WHY Melbourne (AND Victoria) GETS IT RIGHT

My time in Visit Victoria unfolded like a lesson in balance.

- Zehra Ahmedi

Melbourne sets the tone immediately. This is a city that doesn’t perform its multiculturalism; it lives it. Laneways matter as much as landmarks, and a single day can move seamlessly from the hushed scale of the National Gallery of Victoria to street art in Hosier Lane, then on to dinner where Thai, Italian, and modern Australian flavours coexist without fuss. The food scene here isn’t chasing trends; it mirrors the city’s people. That's what makes it feel current, not curated.

Staying at 1 Hotel Melbourne reinforced that rhythm. The hotel feels deeply in sync with the city: sustainable without preaching, luxurious without excess. Reclaimed wood, greenery, and soft textures create a sense of calm that never feels removed from the urban energy outside. Mornings felt unhurried, evenings grounded, and everything Melbourne offers remained within easy reach. It’s the kind of base that lets you do a lot, without feeling depleted.