Image via Melbourne Skydeck
Welcome to the vibrant city of Melbourne, where this year’s SSAA Convention is set to unfold at the Grand Hyatt from 14 to 16 November.
While your days at the Convention will be filled to the brim with insightful sessions, networking opportunities and activities (yes, the VISY Boxes & More Golf Tournament is back for a second year!), you’ll want to make sure you carve out some time to explore the city’s unique charms.
We’ve put together a must-do list that captures the essence of Melbourne, from hidden laneways to the aroma of exceptional coffee. The SSAA Convention is your gateway, and Melbourne is your playground – let the adventure begin!
1. But first, coffee
Known as Australia’s coffee capital, Melbourne thrives on the art of crafting the perfect cup – and you don’t need to venture far from the comfort of the Grand Hyatt to find it.
Nestled a mere five-minute stroll from the hotel, Market Lane Coffee on Collins St stands as a titan among Melbourne’s coffee aficionados. This specialty coffee roaster aims to deliver Melbourne’s best coffee experience, sourcing the best beans from Ethiopia to Brazil.
With a strong emphasis on ‘coffee purity’, their brews are served in-season, so even if you’ve visited before, you may be in for a surprisingly different taste this time.
2. Take a street art tour
Melbourne’s CBD offers a hidden treasure trove of street art, from graffiti to yarn-bombing and everything in between. Even the legendary Banksy has left his mark!
While you can take a leisurely stroll around and catch these artworks yourself – may we suggest starting in the iconic Hosier Lane – consider joining an organised tour if you want to learn more about the stories behind the art.
Melbourne Street Tours is your ticket to unlocking the city’s artistic secrets, with daily group or private tours that are personally curated by street artists who live and breathe the scene.
They’ve got all the insider knowledge to show off the heart and soul of Melbourne’s underground art scene, and take you to those secret locations that’ll leave you feeling wowed and inspired, one masterpiece at a time.
Prices for Street Art Walking Tours start from $75 per person.
3. Enjoy Melbourne from above
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your Convention experience, the Melbourne Skydeck is the place to be. The ultimate observation deck, this record-breaker is the highest in the southern hemisphere, so it’s sure to give you a fresh perspective of the city.
Located in Southbank, the Melbourne Skydeck experience dazzles with state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality technology. From the Edge experience that suspends guests 300m above the city in a transparent glass cube, to the cinematic Voyager Theatre experience with 24 virtual reality ‘pod’ chairs that take you on an immersive, rapid-fire journey through 16 iconic Melbourne experiences, this is not your ordinary observation deck experience.
Grab a seat – and perhaps a drink from the bar located within the observation deck, if that tickles your fancy – and soak in majestic views of Melbourne from above. It’s like having the whole city at your fingertips.
General admission tickets are $28 per person and include entry to the deck and Bar 88. Other experiences can be added on arrival for an additional cost or purchased as a package.
4. Try the best croissant in the world
No trip to Melbourne is complete without a visit to Lune Croissanterie. These croissants have earned the prestigious title of the best in the world, according to the New York Times – and who are we to disagree?
Crafted by ex-Formula 1 engineer turned pastry chef, Kate Reid, each croissant is a masterpiece of precision and flavour. Reid’s engineering skills have seamlessly melded with her culinary passion, resulting in croissants that are nothing short of exceptional.
If you can’t make it to the original Fitzroy location, fear not, because you can savour their croissants from their CBD takeaway window on the corner of Russell Street & Flinders Lane.
Joining the queue at Lune is a rite of passage for any Melbournian. Trust us, it’s worth the wait.
5. Browse the markets
Image via Queen Victoria Markets
A spot of retail therapy might be just what you need after three days of Convention excitement. Dive into Melbourne’s vibrant market culture with a visit to the Queen Victoria Market, an icon that beckons to be explored.
Spanning a sprawling seven hectares and two city blocks nestled within the CBD, the Queen Victoria Market – also known as ‘Vic market’ or ‘Queen Vic market’ by the locals – proudly claims its position as the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere.
Stroll through its bustling alleys and discover a kaleidoscope of items, from cosy winter coats to gourmet Mediterranean pastries. You can even join a guided Foodie tour!
With a history dating back to 1878, this market has stood as a testament to Melbourne’s community spirit for over 140 years. Its significance goes beyond trinket trading, with its ties to Melbourne’s early colonial roots earning it a spot on the National Heritage List.
6. See a show
If time permits, catching a show should be high on your list of must-dos. During Convention week, Melbourne’s theatres come alive with a plethora of productions, and we’ve done the legwork to curate the best options for you.
Put on your dancing shoes and check out the sensational musical “Mamma Mia!” at The Princess Theatre, where ABBA’s timeless tunes take centre stage, or be transported to a world of opulence and romance with “Moulin Rouge!” at the beautiful Regent Theatre.
For those with an affinity for opera, enjoy the captivating performances of The Three Tenors at La Camera, Southbank, where an evening of superb vocals, musical theatre, and delicious food intertwine.
7. Escape… if you can
Photo via The Curium Experience
Whether you’ve arrived at Convention 2023 with a group of colleagues, or forged new friendships during the week, taking on an escape room is a unique and memorable way to deepen your bonds.
While Melbourne boasts an array of escape rooms, the recently introduced Extraction at the Curium has swiftly built a reputation as the epitome of escape room excitement.
Located in the heart of Collingwood, this escape room promises a thrilling journey fueled by high-tech puzzles, an intriguing narrative and dazzling special effects. Similar to other escape rooms, The Curium Experience is a team endeavour where collaboration and innovative interaction with your surroundings are the keys to unlocking the game’s mysteries.
Prices are $49 per person for groups of six, requiring a minimum of three players per weekend booking.
8. Get back to nature
Photo via Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria
When it’s time to decompress from the Convention buzz, nothing beats the tranquillity of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, an oasis nestled right in the heart of the city. With an impressive 8,500 plant species, serene lakes, and lush expanses, these gardens offer the perfect retreat.
These gardens, an integral part of Melbourne’s heritage, welcome almost two million visitors annually, yet somehow they manage to preserve an aura of peaceful seclusion.
You can even go for a punt! (No, not that kind). Punting on the Lake is a guided experience that lets you float leisurely in a flat-bottomed boat along the tranquil Ornamental Lake. Afterwards, treat your taste buds to Vietnamese cuisine at Jardin Tan, or simply sit back and enjoy the stunning array of natural flora and fauna.
Think of it like Forest Therapy, where you can unwind and recharge your batteries before heading back home.
Self storage owners and operators are invited to join us for the highly anticipated annual SSAA Convention in Melbourne, Australia from 14-16 November 2023. This year’s theme is ‘Fundamentals in Focus’, and we’ll be unlocking everything from demand drivers to developments, management, and marketing, in sessions led by local and international experts. Don’t miss your opportunity to connect, learn and explore the fundamentals of the Australasian self storage sector. Explore our program details and secure your spot by registering today.