The Best of Docklands: Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore

Start your engine and head south to this panoramic vantage point. The lookout offers a spectacular sweep of Port Phillip Bay and the distant Melbourne skyline—perfect for blowing away the urban cobwebs with a crisp morning breeze.

Start by unplugging entirely in a private sensory deprivation pool. It’s warm, blissfully quiet, and loaded with Epsom salts to make you feel completely weightless, followed by a session in an infrared sauna to sweat out the city's noise.

Refuel at this moody, architect-designed outpost of one of Melbourne's premier specialty roasters. Skip the heavy options and go for their seasonal, veggie-forward plates and a flawlessly extracted batch brew.

A historic coastal village that has resisted the flashy updates of its neighbors. Walk the quiet main street to browse independent boutiques, then drive down to the wooden jetty for a look at the wild, basalt-cliffed coastline.

This isn't just a place to borrow books; it’s Australia's first 5-star Green Star rated public building, constructed from reclaimed hardwood. Grab a seat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, watch the boats bobbing in Victoria Harbour, and let your mind drift.

Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s weatherboard building, this is the ideal final pitstop. Order a pour of local Moorooduc Estate Pinot Noir or a flat white, and browse the art gallery before hitting the freeway back to the city.

This is lunch worth driving for. Set on the striking Jackalope estate, Rare Hare serves up wood-fired local produce in a space that feels like a high-design barn, surrounded by rolling vineyards.

Ascend to the 64th floor for a treatment that feels like floating on a cloud. Between the botanical-infused facials and the breathtaking infinity pool looking out over the bay, it’s a masterclass in high-altitude relaxation.