What’s New In Melbourne: Hotels, Restaurants and Attractions

Melbourne has long held the crown of Australia’s cultural capital but refuses to rest on its laurels, with a slew of new openings demanding attention.

I weave in and out of the giant yellow tentacles, craning my neck to see the spotted pumpkin they’re supporting metres above my head. Titled Dancing Pumpkin, the iconic work of Yayoi Kusama was originally part of the National Gallery of Victoria’s (NGV) 2025 retrospective featuring nearly 200 of the artist’s most celebrated works in one landmark exhibition; it’s now part of the gallery’s permanent collection. Early impressions of Laak Boorndap, an expansive 18,000 square-metre biodiverse public urban garden, indicate the sculpture will feature as the centrepiece of the new outdoor space, one of three major developments to be realised in the Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation that will unfold over the next three years.

the dancing pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama — Yayoi Kusama’s Dancing Pumpkin. (Image: Sean Fennessy)

It’s Australia’s largest ever cultural infrastructure project, encompassing The Fox: NGV Contemporary, a landmark new gallery currently under construction; the major refurbishment of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building; and creation of Laak Boorndap. Creating a single continuous art, civic and cultural precinct stretching from Federation Square through to Southbank, it’s an ambitious project to say the least. But Melbourne never does anything by halves.

the NGV exterior — The NGV is Australia’s oldest gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

How Melbourne continues to draw tourists back

Hosier Lane covered in graffiti, Melbourne — Iconic graffiti-covered Hosier Lane in Melbourne’s CBD. (Image: Robert Blackburn)

It was the arts that first caused me to travel to Melbourne as a culture-starved 21-year-old. Growing up in a sleepy coastal region of NSW meant my access to galleries, museums and theatre was extremely limited. I travelled to the Victorian capital with my mum and sister to see the stage production of Wicked make its Australian debut; the weekend was a revelation. Not only the exposure to the arts, but the food, the architecture, the hum of the city; it was intoxicating. Six years later I was back, dining on dumplings and drinking at hidden bars in Melbourne’s laneways before embarking on a week-long road trip of the Great Ocean Road with my best friend, and just this year I returned for my first Australian Open with my husband and his family – vowing not to allow so many years to pass between visits. A vow I kept six months later, this time combining a short stay in the Mornington Peninsula with a long weekend in the city.

the Federation Square, Melbourne CBD — The city skyline in Melbourne CBD. (Image: Santiago Gonzalez Redondo)

The evolution of Melbourne’s hotel offerings

Dipping in and out of a place over decades makes its changes more acute, and there’s something wonderful about watching a city build on its potential. In a literal sense, Melbourne’s hotel scene has been quietly scaling new heights for the past 15 months with notable openings such as The StandardX , Lanson Place Parliament Gardens , Hyde Melbourne Place , and most recently, 1 Hotel Melbourne . The latter, a joint luxury development between the 1 Hotel brand and Melbourne-based Riverlee, has been a decade in the making. Set in the revitalised North Wharf precinct of Docklands along 220 metres of uninterrupted Yarra River frontage within Melbourne’s last remaining heritage goods shed, 1 Hotel Melbourne is an architectural marvel with a foundation firmly rooted in sustainability.

inside the river king room at 1 Hotel Melbourne — Inside a luxe suite at 1 Hotel Melbourne. (Image: Mikkel Vang)

The hotel features 277 tranquil guestrooms, including 36 suites. I’m staying in the spacious River Suite; it’s 51 square metres in size with floor-to-ceiling windows (85 per cent are openable) and a homely collection of plants (there are 7000-plus living plants featured throughout the hotel). Natural light floods the space, with commanding views of the Yarra River and Melbourne skyline. Wooden accents, beige-coloured furnishings and warm lighting create an atmosphere of elevated comfort. It’s like stepping into the pages of Architectural Digest. The commitment to biophilic design is palpable, with nature seamlessly blended into every space. Rather than your cookie-cutter hotel lobby and bar, the height and scale of the greenery immediately transport you to an indoor parkland. Reclaimed steel, bluestone and timbers from the state’s decommissioned rail bridges or salvaged wharf timber are repurposed into the lobby staircase and bedheads, room numbers and feature walls in the guestrooms.

Guests are invited to participate in the brand’s purpose-driven ethos with small opportunities to give back to people and the planet thoughtfully designed into the room. There’s the ‘1 Less Thing’ wooden block on the bench prompting me to donate any clothes I’ve overpacked to the hotel’s local charity partner; the inbuilt shower timer encouraging me to save water; and the repurposed wine bottles, now a carafe and cup sitting on a cork mat letting me know that every drop of water at 1 Hotels is filtered (there’s a filtered water tap above the minibar for instant refills). Even the clothes hanger has a printed message: “Hang on to this thought. It takes about 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt. That’s enough water for one person to drink three cups of water per day for three-and-a-half years." It could feel performative or like a soft rebuke, but it doesn’t. Instead, it feels achievable; a reminder that small changes made collectively can have a big impact.

