Taste Port Douglas Food & Drink Festival, presented by Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas, will return from 6 to 9 August 2026 for its 10-year anniversary, unveiling a milestone line-up of celebrated Australian chefs, international culinary talent and an immersive four-day celebration of food, drink and destination.
Melbourne is a paradise for lovers of vintage fashion, second-hand treasures and classic op shops. Whether you’re hunting for designer bargains, retro clothing, quirky homewares or simply want to shop sustainably while supporting great causes, these spots deliver. Image credit cover: RetroStar Instagram.
Updated March 2026.
Melbourne may be best known for its laneways, cafés, and cultural energy, but its coastline offers a completely different kind of escape—one defined by calm waters, sweeping bay views, and a surprisingly diverse mix of beach experiences. From inner-city stretches just minutes from the CBD to windswept surf beaches further along the Mornington Peninsula, the best beaches in Melbourne showcase the city’s unique blend of urban convenience and coastal beauty.
Along Port Phillip Bay, beaches like St Kilda, Brighton, and Elwood deliver accessible seaside living, where locals swim, cycle, picnic, and watch unforgettable sunsets over the water. St Kilda brings a lively, iconic atmosphere with its promenade, palm trees, and nearby dining scene, while Brighton is famous for its colourful bathing boxes and postcard-perfect views back toward the city skyline. Elwood and Williamstown offer a more relaxed, village-like feel, ideal for families and quieter coastal walks.
Beyond the bay, Melbourne’s coastal experience expands dramatically. Head toward the Mornington Peninsula or the Surf Coast and you’ll find rugged ocean beaches, rolling waves, and dramatic scenery that feels a world away from the city. These destinations attract surfers, hikers, and weekend explorers looking for a more raw and natural coastline.
This guide to the best beaches in Melbourne and surrounding regions highlights where to swim, relax, explore, and escape—whether you’re after a quick city beach stroll or a full coastal day trip. From calm bay waters to wild ocean breaks, Melbourne’s beaches offer something for every season, mood, and type of traveller.
St Kilda and Elwood (South, near CBD) - St Kilda is Melbourne's most popular Port Phillip Bay beach with tourists and locals with proximity to the Melbourne CBD (6km) and so many options nearby. We visit here regularly because it's full of vibe and action. St Kilda beach is a wide sandy and tranquil beach, and surrounds a top notch recreation space. St Kilda beach offers much in terms of combining a day at the beach with cafes, restaurants, and shopping. Check out nearby Acland St for cakes and casual dining or Fitzroy Street for some of Melbourne's most popular restaurants. Image credit Tumblr - brieradford. Elwood nearby is a great beach, also popular for swimming, sailing and boating.
Luxury hotel The Royce has re-opened following a two year-long complete refurbishment. Located on the border of Melbourne’s CBD and the leafy suburb of South Yarra, just a short walk from the Royal Botanical Gardens, Albert Park and National Gallery of Victoria, the boutique hotel intends to bring the golden age of hospitality back to the city, where service will be led with discretion, indulgence will be encouraged, and opulence will be expected. We enjoyed a sumptuous and memorable dinner in Showroom Bar, with the food and drink matching the opulent surroundings!
Located along the serene banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne’s revitalized Northbank precinct, From Here By Mike at the newly opened 1 Hotel Melbourne offers a dining experience that is as vibrant as it is sustainable.
Sometimes the best kind of holiday is one where you don’t leave the city — you just experience it differently. That was exactly our mindset when Sam and I checked into Oakwood Premier Melbourne for a weekend staycation, and what unfolded was a truly sensational escape just minutes from home but a world away from the everyday.
Looking for a 5 star boutique hotel in the heart of Melbourne? From the moment you walk into Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, you are struck by the seamless blend of old-world charm and modern luxury.
Looking for a stunning staycation in the heart of Melbourne? Melbourne Place is a vibey modern and stylish new hotel in the Melbourne CBD with plenty to offer. The aesthetics of this hotel are something else with extraordinary Kennedy Nolan design.
Looking for a stunning winery destination with views not too far from Melbourne? Summer at Fowles Wines in the Strathbogie Ranges is an invitation to experience country hospitality at its finest. Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, this winery delivers stunning views, impeccable service, and a culinary experience rooted in quality produce and thoughtful execution.
A staycation at the Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport is less about merely passing through and more about indulging in a sanctuary that blends elegance with comfort.
Experience a magical Care Bears Afternoon Tea during the July school holidays at The Langham, Melbourne. It will be an enchanting experience for families and Care Bears fans of all ages to come and share the love with their most nostalgic friends.
Melbourne is a city that thrives on its dynamic contrasts, and the collaboration between Melbourne River Cruises and Melbourne SkyDeck encapsulates this beautifully. The “By River and Sky” experience is a tour de force of the city’s finest vistas, melding the tranquil allure of the Yarra River with the vertiginous grandeur of the Eureka Tower. Our tour was experienced close to sunset and the views were spectacular.
Doha, the glittering gem of Qatar, is an intriguing blend of ancient traditions and futuristic aspirations. Nestled along the sun-drenched coast of the Persian Gulf, this city has emerged as a modern marvel, offering visitors an opulent playground of world-class dining, extravagant malls, and exhilarating desert adventures. My journey through Doha revealed a destination that is both indulgently luxurious and steeped in cultural richness.
Check out Southgate Melbourne Ticket Giveaway for an amazing Southgate experience! Just go to their Instagram page @southgate_melb and enter the comp.