Victoria is a state of contrasts, where vibrant city life meets charming regional towns, rugged coastlines, world-class food and wine, and rich cultural experiences. From Melbourne’s renowned laneways, galleries and cafés to the scenic beauty of the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley and historic country communities, there is always something new to discover.
This collection brings together travel stories, local experiences, food and wine discoveries, cultural highlights and hidden gems from across Victoria. Whether exploring the state’s creative heart, coastal landscapes or regional destinations, these articles celebrate the people, places and experiences that make Victoria one of Australia’s most diverse and captivating destinations.
Originally published through Weekend Notes, Substack and under the Zahra Sahara writing handle.
Set to transform one of Geelong’s most significant heritage sites, the $300 million Geelong Waterfront Precinct will blend luxury accommodation, premium residences, retail and dining experiences within the historic Dennys Lascelles Woolstore. Led by Gurner Group and Dean Montgomery, the landmark development represents a bold new chapter for Geelong, combining heritage restoration with contemporary architecture and positioning the city as one of Australia’s most desirable waterfront destinations.
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Set to open in 2028, COMO Hotels & Resorts Melbourne will bring the globally acclaimed luxury hospitality brand to Australia’s east coast for the first time. Located within The Carter Building on St Kilda Road, the development combines sophisticated accommodation, wellness-focused design, luxury residences and world-class hospitality, creating a new benchmark for contemporary luxury in Melbourne.
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Inspired by Melbourne’s thriving arts, design and cultural scene, Hannah St Hotel is a bold new luxury destination opening in Southbank in December 2025. Combining contemporary design by acclaimed Flack Studio, curated Australian artworks, immersive cultural experiences and boutique hospitality, the hotel offers guests a uniquely Melbourne stay that celebrates creativity, individuality and local storytelling in the heart of the city’s vibrant Arts Precinct.
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Positioned on Geelong’s revitalised waterfront, Crowne Plaza Geelong represents a significant new chapter in regional Victorian tourism. Officially opening in January 2026, the premium hotel features 200 contemporary rooms, a rooftop Skybar, waterfront dining, wellness facilities, and direct access to the city’s growing events and convention precinct, further strengthening Geelong’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading regional destinations.
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Melbourne’s final weekend of winter brings fresh food, farmers’ markets, vintage finds, local makers and milestone celebrations across the city. Highlights include Queen Victoria Market, Prahran Market, The Rose Street Artists’ Market, a special fifth-Saturday Boroondara Farmers’ Market and Camberwell Sunday Market’s 50th birthday from Friday 28 August to Sunday 30 August 2026.
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Discover ten of Melbourne’s best Father’s Day dining experiences and family activities for Sunday, 6 September 2026, from five-star BBQ buffets and luxury hotel dining to Japanese whisky, Yarra Valley winery lunches, a private Yarra River cruise and a free classic cars and motorcycles event. The guide includes options for meat lovers, beer and whisky enthusiasts, wine-loving dads and families looking for something beyond a traditional restaurant meal.
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Enjoy a premium Father’s Day BBQ Lunch Buffet at Collins Kitchen inside Grand Hyatt Melbourne, featuring quality grilled meats, seasonal dishes from the wood oven, deli selections, fresh seafood and an indulgent dessert spread. The relaxed buffet lets Dad enjoy his favourite barbecue dishes without cooking or cleaning up, all within the polished surroundings of a five-star Melbourne hotel.
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Enjoy a luxurious Father’s Day buffet experience at Melba Restaurant at The Langham Melbourne, with celebrations available across Father’s Day Eve dinner, Sunday breakfast and Sunday lunch. The impressive buffet features oysters, prawns, blue swimmer crab, mussels, snow crab, Japanese dishes, Indian flavours, Asian barbecue, pasta, Victorian prime rib, duck, lamb and an extensive dessert selection.
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Make Father’s Day a complete luxury experience at Crown Melbourne, where families can combine premium restaurant dining with drinks, luxury accommodation, gifts, premium spirits or a relaxing spa experience. With a wide range of restaurants, bars, hotels and experiences available, Crown is ideal for families wanting to turn Father’s Day lunch into a memorable weekend celebration tailored to Dad’s interests.
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Enjoy a generous Father’s Day BBQ buffet at Stamford Plaza Melbourne with complimentary bottomless beer for Dad. The feast includes antipasto, salads, slow-roasted meats, barbecue pork ribs, lamb, peri-peri chicken wings, loaded potatoes, a make-your-own burger station and a chocolate fountain. Dad can also enjoy Carlton Draught and Four Pines Pacific Ale throughout lunch, making this a great choice for beer-loving dads looking for a relaxed Melbourne celebration.
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Combine a Father’s Day BBQ buffet with live entertainment and a personalised keepsake at Mercure Melbourne Doncaster. The buffet at Mr Meader features peel-and-eat prawns, Hervey Bay mussels, Moreton Bay bugs, Victorian lamb cutlets and Wagyu beef flat iron, while Dad receives a complimentary glass of tap beer. Live music adds to the atmosphere, and a caricature artist creates a fun portrait of Dad with his favourite plus-one to take home.
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Enjoy an intimate Father’s Day dinner at Yugen in South Yarra, combining contemporary Japanese cuisine with premium Australian whisky from LARK Distillery. Dad receives a complimentary LARK whisky or cocktail when dining on Sunday, 6 September, along with a complimentary glass of LARK whisky to take home. The dramatic subterranean restaurant setting makes this an elegant alternative to Melbourne’s larger Father’s Day buffet experiences.
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Head to Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley for a relaxed Father’s Day celebration surrounded by vineyards. Families can choose between a Father’s Day buffet breakfast featuring locally sourced hot and cold dishes, coffee, tea, smoothies and juices, or explore the estate’s broader lunch and gift options. Adults receive a mimosa at breakfast, while children can enjoy hot chocolate with marshmallows. The estate also offers Father’s Day gift ideas covering food, wine, accommodation and experiences.
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Enjoy a long Father’s Day lunch among the vineyards at Locale Restaurant at De Bortoli in Dixons Creek. The $99 three-course experience showcases rustic, Italian-inspired cuisine with several choices at each course, and every dad receives a glass of De Bortoli Black Noble. With seasonal produce, generous Italian hospitality, wine and beautiful Yarra Valley surroundings, this is an ideal choice for a relaxed regional Father’s Day escape. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
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Spend Father’s Day cruising along the Yarra River with a private boat experience from Melbourne Boat Hire. Families can explore options including a two-hour private skippered cruise for up to ten guests with champagne and nibbles, as well as self-drive boats, photography cruises, wine-and-cheese cruises and gift cards. This is a unique alternative to a traditional restaurant lunch, allowing Dad and the family to celebrate together on the water.
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Spend Father’s Day surrounded by classic cars, motorcycles and family entertainment at the Acland Street Cars, Bikes and Culture Show in St Kilda. More than 500 classic cars and motorcycles are expected across the precinct, with families able to explore the displays, visit nearby cafés and restaurants and continue the day with a walk along the St Kilda foreshore. Best of all, entry is free, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a memorable Father’s Day experience without an admission fee.
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Combine a special Father’s Day meal with one of Melbourne’s many free attractions and outdoor experiences. Families can explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, wander Melbourne’s laneways, visit the permanent collection at the National Gallery of Victoria, enjoy a picnic in a park or walk along the Yarra River. St Kilda Beach, the Shrine of Remembrance and scenic drives beyond the city also provide affordable ways to spend quality time together before or after lunch.
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