Melbourne is a hip, dynamic metropolis, with an exciting city center, inner-city neighborhoods that is full of unique character, and lush green parks and mountain ranges where you can enjoy Australian nature at its finest. The city is known for its many laneways, its cultural diversity, excellent dining options for all budgets, and amazing street art. It’s also known for being the coffee capital of the world, and for being regularly voted as the world’s most livable city!
Let’s explore the best things to do in Melbourne:
Peninsula Hot Springs
The award-winning natural hot springs and day spa destination is located on the Mornington Peninsula and is just 90 minutes away from the city of Melbourne. Peninsula Hot Springs features pools and private baths supplied by natural thermal mineral waters.
These thermal springs are common on the coastal oasis of the peninsula and provide a quiet and serene place for visitors to relax and rejuvenate their mind, body and soul and it is one of the amazing tourist places in Melbourne.
The peninsula offers several options for its guests. The Bath House is a social area where guests can enjoy an exclusive bathing experience. Some of the most popular techniques employed here include Turkish hammam, reflexology walk, cave pool, and a hilltop pool offering scenic views of the region around. There is also an amphitheater in the Bath House, which includes seven pools. All of these pools are geometric and offer a relaxing bathing experience. Other facilities and attractions in the Bath House are - ice caves, saunas, a cafe, a wellness center, an open-air stage.
Another popular section of the Peninsula Hot Springs is the Spa Dreaming Center. This sanctuary-like place is a blissful retreat from the rest of the world, as it offers you a place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The center places special importance on tranquil space and is only allowed for people who are above the age of 16 years. The service offered in the Dreaming Center includes thermal mineral pools, traditional sauna experiences, bamboo showers with massages, cold plunge pools, Moroccan hammams, infrared sauna rooms, Zen Chi massages, and hanging tree pods. You can also enjoy relaxing by the pool at the poolside lounges.
The wellness programs at the Peninsula Hot Springs offer a unique combination of healing waters along with mindful activities to calm your body, soul and mind. You will get to experience a wide range of movements, and enjoy the ultimate calming experience here. There are also several other activities you can choose from, like - body clay, fire and ice, yoga, reformer Pilates, and aerial yoga.
How to Reach Peninsula Hot Springs
Peninsula hot springs is located 123 kilometers away from Melbourne and the entire journey will take you around an hour and a half. Here are your best options for this journey:
Via train
Metropolitan train services run from the southern cross station in Melbourne to Frankston. From here, you can connect through Hastings to Stony Point on Westernport Bay and reach the Peninsula easily.
Via bus
Buses from the city of Melbourne to areas around the village operate all days of the week. There are several bus routes you can take for the sun. Bus number 788 leaves from Frankston station to Portsea every 45 minutes from Monday to Friday and every 2 hours on weekends. You can reach the Peninsula from Portsea by getting a taxi.
For direct transport from the airport to the Peninsula without entering the city, you can get the airport bus which runs regularly. This may be the costlier option than others listed here
Via ferry
If you want to take the scenic option, you can take a taxi from the airport to Queenscliff Harbour. From here you can take a Searoad Ferry to the Peninsula. The ferries run every hour on the hour from 7 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout the week.
Best Time to Visit Peninsula Hot Springs
The best time to visit Peninsula Hot Springs is during the winters, that is, June to August. The summers (that is, between December and February) on the continent can get quite steamy and oppressively hot. You will not be able to enjoy all the facilities of the peninsula in such weather.
Here are the reasons why you should plan your visit to this plan during winters:Once the winter season hits, you will be forced to hole into your house, to protect yourself from the freezing temperatures. Not a lot of outdoor activities are suitable for the winters, but hot spring bathing is one of the best things you can enjoy in this weather without worrying about the freezing cold. That is why it is recommended to pay a visit to the Peninsula just before the hot months arrive. It will also help you get rid of the cabin fever one is prone to in winters.
The hot springs have a lot of healing properties and can rejuvenate your body and mind like nothing else. Bathing in the mineral water of these hot springs in winters can bring about various health benefits like increase in blood circulation, increase in lymphatic functions, healthy skin and better sleep.
It should be noted that the healing properties of the spring are more effective during the winters, because the difference in temperature of water and air speeds up the health benefits.Another benefit of visiting the hot springs during winters is that you will get to witness the remarkable range of the flora and fauna native to this region in the winters.
Most of the wildlife and forests here have evolved to thrive in the freezing temperatures and can be enjoyed at their best only during the winter months.
That is why, it is recommended to plan your visit during the winters, that is, between May and October.
What Not to Miss at Peninsula Hot Springs
Bathing
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with your mind and soul, you have to try the bathing experience on the peninsula. The natural thermal mineral waters are supplied by the underground pools deep under the earth and form private baths at the Peninsula.
