Melbourne, capital of Victoria, is perhaps best known for its fine parks and gardens; gracious tree-lined streets; international restaurants; fashion and famous sporting events such as the Melbourne Cup, Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Australian Open Tennis Grand Slam.
Day 1: Arrive
Arrive Melbourne and transfer to your hotel.
Take a stroll through Melbourne’s streets and laneways. Discover local designer boutiques, sitting alongside international labels, and enjoy dinner at one of the city’s much-loved restaurants. Some our favourites include Tipo00 (Italian), Kappo (upmarket Japanese) and Tonka (modern Indian).
Day 2: Kingston Heath Golf Club
Play a round of golf at Kingston Heath Golf Club
Kingston Heath Golf Club is one of Australia’s best golf courses. Ranked #19 in the world by US Golf Digest, Kingston Heath enjoys an enviable reputation for its superb conditioning all year round. Kingston Heath has hosted many major national and international tournaments including the 2009 and 2012 Australian Masters and the 2016 World Cup of Golf.
Designers: Dan Soutar (1925), Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926)
Length: 6436m/Par 72
Return to your hotel and freshen up.
Enjoy an evening on the town. Laugh out loud at the Melbourne Comedy Club, soak in smooth tunes at Bird’s Basement Jazz Club, indulge with wine and cheese at The Melbourne Supper Club or take in the view from a rooftop bar such as Goldilocks or Rooftop.
Day 3: Huntingdale Golf Club
AM- Start the day with golf at Huntingdale Golf Club
Huntingdale has hosted the most major tournaments in Australia, rising to fame in 1979 with the inaugural hosting of the Australian Masters which it has hosted 31 times. Huntingdale is one of the most recognisable and iconic golf courses in Australia. The most famous names in golf, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods have played at Huntingdale.
Designers: C.H. Alison
Length: 6363m/Par 72
PM- Wander through the Queen Victoria Night Markets sampling produce and culinary creations from some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed food artisans.
Day 4: Sherbrooke Forest
Take a break from golf and instead, drive 45 minutes out of town to Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges. There are several walks to choose from here, including an easy, flat 1.2-kilometre walk to Sherbrooke Falls. The 30-minute (return) journey takes you through fresh ferns and towering mountain ash to the closest waterfall to Melbourne.
Explore the nearby towns of Olinda and Sassafras, enjoy a cream tea at Miss Marple’s or dine alfresco at acclaimed chef Shannon Bennet’s The Piggery at Burnham Beeches.
(IMAGE Yarra Valley)
Alternatively, continue to the Yarra Valley’s Oakridge Wines for a late lunch and wine tasting, then get up close and personal with 200 species of native Australian animals and birdlife at Healesville Sanctuary.
Return to your hotel to relax and refresh.
Head out to explore Melbourne’s theatre district, and perhaps take in a show. Head to China Town on Little Bourke Street to sample some of the world’s best Chinese cuisine. Our favourites include: China Red, Shark Fin House and Shanghai Dumpling. Round off the evening with a nightcap at laneway bar Union Electric.
Day 5: Commonwealth Golf Club
Golf at Commonwealth Golf Club
AM – 18 holes of golf at Commonwealth Golf Club
Located on the Melbourne Sandbelt, just 25 minutes from the central business district, Commonwealth Golf Club is revered for its challenging driving holes and subtle sloping greens which call for accurate shot making when playing from the fairway. Designed by club professional Sam Bennett, the first 12 holes opened early in 1921 and the full 18 were in play by 1924. In 1926, Charles Lane, the Club Captain, travelled abroad to study golf architecture and met British designer Harry Colt, a former partner of Alister.
Designers: Sam Bennett
Length: 6380m. Par 73
Enjoy lunch at the clubhouse.
This afternoon, head to Melbourne’s much-loved beachfront metropolis, St Kilda. Walk the Solar System Trail along the foreshore, take a dip at the St Kilda Sea Baths then enjoy a beverage with a view at Captain Baxter’s. Ride the Scenic Railway, the world’s oldest continually operating roller coaster, at Luna Park then take your pick of mouth-watering treats on Acland Street, famous for its cake shops. Melbourne institution, Stokehouse has recently reopened right next to the beach – the perfect place for dinner. Then dance the night away at The Prince Bandroom, famous for free live music downstairs and big names upstairs.
Day 6: Victoria Golf Club
Golf at Victoria Golf Club
Victoria Golf Club is situated in the heart of Melbourne’s rolling Sandbelt country, close to Metropolitan and Kingston Heath, in the beachside suburb of Cheltenham. It offers a sporting experience on par with the world’s best. Victoria was the host Club for the 2002 Australian Open Championship and the 2010, 2011 Australian Masters.
Designer: Oscar Damman, William Meader & Dr Alister MacKenzie (1927)
Length: 6278m/Par 72
(Option for overnight accommodation at Victoria Golf Club inclusive of unlimited golf, lunch, dinner and breakfast onsite.)
Post golf head to Crown Entertainment Complex for a night of extravagance and debauchery. Start with dinner at The Atlantic (seafood) or Rockpool Bar & Grill (steak) then do drinks at sportsbar, Lagerfield.
Day 7: Depart
Sleep in and request a late checkout.
Head to the Royal Botanic Gardens in the affluent suburb of South Yarra to walk Melbourne’s iconic “The Tan Track”.
After cutting a lap with the locals, head across Domain Road for brunch at Gilson.
Head back to your hotel to collect your baggage. Shower in Hotel Spa.
Leave for the airport.