A divine new stay has arrived in Melbourne amidst the biggest arts evolution Australia has ever seen.
Melbourne has always pushed the envelope, constantly evolving into new iterations of itself while somehow remaining deeply tethered to its roots. The opening of Hannah St Hotel in Southbank is a testament to this enduring hallmark, adding fresh energy to one of the city’s fastest-evolving neighbourhoods defined by its culture and creativity.
Hannah St Hotel debuts in Southbank
Hannah St Hotel is the latest stay to pop up in Southbank.
Designed by Fraser & Partners with interiors by Melbourne-based Flack Studio , the $150 million project blends design and experience in a way the city hasn’t seen before. It’s more than just a place to rest your head; it’s a cultural hub that allows guests to experience Melbourne without even having to step outside.
Local artist Justene Williams’ Mirror Sheila sculpture watches over the hotel foyer.
One of the most significant ways the hotel brings the city to life is through art. The walls are adorned with works by local artists, from bespoke bronze sculptures by Joelle Mayberry to Jazz Money’s custom poem, These Infinite Beginnings, which manifests itself as light and sound throughout the building.
“The hotel’s artworks are as layered and diverse as the materials in the building," says David Flack, founder and director of Flack Studio. “Each piece speaks to Melbourne’s energy, its creativity and its urban pulse – so guests feel the city as soon as they walk in."
The hotel's interiors were designed by Melbourne-based practice Flack Studio.
Sleek design and bold furnishings complete each guestroom.
This creative energy bleeds into Hannah St’s 188 guestrooms, where stylish design and innovative tech meet custom-made furniture and modern amenities. Think king-size beds, luxurious en suite bathrooms, coffee machines, minibars, writer’s desks, plush robes and windows that hero Melbourne’s dazzling skyline.
Beyond the bedroom, guests can enjoy a 20-metre lap pool, gym, private and communal workspace, steam room, sauna, rooftop bar and on-site cafe. But Hannah St takes it even further with a range of tailored experiences that champion the city it calls home.
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Guests of Hannah St Hotel have access to a luxurious 20-metre lap pool.
The rooftop garden terrace is the perfect spot for evening cocktails.
“As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, ‘Live Like a Local’ experiences will continue to shape the most interesting hotels," says Peter Minatis. “From curated art and hidden experiences to playful touches – whether it’s recording in our onsite podcast studio, sipping a spritz in the Parisian-inspired terrace that nods to the city’s garden culture – our next cultural flex is always around the corner."
A hotel shaped by its surroundings
Hannah St’s coveted location is no mistake – much like the new hotel, Southbank is a hub of art and culture, where the city’s creative spirit takes centre stage. It’s home to some of the city’s best restaurants, music venues, shopping experiences and, most notably, the Melbourne Arts Precinct .
The $1.7 billion revitalisation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct is due for completion in 2028.
The complex is currently undergoing a $1.7 billion transformation, the biggest of its kind in Australian history. Upon completion in 2028, it will rival some of the world’s most iconic galleries and museums, with the capacity to house over 5000 exhibitions and shows across 70 different venues each year, all within half a kilometre of each other.
While city stalwarts like the NGV and State Theatre will receive extensive renovations, there will also be a number of new builds, from The Fox: NGV Contemporary to Laak Boorndap, an 18,000-square-kilometre garden containing 450+ different plant species. And the new Hannah St Hotel? Well, that’s right around the corner.
More than 450 plant species will be grown across Laak Boorndap.
“This isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a guide, a tastemaker, a backstage pass to Melbourne’s creative soul," says Peter Minatis. “We want our guests to discover the city by living like a local, exploring hidden gems, experiencing art and music off the beaten track, and immersing themselves in the very pulse that makes Melbourne unique."
What to know
Hannah St Hotel is officially opening in December 2025, with an exact date soon to be confirmed. There are several room types available to suit specific guest needs, from wheelchair friendly suites to interconnecting rooms. All public spaces, including the pool, are accessible.
There are several accessible rooms available at Hannah St Hotel.
Situated in the heart of Southbank, Hannah St is easy to reach. An Uber or taxi will have you there in just 35 minutes from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Those driving can park onsite using the hotel’s valet service for $75 per night.
If you’re using public transport, catch the express SkyBus from the airport into the CBD. Its Melbourne City Express Route drops passengers at Southern Cross Station, where you can catch a tram to Southbank. The Casino East/Queens Bridge St and Clarendon St/Whiteman St stops are both just a 10-minute walk away.
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
The wild, otherworldly beauty of The Grampians offers a perfect place to unwind, slow down and relax.
Not all holidays yield the same result; some are bustling, with endless things to do, events to book and places to see. All great things, but they leave you feeling more tired than before. Then, there are destinations that help you slow down, making real connections and participating in self-care.