The pools are surrounded by lush green forests and also offer some of the most scenic views of the region around. This further adds to the ethereal experience of bathing in the hot springs in the middle of nowhere.
Additionally, the mineral waters of these springs have several health benefits. It can help you with better circulation to all organs of your body, providing them with much needed oxygen. They also activate the lymphatic function and help clean out the toxins in your body. Moreover, the mineral waters are extremely good for your skin and can also help you with insomnia.
Nourish your soul in the middle of the jungles and awaken your senses as you dip your toes into the freshwater. There is nothing quite as relaxing as these steaming spas hidden in the middle of the trees, in caves and amongst the stone pathways of this region. Immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind experience with only the sound of birds and frogs accompanying you, and return home with a fresh mind and body.
Spa
The Peninsula Hot Springs offers several spa treatments to completely relax your body and work out those knots in your muscles. All you have to do is surrender your body to the experts in the Peninsula and relax. The signature spa treatments include several balancing therapies that well help with working out and rejuvenating the fatigued parts of your body.
Not only that, but you will also feel as if your mind is calmer because of the varieties of essential oils used in the treatment here.
The spa treatments and therapies are designed in such a way that they honor the traditional elements of cultures from all across the world. From facials and body treatments to relaxation massages, everything is designed to cleanse, refresh and restore your body.
You can also get a medium or high-pressure treatment if you are feeling especially tired. The Spa Dreaming Centre at the Peninsula Hot Springs also includes a geothermal bathing section where you can take a refreshing bath.
The bathing experience is included with all the treatment that is offered in the spa. It should be noted that the Spa Centre is reserved only for guests above the age of 16 years. The experts at the Spa also recommend that everyone should take a bath before getting a treatment at the Spa center, as this will include the therapeutic results of the treatments. Some of the treatment options offered here are organic facials, organic mineral mud wraps, peninsula vine massages, organic bioactive facials, botanical sea salt exfoliation etc.
Dining
There are several fine dining options available at Peninsula Hot Springs to nourish your appetite and satisfy your taste buds. Replenish your body with some of the best continental and seasonal dishes available at the restaurants and cafes available within the premises of the peninsula. Delicious breakfasts, variable lunch and dinner menus and ready-to-go snacks await you here.
Here are the best establishments for enjoying the excellent food at this place:
Spa dreaming Center Cafe:
The cafe overlooks the serene hot springs of the Peninsula and offers some of the most nourishing food in the region. You can find various fusion dishes here and enjoy your food in the beautiful setting of the place after your Spa treatment. One of the best things about this place is that you are allowed to come to the cafe in your robe and simply enjoy your meal without any constraints. The chefs at the cafe also entertain dietary considerations.
Bath House Cafe:
The outdoor house cafe is right next to the bathing area and offers a wide selection of light meals and refreshing drinks that you can enjoy after the bath. The cafe also offers freshly ground coffee, if you are craving that. The dishes at this place are relatively simple and focus more on the nutritional value of the food. You can also dine in the picnic area if you feel like it. The gourmet pizzas of the cafe are especially popular, so don't forget to try them if you go here.
Bath House Amphitheatre Cafe:
Pick anything from a range of healthy dishes at the open-air cafe. The dishes at this place are largely inspired by the slow food movement, that is seasonal, local, organic, and whole foods. The cafe looks over the stage, so you can also enjoy art and entertainment shows while eating here.
Bath House Picnic Areas:
If you want to enjoy a relaxing picnic with your family at the Peninsula, you are in luck. The picnic areas are family-friendly and extremely comfy. There is plenty of lawn space, with picnic seating areas, tables and coastal gardens all around. The view is simply indescribable, and the whole experience is unforgettable.
Coffee Hut:
If you want to enjoy a selection of chai teas and hot coffee that is freshly brewed, this is the place to be at. The selection of caffeine drinks here acts perfectly as a pick-me-up after your treatment at the spa.
Wellness Experiences
The whole idea of the Peninsula is focused on wellness, and they offer several wellness retreats and workshops to promote the same. Here are the wellness experience options available here:
- Wellness programs for groups: If you are planning a wellness retreat for your office or employees, this is the best option for you. The group packages are available as private experiences, guides packages, and exclusive packages as well. Just pick the one that best suits your needs and relax, literally.
- Wellness activities: For the ultimate well-being of the body and to promote mindfulness, several activities are arranged for guests to participate in. These include: fire, ice and bathe, body clay and bathe, yoga and bathe, pilates and bathe, hot springs yoga, warm water exercises etc.
Places to Visit near Peninsula Hot Springs
Beach Bites Lane:
the food truck is the first permanent food truck addition to the Mornington Peninsula, and it is simply unmissable. If you are a foodie and you don't want to be stuck eating the wholesome but somewhat bland food at the Peninsula Hot Springs, this is a piece of heaven for you.
