19 Nov 2018
There is a host of options for dining, from casual spots where you can enjoy sitting outdoors to far more sophisticated options, all around the hotel.
Right on your doorstep, you will find Pan Pacific Melbourne’s [2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf] two on-site eateries. Keep it casual at Café Orr [2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf] which offers an impressive selection of pastries, sandwiches, juices and of course, barista made coffee, making it perfect for a quick bite before you start your day. Or, book a table at Dock 37 Bar & Kitchen [2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf] to enjoy modern Australian cuisine, signature cocktails and an excellent selection of wine and beer. Don’t forget to explore the restaurant’s unique walk-through wine gantry, suspended above the bar which features over 500 wines.
Just a few minutes’ walk away is The Boatbuilders Yard [23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf], an architecturally designed bar and cafe with tables both inside and out. On a sunny day, the all-day kitchen draws in hungry punters looking for a relaxed atmosphere. The menu spans breakfast, share plates for whenever you’re peckish and pub grub like burgers to bust a hunger.
Feeling spicy? Bangpop [35 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf] is a fun, colourful Thai restaurant serving hawker-style dishes, many of them with a chilli kick (don’t worry, heat levels are all indicated on the menu). Also on offer is a list of inventive cocktails that utilise Thai flavours. And if you have one too many Thaigerliliies (gin, Cointreau, passionfruit and pineapple) you can simply walk back to the hotel.
Take on a Tokyo-inspired vibe at South Wharf’s own modern izakaya, Akachochin [35 South Whard Promenade, South Wharf]. Choose from sushi, sashimi or other Japanese dishes. One of the best options, though, is to take on the tasting menu and have each dish paired with a special sake.
The walk’s a little further, but it’s worth it to dine at Higher Ground [650 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne]. Whether you fancy quinoa bircher muesli in the morning or innovative plates like smoked eel with whey pickle cucumbers or duck breast with pumpkin pilaf at dinnertime, you’ll find it in this beautiful space over multiple levels in a former power station.
Before you tuck yourself in for a fantastic sleep, make sure to take in Melbourne’s nightlife right on the doorstep. There’s a swag of bars at South Wharf, including a traditional Bavarian beer hall, Munich Brauhaus [45 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf]. Raise your stein to the variety of European lagers on tap, or perhaps try one of the seasonal craft brews for something a little different.
Set in and around the old cargo sheds and bearing heritage features, polished brass and exposed beams is Melbourne Public [11 Dukes Walk, South Wharf], a great spot for a quiet one or catching up with friends. If you’re around during the week, happy hour espresso martinis cost just $10 between 4pm and 7pm, and there’s live music on the weekend.
If you don’t mind a beer, The General Assembly [29 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf] is the only pub in Australia to have the full range of Matilda Bay brews on tap. There are also seasonal one-off beers to try, and unpasteurised Carlton Draught right off the tank. This is a smart but relaxed spot, with an outdoor area overlooking the water.
Spend some time together enjoying the finer things in life. Head to the National Gallery of Victoria [180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne], where you can get lost exploring the latest exhibition on display.
When you’re holiday à deux there’s no better way to re-establish a connection than with a little pampering. South Melbourne’s Body Freedom Urban Spa Retreat [392 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne] features a room for couples complete with fireplace. Now, all you need do is choose a treatment. You can’t really go past the Melt, which combines exfoliation, facial, foot pampering and a full-body massage.
The views are special at any time of day, but head up to Eureka Skydeck [7 Riverside Quay, Southbank], 300 metres above the city, at sunset for a truly magical experience.
Cross the river and you’ll find one of the favourite places for kids in Melbourne. At SEA LIFE Melbourne [King Street, Melbourne], it’s as if you’re wandering beneath the ocean as you stare at the sharks and rays. There are all types of environments to explore, including tropical reefs, mangroves, and even the Antarctic, where you can visit the penguins.
If they like a carnival ride, here’s something even better: a flight on the Melbourne Star [101 Waterfront Way, Docklands]. From the huge observation wheel, you can see right across Melbourne and the surrounding countryside.
Book a few rooms at Pan Pacific Melbourne and bring your friends. Wander to South Melbourne Market [Coventry Street & Cecil Street, South Melbourne] to explore the stalls and snack on the famous dim sims, as well as French pastries, single-origin chocolate and Mexican street food. There’s also a great section called SO:ME Space, which features fashion and homewares from Melbourne’s up-and-coming designers.
Not finished shopping yet? DFO South Wharf [20 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf], with its vast array of outlet stores from the biggest brands, is right next door to Pan Pacific. Whether you’re after a new outfit, a make-up update, something for the home or a gift for someone special, you’ll find it here.
When you’re ready to let your hair down, head across the Yarra to Holey Moley [590 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne]. Sure, it’s a bar where you can order a more-than-decent cocktail and listen to the DJ spin a few tunes, but it’s also an indoor mini golf venue. Play nine holes then kick back in the beer garden. It’s a good idea to book because it gets busy.