department stores. In addition to the multitude of stores the shopping centre has several market style areas for groceries and freestanding vendors along with multiple food courts and al fresco dining. With its achievement as the largest shopping complex in the Southern Hemisphere, Chadstone is a definite for any fashion lover young or old.
3. A favorite Melbourne store of mine – Dangerfield Clothing
Quintessentially Melbourne, this clothes store has been a long time favorite with its bold prints and alternative styles. The store has several locations, a central one being on Flinder’s Street right in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District). Unique finds and fashion are commonplace here, with eclectic prints, pops of color and details giving each piece a fun touch. One of my Melbourne loves, perfect for finding something very Melbourne to take home. To see more check them out online: http://shop.dangerfield.com.au/
DO
1. On the Mornington Peninsula within a drive from Melbourne city is Montalto Vineyards, one of my favorite places to go.
Not too long ago my friend Deanna took me out to lunch here and I discovered this perfect spot to sip wine over a cheese plate in the sun. It is a great place to plan a day drive for some wine tasting or a lunch date, it also happens to be kid friendly for the whole family to enjoy. Onsite is a winery with tours available along with an olive grove and al fresco dining to enjoy a food and wine pairing from the Montalto restaurant.
2. One of Melbourne’s many festivals
Melbourne is constantly host to a myriad of events, from arts and culture displays to music, international acts and food and drink festivals. Depending on when you are going there are many things to choose from, before you go check out :
http://www.visitvictoria.com/. One not to miss if you are in town, the White Night Festival in February, where the entire city turns into a stunning piece of artwork.
3. Edithvale Beach
One of my favorite white sandy spots in Melbourne, this is a beach you could imagine on a postcard. Aquamarine water along a sandy stretch of beach with fish and chips, ice cream and a train station all nearby. Take your friends for a beach picnic or get there alone for some beautiful quiet time. Make sure to order your fish and chips with chicken salt for an authentic Melbourne experience 😉
STAY
1. Pan Pacific, Melbourne
Once the Hilton on South Wharf, the newly branded Pan Pacific boasts beautiful views from its city side rooms in a contemporary setting perfect for visitors. I have dedicated a post to my recent stay here, featuring a themed stay collaborated with local designers Sage X Clare. Next door to the hotel is the DFO Outlet Mall for anyone who wants to do some shopping while all things Melbourne city are a short walk or tram ride away.
2. RACV Torquay Resort
If you are planning a drive along the famous Great Ocean Road along the Victoria coast this is a great spot to stop for the night. Close to all the famous surfing attractions in Torquay, it is also a welcoming family friendly spot with a golf course, playground and ocean views from its rooms all the way out to the waves. Service is exemplary and the restaurant serves a fabulous breakfast buffet, included for AAA members!
3. The Adelphi Hotel
Located down one of Melbourne’s most famous laneways is a trendy place to crash with a rooftop pool and apartment style rooms ready as a home base for all your Melbourne travels. Nice touches- the rooms are equipped with fully stocked complimentary mini bars and the hotel has stunning artwork from local artists. The hotel is also home to notable cafe Om Nom, known for its delectable desserts and sweet treats for guests. A welcome drink at Om Nom is also included for all reservations. Sweetest stay ever.
As I said to begin, Melbourne has so many great spots and things to do. This is just a tiny slice of what is on offer, I hope it inspires some fun travels and is a starting point for a great trip down under!
Have fun exploring 😉