Started by a native Brazilian family, the food truck offers fried balls of chicken, ice cream, spinach and ricotta dishes and everything in between. Make sure you check out the local craft beers sold here as well. The food at the truck can be as cheap as $6, so you won’t burn a hole in your pocket eating here either.
Enchanted Adventure Garden:
The gardens feel like you have been transported into an entirely different world, and are worth checking out for anyone who loves giant bushes and even bigger puzzles. The mazes in this garden are even more interesting, and you can explore them through tube slides, or check out the indoor maze. The gardens are truly a place worth admiring and have an almost fairytale-like quality.
There are several wooden structures and wrought ironwork here that is worth admiring. Plus, you can get some souvenirs at the shop outside, and some of the most delicious snacks at the Amazing Lolly Shop. Do check out the Japanese Gardens, topiary dragons, and other mazes if you are traveling with children.
Itali.Co: Sorrento:
One of the most popular dining spaces in the peninsula, this Italian diner and pizzeria are located right in the heart of Sorrento. The locals cannot stop boasting of the delicious pizzas and pastas here, and for a foodie, this is an unmissable destination in the region. If you want to get something more flavorful than the food offered at the cafes in Peninsula Hot Springs, make sure you check out this place at least once, because you are sure to want to come back.
T’Gallant:
If you are a wine lover, this is an unmissable destination for you. T’gallant is a local wine brand that the locals cannot stop raving about. Their Juliet Pinot Noir is simply indescribable, and offers one of the best values for money drinks in the market. Once you try it, you won't be able to leave without getting a few bottles for yourself and your friends back home. It is also recommended to check out the wine bar and cafe in the neighborhood for some delicious lunches.
Golf Courses:
If this is your game, you will be glad to know that Mornington peninsula has 18 golf courses where you can enjoy the game far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Other places worth checking out at Mornington peninsula are the Moonlit Sanctuary, Nepean Historical Society Museum, Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Charlie’s Arthurs Seat Auto Museum, a strawberry farm and honey farm.
Find out more at https://www.thrillophilia.com/
Line up on Flinders Lane for dinner
What is it?
Some of the city’s best dining is clumped together into this one, delicious stretch of road. Luckily, Flinders Lane is located in the city. Unfortunately, this means there’s almost always a queue at some of the best restaurants.
Why go?
There’s ceviche and sours, Andrew McConnell’s culinary wizardry, Pan-Asian fusion with a side of hip hop, understated Japanese, tacos and tequila or the modern Mediterranean. We hope you’re hungry.
Don’t miss:
Kisumé is the sort of place where slivers of jewel-colored ocean flesh are laid out with all the ceremony of tea in Kyoto, some complete with judiciously placed ornaments of edible gold leaf.
Flinders Lane: arguably Melbourne's tastiest street. Here are 18 ace venues, whether you want ceviche and sours, Andrew McConnell's culinary wizardry, Pan-Asian fusion with a side of hip hop, understated Japanese, tacos and tequila, or the modern Mediterranean. We hope you're hungry.
Kisume
This is the sort of place where slivers of jewel-colored ocean flesh are laid out with all the ceremony of tea in Kyoto, some complete with judiciously placed ornaments of edible gold leaf. There's a bar dedicated to Chablis (albeit not exclusively) on the upper level, and the lower two floors enjoying the clang and clash of sushi bars mixing it with à la carte tables where hot dishes wrestle attention from the raw and cold in a two-menu act of bamboozling choice.
Supernormal
A pair of glowing neon cherries marks the entrance to Andrew McConnell’s Japanese-y diner: a concrete bunker focused on a kitchen bar, behind which staff shuck oysters and stuff steamed buns at warp speed. You’ll find a few Golden Fields refugees here, including those lobster rolls.
Coda
Coda’s buzzing basement has set the scene for many a corporate pow-wow and romantic date night. Canter through small plates to maximize head chef and co-owner Adam D’Sylva’s Asia-versus-Europe menu: rabbit rillettes, kaffir lime octopus and yellow curry, for example.
Cumulus Up
Should Flinders Lane be renamed McConnell’s Lane? You’ll find his excellent bar, Cumulus Up, just above Cumulus Inc. The eats range in seriousness from pickled veg and olives to an 800g rib eye steak on the bone. And praise is, it’s open until 1 is.
Chin Chin
Has there ever not been a queue for Chin Chin? Don’t be put off though: it’s worth standing in line for these Pan-Asian snacks – kingfish sashimi, pork roll-ups and so on. From the bigger dishes, play the field with at least one salad, a curry, and something from the barbecue section.
Cumulus Inc
The beauty of Andrew McConnell’s Cumulus Inc is in its restraint - the décor is minimal, letting the natural light and the food on the plate do the work. Oysters are served with a cheek of lemon; a bites menu lists bowls of olives and a straight-up tin of Ortez anchovies. Simple. Perfect.