Destinations like The Grampians : surrounded by untouched nature, allowing a chance to reconnect with yourself and loved ones at a slower pace.
Discover six science-backed ways to enjoy a holiday and feel restored at the end of it.
1. Practice mindfulness
Be present at Hamilton Gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Mindfulness – the practice of tuning into the present moment – has been found to help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. One way to practice this art is by immersing yourself in art.
Hamilton Gallery has been in operation for over 60 years, and is not only home to many significant art pieces but also runs workshops and events for all ages to expand their awareness and understanding of art. The gallery is also the custodian of the largest collection of Gunditjmara artefacts held on country.
If you prefer to practice mindfulness through movement, visit Halls Gap Zoo to feed the meerkats – who wouldn’t feel better after focusing on these little guys? Or visit The Grampians Horse Riding Centre for an unforgettable morning ride through 10 kilometres of bushland. Enjoy the soothing movement of the horse and experience the bush anew.
2. Indulge in self-care
Take an immersive bath in nature on the Venus Baths loop walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)
While the term self-care might conjure up images of indulgent bubble baths or a soothing massage, there’s more to it than pampering. Self-care is any action that protects your physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Like taking an immersive ‘bath’ in nature. Do just that on the Venus Baths loop walk – ideal for less experienced hikers or those walking with kids – stopping at freshwater-filled rockpools to cool down along the way.
Serious hikers (we’re talking some rock hopping and traversing slippery tracks) can tackle the Wurgarri, or Mount Sturgeon walk, which rewards the effort with panoramic views from the summit.
For those whose idea of self-care leans more towards arts and culture, a visit to WAMA is a must. Australia’s first national centre for environmental art is home to exhibitions that explore the natural world through film, installation, painting, performance and more.
3. Embrace nature
Soak in incredible views over Halls Gap at Boroka Lookout. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Spending time in nature is the ultimate way to soothe your body and mind. It’s been proven to help with all manner of things, from reducing stress to boosting cognitive function. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than among the raw sandstone, wildflowers and native creatures of The Grampians.
Rocklands Reservoir, spanning 6700 hectares, is an ideal spot. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view over Grampians National Park. Cast a line, hire a canoe or follow nature trails along the water’s perimeter. How’s the serenity?
To appreciate nature’s imposing power, head to Splitters Falls. Here, find unrivalled tranquillity. Spring is the best time to visit, when bouquets of native spring flowers greet visitors.
Those with limited mobility will appreciate Boroka Lookout, a viewing platform surrounded by breathtaking views over Halls Gap and the eastern Grampians. Come early to witness a sunrise you’ll never forget.
4. Prioritise Rest
Recharge at Nook on the Hill. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Above all else, a holiday should be an opportunity to recharge, and there’s no better way to do it than to get a good night’s sleep. We don’t need to tell you how essential sleep is, for everything from mental health to strengthening the immune system.
Try Wanderlust Glamping , where guests fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature after an evening relaxing around the fire pit and wake to your very own green oasis.
For pure luxury in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, look no further than Nook on the Hill – a handcrafted tiny house surrounded by rewilded, lush native Australian bush. It might be small, but Nook on the Hill has everything needed to unwind in style, including an outdoor bath for balmy nights.
For a modern farm stay, book at Mount William Station in the foothills of The Grampians. The station combines old-world charm with modern amenities and easy access to everything this region has to offer.
5. Engage Your Senses
Indulge in a meal at Salingers. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Few human senses are as fun to indulge in as taste. A meal at Salingers in Great Western is the ultimate treat, and not only for the taste buds. The food is excellent, but Salingers’ really unique attraction is the bustling beehive that lives within the walls of the historic building.
For an expertly smoked burger, ribs, or beef brisket, head to Flame Brothers in Halls Gap. Tuck into delicious food while you enjoy the view.
If you prefer your senses heightened by the pump of adrenaline, Grampians Soaring Club offers an eagle-eye view of the Grampians National Park and Pyrenees Ranges from a glider. Take in the sights with a cross-country flight, ridge soar, or altitude wave flight.
6. Connect and reconnect
Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)
Making shared memories is a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. These unexpected finds make it easy to discover something new in The Grampians.
Amateur geologists will delight at the Kanawinka geotrail, which covers 60 sites over Australia’s most extensive volcanic province. Visit the Penshurst Volcano Discovery Centre to learn more about volcanic activity in The Grampians, or head to nearby Mount Napier State Park for a trip into the Byaduk lava caves.
Pop in to the Ros McArthur Art Studio to peruse the gardens full of native and exotic plants and flowers that serve as the subjects of Ros’s still life paintings.
For a shopping experience like no other, head to the Dimboola Imaginarium . Far more than a shop, the Dimboola Imaginarium is an immersive experience where you’ll find all manner of quirky bits and pieces. Expect the unexpected.
