If you want to get away from the daily hustle and spend the much-needed quality time with your girl gang, a girls’ trip filled with relaxation and fun is the way to go. In Melbourne, you are spoiled for choice, whether you want to drink cocktails on the beach, get pampered at luxurious spas and natural hot springs, or embark on an epic alpine adventure. One of the most lively cities in the world, here are our top pics for hidden gems and the best day trips from Melbourne that women will love.
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Trinket
Trinket is a restaurant and bar that can be found on Google Maps; but, The Garment Den, a bar that cannot be found on Google Maps, is concealed within Trinket Bar. To find it, go to the bar and look for the decorative-looking closet. Open the door, shift the clothing to the side, and…tada! A door will open, revealing a stairway leading down to the hidden bar. Another “secret” bar in Melbourne to check out is State of Grace.
The Cat Cafe
Yes, Melbourne has a Cat Cafe – and it’s right in the heart of the city! You’ll need to find Guildford Lane, a tiny laneway that leads to three further brick laneways, one being home to the Cat Cafe. The Cat Cafe, like with the laneway outside, has brick walls and the impression of an old warehouse, which is appropriate because that’s precisely what it is. What was once a factory road is now home to secret cafes and venues, such as the cat cafe. Enjoy your coffee with these cute little creatures walking around you!
Dandenong Ranges Mountain Hideaway
A paradise of majestic mountains, towering woods, and colorful communities can be found just under an hour east of Melbourne. The gorgeous Dandenong Ranges in the Yarra Valley makes one of the best day trips from Melbourne, as it has everything. Whether you and your pals want to go hiking, shop in small stores, or sample local produce, the Dandenongs is the perfect weekend retreat to beat the heat of Melbourne summers or reconnect with nature with spectacular natural beauty and a refreshingly cooler environment. Treat your group to a memorable meal at Piggery Cafe on the outskirts of Sherbrooke Forest, or SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, a viewpoint point on the uppermost extent of the Dandenong Ranges with an unbeatable view of Melbourne’s city skyline.
Rutledge Lane
If you’re looking for street art, Rutledge Lane, which is located off Hosier Lane in central Melbourne, is a must-see. Beautiful graffiti cover the walls, which are much above head level, as well as practically every other available surface, such as windows and even bins. The paintings are always changing, but if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an artist at work. Take some pretty photos with these graffiti-covering walls for your Instagram feed!
Darebin Parklands
Only five kilometers from Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD), Darebin Parklands is a nature reserve located along Darebin Creek, providing a great place to go for a walk or to get away from the city. Natural rock faces, marshes, historical olive trees, a Spiritual Healing Trail, extensive areas of the natural environment, and much more can be found in the park. Bike riding and off-leash dog walking are some of the recreational activities you can enjoy here. There are restrooms, picnic tables, and barbeque stations available at the park.
Sakura Lounge and Spa
Sakura Lounge, a Japanese spa in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, is created by combining a traditional Melbourne Laneway with an urbanized warehouse shell and a beautiful Japanese-inspired interior. Sakura Lounge is a natural health center offering a combination of Japanese and Western therapies, such as onsen shitatsu rituals and hot stone massages. Sakura Lounge is a great place for women to do spa dates and it’s a great place to relax and unwind.
Cement Creek Redwood Forest in Warburton
Located about 90 kilometers east of Melbourne, visiting the enchanting Cement Creek Redwood Forest is definitely one of the best day trips from Melbourne. More than 200 Californian Redwood trees–all towering and majestic–can be seen in this enchanting forest. Unwind and forget about the bustling city life for an hour to two among some of the delightfully tranquil flora. While you’re in the vicinity, find out if you can spot artist Boinga Bob’s colorful and wonderful Warburton’s tree home.
St. Kilda Pier Penguin Colony
St. Kilda Pier, home to thousands of Penguins, provides an extraordinary bit of a native wildlife adventure that many not know about. Since the pier’s erection in the mid-1950s, a thriving colony of little penguins (previously known as “fairy” penguins) has resided at the breakwater at the pier’s end in St. Kilda, a suburban area of Melbourne. The penguins are cared for by a tiny but committed group of volunteers who help keep them secure from stray tourists.
Lucy Liu Kitchen & Bar
An iconic cafe hidden behind enigmatic neon on an unknown laneway. Lucy Liu Kitchen & Bar has taken the art of concealing their entrance to a new level. You’ll be rewarded with juicy dumplings, top-tier sushi, and luscious chocolates served with peanut butter ice cream if you seek them out. Lucy Liu is a lively, trendy, and fun street food atmosphere that caters to customers who desire shared dishes and cool drinks in a lively, stylish, and exciting street food environment.
Whether it’s the city’s intriguing flavors or passionate sporting events, Melbourne is a jumble of buzzing laneways with a constant buzz of activity. Wander in nature, sip a cocktail on a rooftop, and explore art-filled streets with your gal pals in this magnificent and ever-mysterious city.