Lucy Liu
Bright lights, hologram menus, house beats and dishes that deliver jarring jolts from sugar, salt and chili like a series of special effects explosions – Lucy Liu is no shrinking violet. Don’t miss the whole pork hock – braised in master stock, and deep-fried into a crisp-shelled hunk.
Hihou
You'll want to book. Hihou's split-level room only holds around 30 drinkers, and everyone’s in for the long haul, creating makeshift meals from brik pastry cigars filled with a spicy tuna tartare and one hell of a hot dog, served in a bun with pickled onion.
Tonka
Got visiting VIPs to impress? Take them to Tonka for mod-Indian, Malaysian and Sri Lankan dishes courtesy of the Coda team (Adam D’Sylva, Mykal and Kate Bartholomew). Embark on a culinary expedition, ticking off chicken ribs, lamb shoulder, roti and peanut-butter parfait.
Pastuso
Expect modish Peruvian food from San Telmo’s sister restaurant, which has a ceviche bar, a soft spot for Pisco Sours and zesty lime-bright styling. Try snapper ceviche served in ‘tiger’s milk’ (lime juice, coriander and chili), pork belly cubes with daikon, roasted alpaca, and a Sour or three.
Find out more at https://www.timeout.com/
Southbank
Highlights
- Premium cuts of meat in specially crafted dishes
- A glass of wine each
- Stylish restaurant interiors
Sit down for a sophisticated steakhouse dining experience with a loved one. Indulge in a mouth-watering three-course menu designed from paddock to plate, perfectly paired with a glass of wine. Their world-class meat and produce are set to wow even the most discerning guests!
What's Included?
- Three-course dinner for two people
- A glass of house selected wine each
Enjoy a sumptuous steakhouse dinner in a casual yet contemporary restaurant in Southbank, featuring stylish industrial decor and superb service. Tuck into a selection of succulent meat complemented with chips, salad, wine and dessert. The restaurant prides itself on delivering world-class products with their menu including the premium line of Monte Beef, the producers of some of Australia's finest Angus.
Entree - Your choice of:
- Boerewors - Coriander, cumin and beef sausage, sweet & sour capsicum salsa
- Wagyu Tartare - Finely diced Wagyu fillet, smoked yolk, pickled cucumber, mustard & toasted crostini
- Chilli Glazed Pork Belly Sticky chili glazed pork belly with shaved cabbage slaw
- Main - Please choose one each FROM THE MONTE PADDOCK Monte is the premium line of beef exclusively sourced for The Meat & Wine Co. Monte cuts are grilled to your liking in our unique basting.
- Wagyu Rump 250g (450D, MB 6+) - Served with crunchy chips or farm salad and your choice of mushroom or peppercorn sauce
- Portuguese Chicken Skewer - Peri-peri spiced chicken thighs with lemon. Served with crunchy chips or farm salad and your choice of mushroom or peppercorn sauce
- Lamb Rump 250g marinated lamb rump with wagyu fat roasted potatoes, carrot puree, raspberry veal jus
- Dessert each
- Chocolate & Hazelnut Fondant Classic in-house baked fondant with a melted white chocolate center with hazelnut praline ice cream
* These are sample menus and are subject to change seasonally.
Session Length
- Available between 5 pm and 10 pm daily
- Not available on public holidays and special event days
- Bookings are essential and are subject to availability
Guidelines
- Please advise the supplier of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking
- Participants must be over 18 years of age to consume alcohol. ID may be required
Cancellation
- Once this experience has been confirmed, changes are at the discretion of the experience provider and arranged directly with them according to this policy:
- Over 2 weeks before the experience date: No charge
- 48 hours to up to 2 weeks before the experience date: $50 per person participant fee to change the experience date and time
- Within 48 hours of the experience date, No Shows and Late Arrivals: Participants forfeit their experience and therefore are not entitled to a refund or to re-book. Participants are advised to make their own insurance provisions in case of unforeseen circumstances
Find out more at https://www.redballoon.com.au/
FAQs About Melbourne
- Melbourne is one of the most liveable cities in the world. ...
- Melbourne is home to world-class research facilities. ...
- Melbourne's laneway culture is rich, vivid and exciting. ...
- The coffee is incredible. ...
- It's Australia's 'cultural capital' ...
- The community is hugely diverse.
Melbourne is known for being one of the most liveable cities on earth. Often referred to as 'the Sporting Capital of the World', besides this it is also famous for its graffitied laneways, excellent coffee, cultural diversity and bayside location. This eclectic Australian city has something for everyone.
The city is known for its many laneways, its cultural diversity, excellent dining options for all budgets, and amazing street art. It's also known for being the coffee capital of the world, and for being regularly voted as the world's most livable city!