Melbourne in winter: Best shows, hotels, bars, restaurants and exhibitions
Pubs with fires, a ‘winter wonderland’ hotel and exclusive exhibitions, it’s no wonder Melbourne is the capital of cool.
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Summer in Melbourne may offer the best weather, the chance to take in the Boxing Day Test at the famous MCG and see the best tennis players in the world battle it out at the Australian Open.
But spending a few days in the world’s most liveable city in winter is also a wonderful experience. When the sun goes down and the city lights start twinkling, there are countless cosy bars and restaurants to dive into as well as a huge variety of shows, exhibitions and events to keep you entertained.
The 24-hour city offers endless options for an evening out in winter.
Trendy Fitzroy has a great mix of art galleries, the CBD itself has a seemingly never ending list of world-class restaurants and the bars and clubs of Chapel St in South Yarra and Prahran offer some of the best night-time entertainment going.
One up-and-coming area of Melbourne which has been finding its feet is South Wharf, tucked away on the southern banks of the Yarra River, a leisurely 20-minute walk from Flinders St station.
It is here where guests can indulge in a truly unique winter experience at the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf hotel. “Winter Wonderland” rooms at the hotel allow guests to snuggle up and pretend it is Christmas Day.
Faux snow, soft twinkling lights and white rugs on the bed, walls and floor greet you as you step into your Nordic-themed room.
A specially designed winter room service menu features slow cooked meats, spiced pastries and mulled wine.
The rooms, designed by Ugg Australia, evoke the ultimate in luxury, elegance and comfort.
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne — which is right in the heart of the action in Flinders Street — also offers guests the option of a “Winter Wonderland” room.
After checking in, South Wharf Hilton guests can drop their bags and head out to explore the many pubs and restaurants that are perched on the riverside boardwalk nearby.
Offering stunning views of the Melbourne CBD skyline, this part of the city has the added bonus of less hectic crowds than busier spots along the river, such as nearby Southbank.
The Boatbuilders Yard is one of the best places to enjoy a beer in Melbourne, with a fabulous outdoor area which is perfect for summer, but made cosy and warm in winter with heaps of outdoor heaters.
The charming waterfront pub has friendly and enthusiastic staff and retains the cultural heritage and charm of Melbourne’s famous Maritime precinct, with a modern design twist on its centrepiece, an original historic shed.
A little further along the river the Munich Brauhaus is one of the liveliest spots for a drink in the city.
Anybody who has been lucky enough to experience Oktoberfest in Germany should get along to the sprawling venue to reminisce about adventures gone by.
The establishment brings to life a traditional Bavarian beer hall, where guests can dine, drink and party the night away.
For movie fans one thing not to be missed this winter in Melbourne is the Martin Scorsese exhibition in the CBD.
Located at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square, the exhibition is an insight into one of the best film directors in the world.
SCORSESE, drawn from his personal collection, explores the director’s inspirations, creative process and key collaborations, offering comprehensive insight into his stellar career as an unparalleled screen stylist and a tireless champion of cinema.
From Taxi Driver and Goodfellas to The Departed and The Wolf of Wall Street, Scorsese’s intense and exhilarating films define him as one of the world’s greatest ever directors.
Whether it is wolves, bulls, butchers or taxi drivers, Scorsese’s complicated antiheroes navigate mean streets of their own morality, torn between rebellion and acceptance, sin and redemption.
While his characters spiral out of control, Scorsese captures every frame with masterly control.
Ball gowns worn by Cate Blanchett and Gwen Stefani in The Aviator are two of the costumes on show at the major exhibition.
The exclusive exhibition is made up of material from Scorsese’s own private archives.
Costumes, photographs, film footage, handwritten notes and scripts are among the hundreds of objects on show from his films.
One of the more obscure objects is the contact lens, hand painted with an eagle, worn by Daniel Day-Lewis in Gangs of New York. There are also costumes worn by movie icon Leonardo DiCaprio, Sacha Baron Cohen and the child stars of Hugo.
Alongside the exhibition, ACMI is screening Scorsese films and running a program of talks and workshops. The exhibition runs until September 18.
ESCAPE ROUTE
Staying there
The Winter Wonderland Room Package is available until the end of August in a King Guest room at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne from $219 twinshare and in a King City View room at Hilton Melbourne South Wharf from $298. It includes buffet breakfast for two, winter treats delivered to your room; a winter treat at turn-down and themed DVDs to watch during your stay.
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http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/victoria/hilton-melbourne-south-wharf-MELSWHI/index.html
Originally published as Melbourne in winter: Best shows, hotels, bars, restaurants and exhibitions
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