Often taking the backseat to Sydney, Melbourne comes first in regards to design. In addition to nurturing creative minds, the capital of Victoria is hailed as one of the most livable cities on the planet. The growing number of museums, design schools, and art galleries found within a close proximity of each other place the city at the top of every style-seeker’s list. It’s no wonder so many are intent on flying to Melbourne in a private jet. As no stranger to glamour, some of the most opulent sites in the area are nature-made and within its residents, making it simple to discover Melbourne’s heart and soul.
St. Kilda
Named after the ship Lady of St. Kilda, the suburb became a hotspot for Melbourne’s elite, who started building palatial mansions in the hills and along the waterfront in the late 19th century. After becoming densely populated in the wake of World War II, the area grew popular among those seeking a bohemian lifestyle, including prominent musicians and artists. St. Kilda’s recent renovations are giving the city’s most famous beach a well-deserved facelift.
As Melbourne’s seaside playground, St. Kilda is alive with cafés, bars, and restaurants that hum with energy on weekday nights. The buzzing atmosphere continues into the weekend with the Sunday open-air Esplanade Market along the beach, which features handmade goods by more than 140 local artisans. Alcand Street is another popular area for shopping, dining, and popular artwork.
If you’re out for a leisurely walk, stroll down the pier that extends into Port Philip Bay. Head to the St. Kilda Sea Baths and take a dip in the unique pool filled with fresh, warm, purified saltwater from the nearby bay, and then melt your tensions away with the Dreamtime Temple treatment at Spa Dreamtime .
The popular St. Kilda Beach is a can’t-miss attraction if you love sunbathing thanks to its gentle surf. If you find yourself wandering around St. Kilda Harbour, keep an eye out for fairy penguins that nest along the breakwater.
Half-Moon Bay
A bay and neighborhood on Port Philip, Half Moon Bay in the Black Rock suburb is popular among snorkelers because you don’t have to go too far or too deep to explore Australia’s underwater world. The secluded, postcard-perfect beach’s crescent shape protects its waters from bad weather, making it a popular boating destination. When you look into the bay, you’ll notice an interesting facet of maritime history, the HMVS Cerberus, which is the last surviving monitor warship in the world. Stay dry and get a good look at the 1870s scuttled battleship during low tide.
East End Theater District
Catch dozens of theatrical performances each week in Melbourne’s East End Theater District. With the only type of drama that you want in your life, the major theater houses feature symphonies, conceptual art, classical ballet, concerts, comedy acts, and emerging actors. Likened to London’s West End, the six historic theaters in the East End are within walking distance from each other, and the area laneway bars, nightclubs, shops and entertainment venues create a recipe for a great night on the town.