Easter Long Weekend in Melbourne

While I'm sure a long weekend in Melbourne would usually be a good thing, sadly going over Easter meant that the shops were closed on two of the five days we had in Australia's fashion capital. But this weekend, timing was determined by my cousin's wedding, the whole purpose of the trip. The wedding was fantastic and lots of fun.

Here are some brief notes on accommodation, food and touristy things:

Hilton on the Park

We got half price accommodation which also included breakfast. Thankfully. At full price I would have felt a little ripped off! It was particularly convenient to Fitzroy Gardens for my cousin's wedding, but the bathroom was crap, the day was spa closed all weekend, and the room was a little small. The service, however, was always efficient and friendly and the breakfast very filling (we survived usually on two meals a day). Room service was also pretty good and the 24-hour movie deal for $25 was a life saver when everything was closed on Good Friday. Pool, spa and 24-hour gym were also good. If you can get it on sale, it's convenient and reasonable, but otherwise stay somewhere else if you're going to pay $240 anyway!

Richmond Hill Cafe and Larder

I dropped in here by myself on the Thursday afternoon for brunch. What can I say but yummy!! The service friendly, but the food was fantastic! I had the corn fritters with salmon and a poached egg and was very satisfied! It sustained me for my shopping trip along Bridge Rd in the late afternoon.

Riverland Bar

Actually went here twice - once for my cousin's hen's night and once with my husband. Great both times. We were lucky to have excellent weather all weekend, so sitting by the river was a treat. The prices were reasonable and the atmosphere relaxed.

Two Fat Indians

A whim led my husband and I here for dinner on Good Friday. And weren't we glad! Yum!! The butter chicken was fantastic and I loved the roti. Some light starters, bread, rice and one dish was more than enough to fill us up. Very satisfied and a good option if you're staying at the Hilton on the Park.

Japanese place on Swanston St

There are a few in a row and I can't remember the name, but it's around 207 Swanston St. The one we went to had orange decor and the staff wore fluro orange shirts. Fast, delicious and cheap. Three of my favourite things.

Laurent bakery on Wellington Parade

Yummy hot chocolate and chocolate croissant, but generally overpriced. Yummy but expensive.

The free tourist tram

Good and bad. It has a good audio tour guide playing, but it's hard to hear as the tram was very crowded. It was a nice way to see Melbourne, although my neck hurt from straining to see in different directions. A good way to get from A to B for free, but not something that you really need to do.

Comedy festival - Jason Byrne

Very easy to get tickets at the Town Hall, although it was difficult to choose from the hundreds of shows available. Jason Byrne was very funny and it was a great way to spend the Easter Sunday evening.

So that was the Easter Long Weekend in Melbourne!