On the outskirts of the city’s CBD is a newly renovated district called District Docklands. It was first constructed in 2008, the 2021 upgrade saw the construction of a entertainment district that includes cinemas, restaurants as well as tourist attractions, and even an breweries.
The area I was in recently, easily accessible via Melbourne’s tram system that is free – and here’s a selection of my favorite places!
Room booking on the docklands of Nesuto
Newly opened in the month of March 2023, Neusto Docklands Apartment Hotel offers 211 apartments that offer various one-bedroom studio, two-bedroom and studio units. I was able to check into my one-bedroom apartment and was impressed by the size of the apartment. The open-plan lounge and kitchen was fully equipped with plates, cutlery, and bowls, as well as an impressive size fridge, a working oven as well as a stovetop and microwave. When I was putting my bags to get ready for a busy afternoon, the incredible panorama of cityscape caught my attention and I snapped one quick photo on the balcony, which is completely accessible from the lounge area.
After a long and exhausting day of excitement at Docklands it was amazing to return to the hotel only five minutes’ drive from Docklands. Docklands Entertainment Precinct. The room is designed to relax with a huge King bed, as well as blinds that block out light. The TV is able to fold out from the wall, while the air conditioner is adjustable by degree and room. The alarm clock beside the bed also functions as an wireless charger for your phone, so you don’t have to leave your bulky phone at home.
Before I went for bed I decided to look over the rain shower. It’s a vast recess, with a handheld showerhead, which has excellent pressure. The serene and dark look in the bathroom makes a atmosphere for relaxation. If bathing is than you prefer, there’s an enormous tub that is separate from the shower. The perfect way to wind down after an exhausting day!
Eyes will fool you during ArtVo
A fun and interactive experience in photography, ArtVo was one of the top priorities on the agenda. It’s a full-immersive place with more than 100 works which invite you to capture as many pictures with various styles. There’s something for everyone’s types of interests, from wine to animals, Christmas decorations, including superheroes. Be sure that your phones and cameras are fully charged as you’ll discover something new and exciting at every turn!
Every artwork has its specific pose that is recommended and the best location to take the photo regardless of whether it is to be taken in landscape or portrait mode. Based on the number of people are in your group it is possible to walk through the entire gallery in one hour or two. The area is spacious with ample space for wheelchairs and prams and offers plenty of fun for everyone.
Food and drinks in the Urban Alley Brewery
Drinks and dinner were just only a few steps from the hotel’s lobby to The Urban Alley Brewery. The pub is large and open with an outdoor deck that is seated beneath the now defunct Melbourne Star, plenty of indoor seating, and a huge BrewPub in which you can view beers being brewed fresh while you enjoy a pub-style meal. I savored 250g of Riverina Porterhouse steak, served with an accompanying salad and balsamic glaze. The drink menu is double that of the food, with lots of beer-tasting flights, and the gin paddles. The meal was completed by a selection of fantastic Dasher + Fisher gin tastings with sweet and floral notes. It was an excellent opportunity to relax and have delicious food, drinks and conversations.
Compete with your friends at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Just opposite the Brewery is the Archie Brothers Cirque Electro, an arcade themed around circuses with a cyberpunk twist that is filled with dim lighting and a range of games to keep you entertained. You can expect dodgem cars, bowling laser-tag and Virtual reality, range of arcade games, and much more! The arcade machines provide various options that range from Space Invaders to Mario Kart and the 4D immersive Asphalt 9 racing cars. After a few games in Mario Kart, VR Beat Saber and the wacky mirror dodgem car, the theme bar served as a place to relax after an exhausting day.
Breakfast at Daybreak Cafe
There isn’t a dining establishment or room service in Nesuto however, the Daybreak Cafe can be found located right next to it. It is open from 7am and serves premium coffee in a stylish and comfortable space. I was awed by hot toast chicken waffles that comprised of fried chicken with Korean chilli sauce breakfast waffles made of house eggs with apple slaw, cheese as well as strawberries with an egg sunny side-up garnished with silver almond and Pistachio crunch. It was absolutely delicious and an ideal way to get started your day the following morning.
Get your skate on at O’Brien Icehouse
There’s nothing better than breaking from your routine and the ice skating experience in the the O’Brien Icehouse certainly checked this checkbox for me. The whole concept was somewhat foreign concept for me – not even mentioning the frigid temperatures! After a brief session in the hands of one instructor, I found myself able to get on the ice, having fun every minute. The cost includes all the equipment that you require including skates as well as a helmets – essential for novices and less experienced skaters. Make sure to bring long socks that are thick along with gloves, and a beanie until you get used to it, but the chilli sauce that comes with the Daybreak Cafe waffles certainly helped also! Our group had a lot of fun! amount of fun and we’re eager to return.
Lunch at Berth
With a view of the harbour, there is an exquisite eatery called located in Berth which is the ideal place to stop after working up an appetite on the ice rink. The full length of glazed windows offer a breathtaking panorama of the harbour and the city’s surroundings, which you can enjoy with a comfortable seating area and tasty beverages and food. I had Harissa Spiced Chicken. Harissa Spiced Chicken with crushed potatoes, pomegranate salad and smoked yoghurt. It was washed down with a sour cocktail. Delicious and fresh it was a perfect restaurant for lunch.
Tee off at Glow Golf Docklands
Returning to the District Precinct, you’ll discover this neon-infused Glow Golf experience. An indoor putt golf course that is surrounded by darkness, it’s illuminated only by neon light (so you should not wear white! ) The course has an 18 Australiana themed holes that vary in degree of difficulty. It takes one small group around one hour through the entire course. We had lots of enjoyment working through the course and it was a wonderful way to end our stay.
Getting There
Docklands and all the other places are accessible from Tullamarine airport via taxi or ride-sharing. If you choose to take on the SkyBus for the town, then you are able to take a tram for free for a trip to Docklands along with Nesuto Apartments. Nesuto Apartments are an easy five-minute walk from the tram station.
