Melbourne has been on my bucket list since before I emigrated to Australia, so Jake and I decided to pay this iconic Aussie city a visit.
A foodie and art lovers haven, Melbourne has left me craving another visit full of Australia's best pasta, endless shopping and close-by natural wonders.
From our luxurious high rise apartment, to the Dior Exhibition, to wild penguins, here's the best bits that Melbourne has to offer...
Where To Stay: Platinum City Serviced Apartments
High up in the sweeping city views lies Platinum City Serviced Apartments. Located in the hub of Melbourne's CBD, this cute and stylish apartment complex was our home during our four day stay in the City.
We were lucky enough to stay on the 32nd floor, which came equipped with sweeping city views that spanned to the ocean on the horizon.
After I'd grown a pair and got over my slight vertigo, the apartments large window became the perfect place to enjoy breakfast.
At night time, the window transformed into a twinkling array of fairy-light dotted skyscrapers and was the perfect backdrop for a glass of red wine and a cheese platter.
Getting ready to see Aladdin The Musical, which was like a childhood dream come to life.
Melbourne: you are bloody cold!
Yep: I actually made this breakfast. Shock horror.
See!!
I call this process de-Shrekification. On another note, how cute is this minimal hotel bathroom?
The best thing about Platinum City apartments in the central location. The apartments are situated in La Trobe Tower, which is smack bang in the middle of the CBD, making it the perfect basis from which to explore this bustling city.
Fashionistas: this hotel is a quick 5 minute walk from Melbourne Central, one of the cities largest shopping centres. I could even see H & M from the balcony (temptation much?)
The apartment had all the amenities needed for a luxurious city stay. A comfortable bed, rainwater shower and fully equipped kitchen.
Confession: we did not actually cook in the kitchen. Melbourne restaurants are just too darn tempting!
It even had an espresso machine! Platinum City Apartments: you know the way to a girl's heart!
Melbourne City
With a jam-packed three day schedule, Jake and I only had one day to explore the city itself. Believe me when I say that one day is no where near enough. Also believe me, when I say that I almost caught hypothermia it was so cold. Sorry Mum and Dad... I'm the worst British person ever!
Ladies and Gentlemen: I give you my one Autumn outfit post for the year!
Exploring the iconic Hosier Lane
I'm much more of a nature freak than a city girl, but there was something so bustling and eclectic about Melbourne that totally stole my heart.
We spent our city day exploring the city centre and it's most iconic locations and stopped by the stunning graffiti lanes of Hosier Lane before sipping on scrumptious Baileys hot chocolate.
I also forced Jake to shop #SorryNotSorry.
The House of Dior Exhibition
Ladies, get ready to drool! I went to see The House of Dior Exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria and it was like an embellished heart eye emoji on steroids.
There's stunning vintage pieces from 1947, the latest 2017 pieces and everything on that beautiful timeline in between.
The exhibition explores the story of the iconic design house through time and features the iconic pieces by the seven designers who have made Dior the influential design house it is today.
Filled to the brim with breathtaking couture gowns, I was so blown away by the pieces that I literally almost cried.
Penguins at St Kilda Pier
Talking to locals can result in fantastic travel experiences! The man working at the car rental service told us that St Kilda Pier is home to a colony of fairy penguins. Being the nature-lovers we are, we flocked to this seaside spot to watch the wild birds emerge from the ocean and waddle across the rocky shore to their nests.
Phillip Island
As we had rented a car, we decided to explore some of Victoria's most beautiful nature destinations. First stop: Phillip Island, a beach-fringed wonder just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
We jumped aboard a seal watching cruise, which took us to seal rock, 2kms off the coastline. The rock is home to a huge colony of over 5,000 seals. Mind blown.
It stank of rotting fish, but seeing the adorable seals leaping in and out of the water was totally worth it.
Our trip to Phillip Island was short and sweet, as we raced back to Melbourne to see a Broadway production of Aladdin. It was totally worth it and ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Side note: the magic carpet actually flew!
Our next adventure was to the famous Great Ocean Road and believe me when I say that it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen Down Under!
As a matter of fact, it's so gorgeous that it deserves it's own post, so stay tuned!
