Australia's cultural capital of Melbourne is bouncing back from the pandemic in style. Here are half a dozen exciting events over the next few months that are worth booking your tickets for right now.
1. A changing of the guard in the tennis world
Embroiled in controversy last year after world No. 1 (and nine-time champion here) Novak Djokovic was ejected before the start of the tournament, all eyes are once again on the year's premier Slam, the Australian Open(16-19 January 2024). Djokovic himself is back, having vowed to forgive (but not forget) his experience a year ago. Although the new No. 1, teenage sensation Carlos Alcarez, who beat him (and Nadal) en route to the US Open title last year, had to withdraw with injury, it remains to be seen how long Djokovic can hold back the tide. Beyond the courts, expect a range of acclaimed F&B, including the famous Asian-inspired restaurant Supernormal, from perhaps Melbourne's most famous chef, Andrew McConnell.
Sports fans may also want to mark their calendars for the return of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix to Melbourne (30 March to 2 April 2024).
Novak Djokovic returns to the Australian Open in 2024. Photo credit: Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock
2. A debut for one of the world's greatest musicals
Delayed due to Covid-19, Andrew Lloyd Webber's box-office sensation The Phantom of the Opera (in theatres until 18 February 2024) finally came to haunt Arts Centre Melbourne at the end of 2022. Originally scheduled to close at the end of January, new dates have been added until mid-February, which means it's not too late to get tickets. Australian artist Josh Piterman, who made his name in West Side Story, will be directing the cast. The staging is one of the largest musical productions ever staged in Australia, with over 60 cast and orchestra members and a range of dazzling and innovative special effects.
This dazzling production of the classic tale takes to the stage at Arts Centre Melbourne. Photo credit: Daniel Boud
3. Best hotels
Victoria, a gem in Australia, boasts an array of exceptional 5-star accommodations that redefine luxury and comfort. From bustling city hubs to serene coastal retreats, these accommodations cater to the discerning traveler seeking the finest experiences.
If you're looking for lavish options, explore the curated list of 5-star hotels in Victoria at https://www.hotelsinvictoria.net/en/5-stars/. These establishments promise opulent interiors, impeccable service, and a host of amenities to ensure an unforgettable stay.
For those desiring a more private and self-contained experience, consider indulging in the array of exquisite Apartments in Victoria at tophotels.com. These apartments provide a sense of home away from home, with fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and the privacy to enjoy your stay at your own pace.
Seeking a modern city retreat? Look no further than the Chic Southbank 1-Bed apartment. Nestled in Southbank, Melbourne, this apartment boasts a pool, gym, tennis court, and BBQ facilities for an exquisite blend of luxury and convenience.
Victoria's 5-star hotels and luxurious apartments offer a seamless blend of style, sophistication, and top-notch amenities, ensuring that your stay in this remarkable region is nothing short of extraordinary.
4. A culinary scene that never ceases to impress
Shaking off the shackles of recent years, the city has quickly re-established its claim to having the most varied and exciting food scene in all of Australia. Among the most innovative arrivals of the past year are Freyja (applying a neo-Nordic sensibility to Australian gastronomy, with dishes such as buttermilk-smoked oysters); Victoria riverside spot by the Farmer's Daughters (showcasing the best produce from across the state and incorporating a 3,000-bottle wine library); and Parks ('scraps' spelt backwards), a 25-seater focused on reclaimed ingredients, fermentation and low waste (think orange kosho and miso bread, jars of which you can even take home).
This riverside restaurant showcases Victoria's finest produce. Photo credit: Arianna Leggiero
5. A flurry of hotel openings and a new look for one of Victoria's best-located hotels
The first quarter of the year saw the arrival of the Ritz-Carlton and Le Méridien in the CBD. Le Méridien in the CBD. Already going strong after an award-winning $40 million renovation and relaunch in April 2022, Pullman Melbourne on the Park overlooks Melbourne's famous cricket ground and is just 10 minutes' walk from Rod Laver Arena, home of the Australian Open. The refurbishment has modernised all the rooms and installed special 'curtains' on the windows, turning the already impressive views of the city into picture frames. For those with deeper pockets, the William Clarke Sky Villa - occupying the top two floors of the hotel - has also been redesigned, transforming it into one of the city's most exclusive penthouses. Meanwhile, breakfast now features several of the state's finest food producers, including the famous La Madre bakery.
The William Clarke Sky Villa offers verdant views of Fitzroy Gardens. Photo credit: Pullman Melbourne on the Park 2024
6. A huge art exhibition with a renewed focus on local talent
Back for the first time in 10 years (!), Melbourne Now (24 March to 20 August 2024) will showcase over 200 artists and creatives from across Victoria. Covering the gamut from photography to fashion to sculpture - and always finding room for glass work, performance art, virtual reality and more - this massive exhibition will debut with more than 60 world premiere pieces at the National Gallery of Victoria. Among other highlights, you might encounter a neon temple assembled from computer fans or an AI chatbot predisposed to falling in love. There is also a rich and rewarding focus on First Nations and Aboriginal culture.
Melbourne Now showcases art across a range of media and presents interactive exhibitions. Photo credit: Melbourne Now
7. Music festivals in all kinds of venues
Melbourne's music scene is among the best in the world and the wealth of festivals reflects this. But while Allée's tastes (11 February 2024) are already well known, there are a host of equally interesting gatherings scattered across the state. March is a great month to explore the scene, with everything from the famous Port Fairy Folk Festival (10-13 March 2024), held in a charming old fishing village 300km south-west of Melbourne, to the Pitch Music & Arts Festival (10-14 March 2024) in the foothills of the Grampians (and this year featuring Four Tet and Nightmares on Wax) and By the Pier (24-25 March 2024) in peaceful Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula.
