Rediscover the sparkle of Melbourne life at the Yarra River! At Pan Pacific Melbourne, you can enjoy luxurious waterfront living, as well as proximity to Melbourne attractions such as the South Melbourne Market, National Gallery of Victoria, and Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. 

Solo travellers can book the Deluxe Room, while those in groups can consider the Family Queen Room—these rooms provide spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay via floor-to-ceiling windows.

Nestled in the centre of Melbourne’s southeast business corridor, and a 20-minute drive from the Melbourne CBD, PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne is ideal for guests who want to be close to Monash University’s Clayton Campus and Monash Health. 

Here, you can access a full range of recreational facilities to replenish your energies; these include a fitness centre, swimming pool and gym. PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne is also part of a fully integrated mixed-use development, M-City Monash, which has a cinema, supermarkets, F&B outlets, and specialty stores.

Brunch Like a Melburnian King (or Queen)

Begin your staycation with the best brunch in Melbourne. If you are fixing your own brunch in a suite with kitchen facilities, try the viral Melburnian recipe for shakshuka, a traditional Middle Eastern egg-and-tomato dish that is typically served for breakfast. If not, have your first meal of the day at Monk Bodhi Dharma, Industry Beans, or any of the Melbourne brunch spots approved by Delicious.

Savour Quintessentially Melbourne Dishes 

Tuck into five dishes that define Melbourne’s food scene, including a croissant at Lune Croissanterie and dumplings at South Melbourne Market Dim Sims.

Caffeinate with the Best 

Down your coffee like a star tennis player: get your liquid dose of energy at The Pound Cafe, SOS Cafe, and South Melbourne Market.

Escape to the World of Art

See the 10 artworks at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) that every Melburnian should know, as recommended by the NGV’s curatorial team. This includes a piece titled “Anwerlarr Anganenty” (Big Yam Dreaming) by Aboriginal Australian artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye, who lived sequestered from the outside world until she unexpectedly found recognition as an artist at the distinguished age of 80.

Be Enchanted by Melbourne’s Heritage

Need a refresher on the story of Melbourne? Do a self-guided local history walk—curated by the City of Melbourne—to uncover the stories behind Melbourne’s buildings, landmarks, and natural features.

Indulge in an Indie Bookstore (and More)

If you have not packed a staycation read, make a trek to Melbourne’s five best indie bookstores, and be part of the community that is keeping bookstores alive. Alternatively, pick up a book at Paperback Bookshop and hop over to the iconic Pelligrini’s Espresso Bar, where you can treat yourself to comforting Italian fare and great coffee.

Put Your Best Face Forward

Be lost in reverie as you indulge in Melbourne’s best facial treatment, vouched for by celebrities including Victoria Beckham. Skin specialist Melanie Grant is the person to consult if your ultimate goal is attaining “glass skin,” i.e. exceptionally luminous, smooth, and dewy skin.

Explore Nature in the City

Get in local explorer mode by cycling or walking along the Capital City Trail, a 29.6km circuit that allows you to see the best of Melbourne. Highlights in the first half of the trail include the Arts Centre Melbourne, Como House, and Dights Falls. On the second half, you will weave through Royal Park (home of the Melbourne Zoo), and pass the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. 

Enjoy Nightlife without the Booze

Reclaim your right to partake in nightlife, even if you are not a fan of alcohol. The “zero percent” drink market is gaining traction, and distillery Brunswick Aces has the honour of launching Melbourne’s first non-alcoholic bar. Go ahead and enjoy happy hour with an alcohol-free concoction!

Embrace Your Inner Hippie

Want peace, love, and happiness, all in one space? Look out for the Melbourne leg of the annual MindBodySpirit festival, Australia’s largest wellness and natural therapies event. Take a break from cafe-hopping to fill your spiritual tank with psychic readings, body pampering, meditation, health food, and free stage performances! (Or browse other Melburnian festivals here.)

Fly High with Your Friends

Create your own “Before Sunrise” memories with a hot-air balloon adventure at the Yarra Valley, an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD. Your session begins with a safety briefing, after which, your hot-air balloon will drift across the Australian countryside for one glorious hour, so you can usher in the first light of day. Back on land, a gourmet champagne breakfast awaits you at the RACV Healesville Country Club. (To view other Melbourne activities for action junkies, visit Adrenaline Adventures.)

Trick and Treat Your Pals

Hoping for stay-in entertainment? Attend an online magic class together, hosted by an Aussie television magician! You will learn five simple but impressive tricks, using common household items such as UNO cards and paper clips. 

Feed Your Hunger at Food Trucks

Venturing out of your staycation homebase? Quell your hunger with Where The Truck At, an app that locates food trucks near you. You will be able to view a truck’s exact location via an interactive map, browse each truck’s menu, as well as order and pay for your meal. Once an order is placed, you will be notified of a time to collect your meal. For more food truck updates, follow The Food Truck Park on Facebook.

Explore Ethnic Enclaves

You might be in Melbourne, but you can still experience the world through food! Get to know Melbourne’s Italian precincts, Greek-dominated suburbs, or the lesser-known ethnic enclaves of Footscray and Dandenong. Foodie Trails runs tasting tours that will help you to truly appreciate what it means to live in a cultural melting pot.

Be an Environmentalist for the Day

Ready to be a better caretaker of the environment? Sign up for an eco workshop at CERES, which has over 100 programmes for you to “learn for the Earth.” Get a step-by-step guide to setting up a home compost, be a beekeeper for a day, or find out how to create a thriving garden in small spaces. 

Whisk Yourself Away to a Wine Country

For oenophiles: make a day trip to the lovely Sunbury Wine Region for the shiraz and chardonnay at the Goona Warra Vineyard and the award-winning Craiglee Vineyard. 

Practice Yoga Poses (and Watch Penguins)

Visiting Phillip Island for the evening penguin parade? While waiting, maximise your time with a yoga session at a secret beach away from tourist crowds, conducted by a certified trainer. Stretch out with your friends and learn deep-relaxation and stress-release techniques that you can use long after your staycation is over!

Marvel at Moonlit Movies

A great movie is better with company, and this is especially true for comedies and horror flicks! At the al fresco Moonlight Cinema, there is the added thrill of being transfixed by a screen as you sit under the stars, amidst the natural splendour of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. If yours is a summer staycation, be sure to put this on the itinerary!

Groove to the Giddiest Gigs

Want a staycation night to remember? For those partial to all things arts-related—music, comedy clubs, theatre, and dance—Beat Magazine has you covered. Use their gig guide to find nightlife events that you and your pals will have a blast at.

Enjoy a Spirited After-Dark Tour

Need someone to organise your night for you? Drinking History Tours will take you to three bars in three hours, while giving you the lowdown on Melbourne’s “alcohol-soaked” history. They run the city’s only dedicated whisky-and-gin bar tour, and if you have a better idea of what you would like to experience, you can also contact them to customise a tour.