Appearance
question:When Australia comes to mind, one immediately thinks of Sydney (and kangaroos, naturally), but there’s another city to the southwest that’s worth a dedicated visit. Melbourne, capital of the state of Victoria, is the cultural epicenter for art, fashion, sports and food. Historically one of the wealthiest cities in the world following the gold rush in the mid-1800s, it’s developed into a flourishing cosmopolitan metropolis with a swanky urban vibe and cool, under-the-radar finds. Just outside the city is the beautiful countryside of Mornington Peninsula brimming with vineyards, wildlife and rural charm. Ahead, we share our tips on what to see and where to sleep, eat and shop when you visit. Getting there is a trek to say the least. It's a 16-hour flight from Los Angeles and 21 hours from New York City, so investing in excellent seats to travel Down Under is worthwhile. Qantas—Australia's largest airline—offers international business class, which includes its award-winning Skybed, an extremely comfortable cocoon that turns into a flat bed, first lounge access (where you can get spa treatments before boarding), pajamas and exclusively designed amenity kits. Stacked at the city's Southbank, the five-star Crown Towers is conveniently located along the Yarra River promenade. Each room overlooks the skyline and is wonderfully luxurious yet cozy. Facilities include an indoor pool, tennis court and spa. Melbourne has a longstanding history with Dior (the city was the first locale where Christian Dior showed his collections outside of Paris), and the storied French house is currently being celebrated in the National Gallery of Victoria's House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture exhibition. The one-of-a-kind experience features the brand's seven designers and includes Christian Dior's original works, John Galliano's jaw-dropping gowns and Miranda Kerr's custom wedding dress. It runs until November 7. On the 55th floor atop the Rialto building in Melbourne's business district, Vue de Monde is a gastronomic darling among locals and critics. Its signature sleek interior, stunning views and of course perfectly plated indulgent courses are uniquely French-inspired and Australian-based. Cool and eccentric, QT is the spot to grab drinks. Its industrial-glam decor embellished with cheeky art pieces exudes a swanky ambience without being stuffy. Sip craft cocktails on the rooftop. Melbourne is the fashion capital of Australia, so it's mandatory to get some shopping done while you're here. Head to the Emporium to stock up on a plethora of Australian designers including Camilla & Marc, Dion Lee and Alice McCall. What Williamsburg is to New York and Silverlake is to Los Angeles, Fitzroy is to Melbourne. Laden with mesmerizing street art, coffee shops (Melbournians are really into their caffeine), under-the-radar bars, outdoor markets and cool local boutiques, this quirky inner-city suburb can take the whole day to explore. Highlights include the Rose Street Market, búl boutique and delicious vegan joint Smith & Daughters. No trip to Australia is complete without a visit to an animal sanctuary. An hour and a half outside of Melbourne, Healesville is where you can get close to iconic Australian wildlife such as koalas, wombats, platypuses and kangaroos (you can feed them!). Get ready for cuteness overload. While you're in the countryside, make a stop at Montalto vineyard located in the beautiful rural Mornington Peninsula. Sip wine and enjoy lunch as you admire the gorgeous lush views of the property. Be sure to walk through the sculpture trail. A modern design gem set on a pristine vineyard in the peninsula, Jackalope is the most talked about hotel right now. The ultra-cool minimalist architecture is adorned with larger-than life art installations. The in-house restaurant Doot Doot Doot makes dining equally bold, complete with a curious tasting menu and a 10,000-lamp ceiling created by Melbourne chandelier designer Jan Flook. And the views are nothing short of spectacular with rooms overlooking the infinity pool deck and vineyard that's magically drenched with the prettiest light you'll ever witness. The sunset view is one for the books. Give your body the break it needs via natural thermal mineral waters at the Peninsula Hot Springs. With more than 20 pools and baths to choose from, this tranquil escape lets you unwind and bathe at your leisure while immersed in the beautiful natural setting. The hilltop pool blessed with a 360 degree view is a sight to see. Private massages, facials and body treatments are available. Can you summarize the article and provide tips for visiting Melbourne, Australia?