The new restaurants keep coming

oysters at From Here by Mike, Melbourne — Dine on hyper-seasonal food at From Here by Mike. (Image: Jamie Alexander)

The sustainable ethos continues downstairs with lunch at From Here by Mike. Helmed by renowned Australian chef Mike McEnearney, the signature hotel restaurant spotlights hyper-seasonal ingredients sourced from Victoria’s leading producers, farmers and fishers who share his values of authenticity, sustainability and ethical farming practices. The set lunch menu includes a choice of one main and two sides for $59 with optional additions. The poached Port Phillip Bay snapper arrives floating in a delicious fennel beurre blanc alongside grilled broccolini drizzled in macadamia cream and fried brussels sprouts with ricotta salata. I know I’ll be back as soon as I take the first mouthful.

But From Here by Mike is in good company. The sheer number of incredible dining experiences and cuisines available across the city continues to grow with other notable openings including Maison Bâtard from restaurateur Chris Lucas (Chin Chin, Society and Grill Americano), a sprawling four-level French dining destination with a two-level dining room, basement jazz club and rooftop bar. The tableside chocolate mousse trolley is unmissable.

For a taste of the coastal cuisine of Portugal and Spain cooked over a custom-built charcoal grill and wood oven, find Marmelo underneath Hyde Melbourne Place. I recommend starting with the celeriac nata with picked and shelled spanner crab. Then there’s Askal, a modern Filipino restaurant inside a heritage building in Melbourne’s CBD. Expect an inventive take on traditional Filipino flavours and dishes.

Melbourne’s best day-trip destinations

the Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula — Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Supplied)

Melbourne isn’t just a destination; it’s also a jumping-off point to some of Victoria’s best regions. Think a road trip along the Great Ocean Road – it’s consistently voted Australia’s best road trip for a reason and it’s only 80 minutes away. But I’m headed in the opposite direction, out of the city to spa country on the Mornington Peninsula. Ninety minutes later, I’m soaking in a moon-shaped geothermal pool before checking into one of the five luxurious stand-alone villas that just opened at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. The Sanctuary accommodation is the newest addition to the 15-hectare bathhouse and wellness destination.

bathtub view at The Sanctuary — Stay onsite at The Sanctuary. (Image: Katie Carlin)

I’m staying in one of three villas that feature an en suite with an oversized stone bathtub set in front of a floor-to-ceiling glass window. It means I’m treated to expansive views of the bay and native bushland while soaking in Alba’s signature bath salts – a blend of native Australian botanicals, moisturising oils and mineral-rich salts. My second-favourite feature (after the bath) is the indoor log fireplace that is set every evening by the concierge. Listening to the crackle of fire from the comfort of the king bed makes drifting off to sleep a breeze.

The seaside town of Sorrento, as well as world-class restaurants, wineries and pristine beaches, is all minutes away. It’s a complete wellness weekend getaway (if you count the wine as fruit). As for my next visit to Melbourne, I look forward to seeing the next phase of this vibrant city’s evolution. Hopefully sooner than expected.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

1Hotel Melbourne at Docklands features rooms and suites, including connecting rooms and two-bedroom accommodation. It’s also pet-friendly. The luxe sustainable hotel has a restaurant, cafe and two bars, a spa and gym.

Alba Thermal Springs & Spa features standalone villas and two rooms nestled in the dunes above the springs for overnight stays. Entry to the hot springs, spa lounge, breakfast and transfers to the main building are included.

Playing there

inside the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) — The renowned National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Melbourne Arts Precinct around Birrarung/Yarra River is home to the Arts Centre, NGV International, Southbank Theatre, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and more. Upgrades will be complete in 2028.

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

“Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten , the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

heritage buildings in Ballarat — Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery , a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

How Ballarat is preserving the past

artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades .

The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

A city steeped in food and flavours

Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho — Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho , José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits . At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat — The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

Staying there

Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial , which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat — Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

Eating there

dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat — The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Dining at Grainery Lane.

Playing there

a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat — An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery — Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections .

Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle , ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.

The new hotels, restaurants and arts precinct reshaping Melbourne

Melbourne has long held the crown of Australia’s cultural capital but refuses to rest on its laurels, with a slew of new openings demanding attention.

How Melbourne continues to draw tourists back

The evolution of Melbourne’s hotel offerings

The new restaurants keep coming

Melbourne’s best day-trip destinations

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Playing there

This Melbourne hotel has set the bar sky high

A sultry Shanghai-style cocktail den has just landed in Melbourne

A new luxury hotel is opening in Melbourne’s hottest neighbourhood

Time travel to ‘80s Tokyo at this new disco bar in Melbourne

Meet the makers shaping Ballarat’s new era of creativity

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

How Ballarat is preserving the past

A city steeped in food and flavours

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

Staying there

Eating there

Playing there