7 ways to spend the ultimate day in Port Phillip this summer

With restrictions lifted and the best weather of the year in Australia’s most livable city, isn’t it time to get out and explore? For those with an adventurous nature, exploring the suburbs and areas that remain under the radar is a proven way to tickle the senses and satiate the wanderlust without needing to go too far.

So why not escape the hustle and change your postcode to your heart’s delight? Port Phillip is just a tram ride away and the classic stay south of the river: a playground of sights, places to sample incredible food, and not to mention the city’s best beaches.

If you’re looking for inspiration, look no further. Read on and you’ll see we’ve curated a little itinerary of things to fill a fabulous day out in this neat little corner of Melbourne.

Step into a cultured breakfast

Start the day off right and reserve the most important meal of the day for the Art Lane Cafe in St Kilda. This eclectic back alley cafe sits tucked away in Chapel Street and is a hidden gem and perfection for those who like their cafes full of character. A local favourite, you’ll have the chance to admire street art while enjoying great food and coffee. Once caffeinated, the adjacent Space2b gallery on the main street regularly hosts works by international and local artists and is well worth a visit.

Immerse yourself in artistic atmospheres

Continue the artistic energy to start your day and pay a visit to Linden New Art; this versatile space is nestled in leafy Acland Street and supports brave new art from mid-career artists, while engaging visitors through inspiring and thought-provoking exhibitions of new work. After your visit, the sky’s the limit with TheatreWorks, the Victorian Pride Center and the Jewish Museum all within easy walking distance.

Stretch the legs

Option 1). Once you’ve had your fill of culture, it’s probably high time to soak up nature and get comfortable. Head to St Kilda Botanic Gardens and find yourself in one of the greenest and most tranquil spaces in the city. Stroll among a myriad of local native plants, try your hand at a giant chess game, or admire the seasonal exhibits at the conservatory.

Option 2). No trip to St Kilda is complete without a stroll along the grand seafront. Head to St Kilda Beach and from there head south taking in impressive and panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay before passing Luna Park and Marina Reserve. You’ll come across Point Ormond Lookout: the perfect place for a selfie with our iconic cityscape in the background!

Hit the beach and find your next read

With a fantastic beach at your disposal, the urge to jump into the ocean might be too much for you in Elwood – so go for it. Once you’ve wiped yourself dry and gotten (most) of the sand between your toes, it’s time to head to the Grumpy Swimmer Library. This Aladdin’s cave of all things literary gives you plenty of opportunities to find your next read; however, if you’re not looking for a book, there are still plenty of other cool lifestyle articles to check out.

Image: courtesy of Bex Walton/ flickr

Taste Elwood for lunch

Option 1). For lunch with a view and sumptuous food to match, then you need look no further than Elwood Bathers. This beach-side restaurant is an elegant setting for any lunch — with a glass of wine in hand, of course — and offers incredible seafood dishes.

Option 2). Find your way to vibrant Ormond Street and carve out a place in the ever-popular Combined for something a little more casual. This healthy haven of delicious bites is no plan B, let us tell you. Plus, it’s a great place to grab your second coffee of the day!

Shop till you drop

Hop on the tram and head to Port Melbourne’s energetic Bay Street for high-end shopping with clothing boutiques, homewares and gourmet supermarkets that will provide an unrivaled backdrop to your afternoon. And if pounding the pavement calls for a cheeky afternoon treat, head to the French pastry specialists, Hazelnut. Trust us, you’ll find it hard to resist anything they do here.

Image: courtesy of cottonbro/ Pexels

A drink in the afternoon

End the day with a drink or two with one of Australia’s leading whiskey purveyors at Starward Distillery. This charismatic bar space welcomes whiskey aficionados and non-fans with equal enthusiasm, concocting epic signature cocktails to sip on while enjoying the brilliant day you just had south of the river!

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There’s a whole world to explore just a tram ride away.

Plan your next outing and look for: Explore SouthSide.

Come on, come south of the river this summer.

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Main image credit: RODOLF BARRET /Unsplash