answer:Melbourne, the cultural epicenter for art, fashion, sports and food in Australia, is worth a dedicated visit. It has developed into a flourishing cosmopolitan metropolis with a swanky urban vibe and cool, under-the-radar finds. To get there, it is recommended to invest in excellent seats for a comfortable journey. Out of the various five-star hotels, the Crown Towers located along the Yarra River promenade is suggested. Melbourne has a longstanding history with Dior and it is suggested to visit the National Gallery of Victoria's House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture exhibition. To dine, Vue de Monde is a gastronomic delight among locals and critics. QT is suggested for grabbing drinks. While visiting Melbourne, it is mandatory to get some shopping done at the Emporium that stocks various Australian designers including Camilla & Marc, Dion Lee and Alice McCall. To explore the quirky inner-city suburb of Fitzroy is a must. A visit to the animal sanctuary at Healesville and Montalto vineyard located in the beautiful rural Mornington Peninsula are also recommended. Jackalope, a modern design hotel set on a pristine vineyard in the peninsula, is talked-about among locals and international tourists. Lastly, the Peninsula Hot Springs is a tranquil escape for natural thermal mineral waters, and private massages, facials and body treatments are available.
question:Hi, can you tell me more about the House of Dior exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria? Can we buy tickets online in advance?
answer:Sure, the House of Dior exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria is a one-of-a-kind exhibition showcasing the works of the seven designers associated with the storied French fashion house, including its founder, Christian Dior. The exhibition includes a range of breathtaking haute couture garments, sketches, photographs, and accessories dating back from 1947 to the present day. As for buying tickets, yes, you can purchase them online in advance. The tickets can be booked through the National Gallery of Victoria's official website. It's recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for popular exhibitions, to avoid long lines and ensure you get a chance to see all the exhibits. Note that the exhibition will run until November 7, 2021, so plan accordingly if you're visiting Melbourne.
question:Can you also suggest some other must-visit places or activities in Melbourne that are not mentioned in the previous text?
answer:Absolutely! Here are some other must-visit places or activities in Melbourne that you might enjoy: 1. Melbourne Laneways: These are narrow streets and alleys in the city center that are full of street art, cafes, bars, and boutique shops. It's a great place to explore and get lost in. 2. Melbourne Museum: This is one of the largest museums in the southern hemisphere and it showcases the cultural and natural history of Australia. It's a great place to learn about Aboriginal history, Australian wildlife, and more. 3. Royal Botanic Gardens: This is a beautiful garden located near the city center and it's a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The gardens have over 8,500 plant species, including rare and exotic plants. 4. Great Ocean Road: This is a scenic coastal road that stretches for over 240 km from Torquay to Warrnambool. It's a popular destination for road trips, hiking, surfing, and wildlife spotting. 5. St. Kilda Beach: This is a popular beach located just a few kilometers from the city center. It's a great place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the ocean view. 6. Queen Victoria Market: This is a historic open-air market that sells a variety of fresh produce, clothing, souvenirs, and more. It's a great place to shop and experience the local food culture. 7. Eureka Skydeck: This is a 297-meter-high observation deck located in the Eureka Tower. It offers panoramic views of the city and it’s the highest public vantage point in the southern hemisphere. These are just a few suggestions, but Melbourne has a lot to offer for every taste and interest!
question:Can you help me find some vegan restaurants in Melbourne? I'm trying to stick to a plant-based diet.
answer:Absolutely! Melbourne has a great food scene, including a variety of vegan restaurants and cafes. Here are some suggestions for vegan eateries: 1. Smith & Daughters - This is a popular vegan restaurant in Fitzroy that serves delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes, from saffron linguini to paella. 2. Transformer Fitzroy - This is another great vegan restaurant located in Fitzroy that serves modern vegetarian and vegan dishes with seasonal ingredients. 3. Veggie Bar - This is a popular vegetarian and vegan restaurant located in Brunswick that serves a variety of dishes, including vegan burgers, salads, and pizzas. 4. Yong Green Food - This is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Fitzroy that serves delicious Asian-inspired dishes, including sushi, noodles, and curries. 5. Red Sparrow Pizza - This is a vegan pizza restaurant located in Collingwood that serves creative plant-based pizzas with unique toppings, such as mac and cheese and buffalo cauliflower. 6. Shakahari Vegetarian Restaurant - This is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Carlton that serves a variety of Asian-inspired dishes, including dumplings, soups, and curries. 7. Matcha Mylkbar - This is a vegan cafe in St. Kilda that serves delicious plant-based breakfast and brunch dishes, including their famous vegan eggs benedict. These are just a few suggestions, but there are many more vegan and vegetarian options available in Melbourne. Enjoy your plant-based food journey in the city!