An 80th birthday calls for a little something special, and what better excuse for a family getaway to Melbourne! We flew over to celebrate my mother-in-law’s milestone birthday and decided it was time to ditch our usual suburban stay for a taste of city life. We put on our glad rags, enjoyed a scrumptious dinner at Crown Melbourne and indulged in a few cheeky wines along the way. After all, turning 80 is certainly worth celebrating in style!
Staying at Oaks Southbank Melbourne
We were looking for an apartment in Southbank so we could have a bit of extra space, rather than having the kids crammed into a hotel room with us. Because let’s face it, teenagers don’t exactly jump at the chance to share a room with their parents!
We booked Oaks Southbank Melbourne online and emailed the hotel before our arrival to organise parking, which cost an additional $49 per night. We were a little early for check-in, but the reception team gave us a key so we could park the car while we waited.
Driving into the car park was an experience in itself! We were greeted by a car lift, which took us and the car up to level 6 to find a parking space. Having never put our car in a lift before, this was a first for us and certainly something a little different!
After an early morning flight, we were more than ready to check into our Two Bedroom Apartment and relax for a while before heading out to explore Melbourne.
The apartment was compact, but there was still plenty of room to store our luggage and spread out in the living area. Best of all, there were two bathrooms! Anyone travelling with teenagers will understand the struggle of trying to get everyone ready to head out without fighting over the bathroom. Having one each was a definite bonus!
The bedrooms were modern and minimalist, with two queen beds that were really comfortable. I had a great night’s sleep, and there was very little noise from the traffic below. The bathrooms were stocked with Native Earth Botanical Skincare, which was a lovely little luxury during our stay.
Our apartment also had a kitchenette that came in handy. Although we didn’t do any cooking, we certainly made good use of the crockery and cutlery. And the best part? There was a dishwasher! Such a luxury when you’re used to doing the dishes by hand at home.
The highlight for the kids was definitely the balcony, especially at night when they could sit back and watch the Melbourne skyline light up. It was a lovely spot to unwind after a busy day exploring the city.
Early in the morning, Dixie and I would head out for walks along the Yarra River or around the city centre while the teenagers caught up on their beauty sleep! It was a lovely way to start the day and get a feel for the city before it really wakes up.
I also took my daughter shopping in the CBD, and we made a trip to DFO South Wharf. She was excited to discover so many shops that we don’t have back home in Perth!
For most of our stay, we left the car parked at the hotel and explored the city on foot or caught the tram, which was a bit of a novelty for us. Staying in Southbank made it easy to get out and about without needing to drive everywhere.
Eating Out Near Southbank Melbourne
Oaks Southbank doesn’t have a restaurant, but they do offer room service if you feel like staying in. We headed to their sister property, WRAP on Southbank, for breakfast at Dee Casa Restaurant and Bar, which is only a short walk away.
There’s a great range of breakfast options, and I ordered the eggs Benedict. The serves were generous, and my breakfast definitely fuelled me for a day of shopping! They have all your classic breakfast favourites, along with a few tempting options for those with a sweet tooth.
If you prefer to eat in, there’s a small IGA grocery store just a few buildings down where you can pick up supplies to prepare meals in your apartment. There’s also a bottle shop nearby if you fancy a drink. And if you don’t feel like venturing too far for dinner, there’s a Soprano’s Pizza in the same area.
Of course, if you’re happy to head out, Southbank has plenty of restaurants and bars within easy walking distance, so you won’t have any trouble finding somewhere to grab a bite to eat.
What We Would Do Differently Next Time
Two nights in Melbourne went by far too quickly! Between celebrating a special birthday, shopping and exploring the city, we barely scratched the surface. Next time, I’d love to stay a little longer and discover more of what Melbourne has to offer. There’s always a good excuse to come back!
Would We Stay at Oaks Southbank Melbourne Again?
Overall, Oaks Southbank Melbourne was a great base for our family getaway. Having a two-bedroom apartment gave us a little more space to spread out, and the two bathrooms were definitely a bonus when travelling with teenagers!
We loved being able to head out for morning walks along the Yarra River, explore the city and return to our own space at the end of the day. The balcony was another highlight, especially when the city lights came on at night.
If you’re looking for apartment-style accommodation in Southbank, with room for the family and restaurants within easy walking distance, Oaks Southbank Melbourne is worth considering.
Planning a Melbourne Getaway?
Looking for apartment accommodation in Southbank? We enjoyed having the extra space at Oaks Southbank Melbourne, especially the two bedrooms, two bathrooms and balcony overlooking the city.
Check price and availability at Oaks Southbank Melbourne
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