The Garden City offers something for everyone
For my first trip to Australia, I had the opportunity to attend AIME (Asia Pacific Incentives Meetings and Events) in Melbourne—and along the way, I fell in love with the city’s beauty, innovation and amazing food scene.
Melbourne is a dream to explore on foot. One moment, you’re standing in front of a historic monument that’s been around for centuries; the next, you’re stepping into a sleek, high-tech event venue or stumbling upon a hidden café that feels like a slice of Paris. The city’s warm, welcoming vibe makes it easy to see why visitors are drawn here, and with its thriving culinary scene, it’s no wonder Melbourne is considered by many to be Australia’s foodie capital.
Experiencing one of the most important meetings and events gatherings in the APAC region while also soaking in the energy and charm of this fabulous city was an unforgettable adventure.
Stay & Meet
My first full day in Melbourne kicked off with brunch at the stunning Port Melbourne Yacht Club, where a spacious outdoor deck stretches right to the water’s edge, offering gorgeous ocean views. Inside, the venue is just as impressive, with room for 200 seated guests or 300 standing.
Next, I made my way to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)—the city’s sleek, state-of-the-art meetings venue and the first convention center in the world to earn a 6-Star Green Star rating for sustainability. Just 20 minutes from the airport, it boasts 39,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and its largest room is a sizeable 419,793 sq. ft. As the host venue for AIME, MCEC’s intuitive design made navigating the space a breeze.
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For my stay, I checked into Novotel South Wharf, which offers 374 guest rooms and is directly connected to MCEC—a perfect setup for when you need to slip away for a quick email check between sessions.
Looking ahead, 1 Hotel Melbourne is set to open in May 2025, bringing a fresh approach to meetings and wellness. The hotel will feature flexible meeting spaces, a world-class spa and daily well-being activities that are sure to impress attendees.
For meeting profs looking for accommodations walkable to MCEC, Crown Melbourne is a popular choice. With three options—Crown Towers, Crown Metropol and Crown Promenade—there’s something for every budget, from luxury to mid-range. All three properties have an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, on-site dining and versatile meeting spaces.
For a one-of-a-kind meeting venue, State Library Victoria is a standout. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District, the library offers seven unique event spaces, with the La Trobe Reading Room being the largest (520 guests for cocktail-style events). It’s an elegant and historic backdrop for meetings and events with a touch of culture.
Eat
Farmer’s Daughters’ menu is filled with fresh, locally inspired dishes. Standouts include Noojee Alpine trout, heirloom zucchini ravioli and dry-aged O’Connor club steak—each showcasing the best of Victoria’s seasonal produce.
Over at Marmont, one of Crown Melbourne’s newest dining spots, the menu is a delicious mix of bold flavors and refined techniques. The raw bar is a highlight, alongside starters like marinated mussels, crab pretzels and crispy buttermilk fried chicken.
Do
Eureka Tower, one of Melbourne’s most iconic skyscrapers, offers breathtaking 360-degree views from its Skydeck, giving you a whole new perspective on the city. For an even more immersive experience, the Voyager Theatre takes you on a VR journey through some of Victoria’s most incredible sights. And for the thrill-seekers, there’s The Edge—a glass cube that extends out from the building, offering a heart-pounding, see-through view straight down to the streets below.
If you prefer to keep both feet on solid ground, a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens is the perfect way to unwind. These stunning gardens are home to a massive variety of plant life, and guided tours offer fascinating insights into history, culture and ecosystems.
For a more tailored city experience, I also joined a Show Me Melbourne tour, which offers a mix of themed adventures. Whether you’re a sports fan, a cocktail enthusiast exploring hidden bars or a live music lover, their tours are a fun and insightful way to experience Melbourne from a local’s perspective.
This article appears in the March/April 2025 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
