Discover the very best of city glamour with a weekend at Crown Metropol Melbourne.
The best way to experience Melbourne’s hottest entertainment is through a stay on Southbank, a vibrant district on the banks of the Yarra River. And there’s no better place to start than with a weekend at Crown Metropol Melbourne – offering five-star elegance within easy reach of the city’s most glamorous hotspots.
Part of the famed Crown Melbourne complex, Australia’s leading integrated resort, the luxe hotel sits just minutes from award-winning bars and dining, world-class gaming and high-end shopping. When you’re ready to retreat from the Southbank buzz, a luxe sanctuary with plush bedding, a sky-high swimming pool and gym with epic city views awaits...
Discover Melbourne
Friday
Pre-dinner drinks at 28 Skybar Lounge
Where better to start than with pre-dinner drinks at the highest and most exclusive cocktail bar in Crown Melbourne? Here, jaw-dropping views across the cityscape stretch as far as the Dandenong Ranges on a clear day. There’s an extensive wine list, but the stars of the show are the signature cocktails. What will it be: a Strawberry Tonic with sloe gin or maybe a Vicar’s Folly with Canadian Club and Kahlua?
French fine dining at Bistro Guillaume (reservation required)
A culinary institution in Melbourne, Bistro Guillaume has become known for its innovative approach to fine dining. Chef and founder Guillaume Brahimi brings his love of French food to the table, adding a signature Aussie twist in the form of the finest local produce.
Pair a French bottle from the extensive wine list with stunning dishes such as freshly shucked oysters with sauce mignonette, spring lamb with herbs de Provence, gnocchi à la Parisienne, and crêpe au sucre.
Saturday
Take a Southbank stroll
No matter the day, month or season, there’s always something happening on Southbank. Taking a walk along the banks of the Yarra is a great way to get a feel for Melbourne. In summer, street performers show off their tricks, while the cooler months call for a coffee at one of the many cafés.
Whizz up to the Eureka Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere's highest observation deck, for sweeping city views across to Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Albert Park and beyond. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, Crown’s designer boutiques have you covered, from Hugo Boss to SABA, Witchery and Guess.
Get the party started at Gimlet at Cavendish House (reservation required)
Plan ahead and score a hotly sought-after reservation at Gimlet at Cavendish House. Housed in a landmark 1920s building on Russell Street (a short walk from Southbank), Gimlet immerses revellers in Chicago-style nostalgia and glamour.
Get dressed up to the nines (think 1920s New York chic) and settle in for an indulgent evening. Start with a namesake gimlet cocktail, then move on to other classics like Tommy’s Margaritas, house martinis and sidecars. Hungry? Share a plate of oysters at the marble bar or make use of the caviar service.
See where the night takes you...
Between 9pm and midnight, eight towers along Southbank shoot the world’s largest fireballs into the night’s sky every hour, on the hour. Time your stroll back to Crown so you catch this incredible display.
If you’re not tired, you’re in good company because Southbank never sleeps. After-dark activities are in generous supply at Crown Melbourne, where ‘one more drink for the road’ leads to trying your luck with world-class gaming at the casino or catching a last-minute show. If you’ve brought your dancing shoes, the Level 3 nightclubs have you covered with Vegas vibes at Therapy and Melbourne’s hottest DJs at Co.
Sleep in ultra-luxe comfort at Crown Metropol Melbourne
Proudly proclaiming to be home to the ‘best bed you’ve ever slept in’, Crown Metropol Melbourne is just the place to rest your weary head. Each modern room features luxe details like oversized showers, Crown bathroom amenities, chic chaise lounges and custom beds.
Take things to the next level in the NYC-style Loft, featuring a separate living room with breathtaking city views. Enjoy a meal at the four-seater dining table, take a long soak in the Japanese-inspired bath and help yourself to freshly brewed coffee from your personal Nespresso machine.
Sunday
Next-day recovery: A sky-high swim and breakfast at Mr. Hive Kitchen & Bar
Nothing blows those cobwebs away like an early-morning swim – and it’s even better when it’s on the 27th floor with panoramas of Melbourne. After some laps, relax on the plush lounge seating or in the bubbling spa. Feeling brave? Sweat it out at the epic city-view gym, home to high-tech machines and an aroma steam room.
After a weekend at Crown Metropol Melbourne, refuel with a full buffet breakfast at Mr. Hive Kitchen & Bar, a favourite among Melburnians and visitors alike. Settle into one of the seats under the wicker-style chandeliers and savour breakfast classics, tea and coffee.
Read more: Australia’s Ultimate Road Trips
