A quick glimpse shows Port Melbourne as a sunny bayside suburb with gleaming modern architecture; a closer look reveals restored workers cottages and grand old pubs paying homage to the bean and barley in typical Melbourne style.
Beacon Cove and Station Pier
Don your designer gear and pound the palm-lined path that hugs the Port Melbourne foreshore, detouring past architect-designed houses and the high-rise apartment blocks overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Catch your breath in Beach Street's eateries and find a spot for a beachfront beverage, shared snacks and sea breezes. Splurge at Waterfront on the Pier and watch as the international cruise ships dock.
Back in Bay Street
Step back from the beach to Bay Street where you can shop up a storm at swanky boutiques, scout quality coffees at Balderdash and find the best French provisions at Noisette. Take your tastebuds further at Italian fine diner Ciao Cielo.
The Railway Club Hotel will set you up with frothy beers (boutique, naturally) and top-notch pub grub. A short detour west, the cellar-door bar at Starward Distillery will keep you in good spirits.