Stay and Play

Make the most out of your next trip to Melbourne. Stay a little longer for these top-notch experiences.

Coming for…

Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival

vamff.com.au

Fashionistas from far and wide flock to Melbourne to see the latest styles on the catwalk for VAMFF, from 1 to 10 March. Off the runway, there’s fashion-focussed entertainment, retail events, workshops and talks.

Stay to...

Experience a different side of Melbourne Museum by heading to adults-only Nocturnal, held on the first Friday each month. Long after the school groups have gone, the museum transforms into an evening playground with music and cocktails.

Shop till you drop at Chadstone — The Fashion Capital [1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone]. Housing much-loved brands as well as specialty retailers, it’s the perfect place for a wardrobe refresh.

Enjoy a tipple in the heart of Federation Square at Transport Bar [Federation Square, Melbourne]. It’s ideally located for pre- or post-show cocktails and, if you’re looking to boogie, on Friday and Saturday night you can hit its dancefloor.

Coming for…

Big Vegan Market

bigveganmarket.com.au

This market brings together animal-friendly makers from over Australia to showcase their wares at the Royal Exhibition Building on 11 and 12 May. Covering vegan food, fashion, beauty and crafts, this market is sure to impress.

Stay to...

Indulge in a pamper session at Miss Fox [1/285 Little Collins Street, Melbourne]. Go for a mani and pedi using polishes from ethical beauty brand Kester Black or the Coconut Melt body massage that uses vegan cold-pressed coconut oil.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at Australia’s music industry at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Australian Music Vault [100 St Kilda, Melbourne].

See highlights from the Australian Performing Arts Collection and be entertained by incredible stories told through memorabilia, artefacts and digital and interactive experiences.

Enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired meal in a restaurant with serious street cred at Smith & Daughters [175 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy]. The food is 100% plant based and 100% delicious.

Coming for…

Moomba Festival

Melbourne’s free annual community festival is back and better than ever from 8 to 11 March. Bring the whole family to town to enjoy rides, parades, foods and, of course, the hilarious Birdman Rally, all taking place alongside the Yarra River.

Stay to...

Let the little ones immerse themselves in the world of music at Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Jams for Juniors. Under-fives are invited to get rowdy and play along to classical music with tambourines, drums and shakers.

Have a go at being a puppeteer at String Symphony at Arts Centre Melbourne’s forecourt [100 St Kilda, Melbourne]. A giant, illuminated puppet is brought to life by those willing to pull one of its ropes and make it move!

Tuck into a tasty bite at Riverland [Federation Wharf 1-9, Melbourne]. Order the beef ribs or seafood chowder for you and burgers for the kids then relax and watch the rowers of the Yarra pass you by.

Leave the Car at Home

Getting to town is fuss-free with V/Line. Save with off-peak tickets, enjoy the scenery and relax in the comfort of your carriage as the countryside zooms past.