Planning at trip to Melbourne? Want to know where to stay? We sent Elisa Elwin to do an Oaks on Market review. Here’s what she thought.
Location
Boasting a superb CBD location, Oaks on Market is just a short stroll from Flinders Street Station and Bourke Street Mall, together with all the restaurants, cafés and bars that bring Melbourne’s legendary laneway culture to life. It’s within walking distance of the lively Southbank Promenade and the museums of Federation Square, as well as the Eureka Skydeck. A 30-minute tram ride will see you on the sands of St Kilda, and Melbourne Airport is just 40 minutes to the north.
Why we stayed here
Having just put the finishing touches on their multimillion-dollar refurbishment, we were eager to experience the stylishly upgraded studios and apartments of Oaks on Market. Its central Melbourne location is second to none, making it the perfect setting for families to base themselves while exploring everything this cultural and artistic hub has to offer.
Melbourne’s skyline at night. Picture: Caboribus
Accommodation
Oaks on Market has 280 air-conditioned rooms set within its striking tower complex, combining modern studios with spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments. For those travelling with kids, the two-bedroom apartments are ideal, with spacious living and dining areas as well as a kitchenette where you can prepare meals and snacks. Getting ready each morning is made that much easier with the inclusion of the recently revamped bathrooms, and you’ll be one of the first to enjoy the newly laid carpets, contemporary lighting and interior design features of the impressive facelift.
Want a room with a view? Opt for one of Oaks on Market’s two-bedroom ‘View’ apartments to wake up to a glorious outlook of Melbourne’s city skyline.
Activities
If you need some downtime from sightseeing, Oaks on Market boasts its own heated indoor lap-pool, sauna and spa, as well as a fully equipped gymnasium for parents who don’t want to miss their daily workouts. You can also take advantage of the free wi-fi that’s available throughout the property to stream kid-friendly TV shows and movies online.
Enjoy a crisp, contemporary design in your room. Picture: Caboribus
Food and beverage
You don’t have to go far to experience Melbourne’s famed gastronomy, with on-site restaurant Oak & Vine serving up an innovative menu that draws on Victoria’s award-winning wine and food makers. Relax in the alfresco-style eatery with a drink at the end of a day’s exploration, or take a short stroll to a whole host of eateries in the immediate surrounds, from cheap and cheerful to fine dining and everything in between.
Explore
A 12-minute walk will see you in the heart of Federation Square, home to Australian Centre for the Moving Image, which always has something engaging for families to discover in the world of film and digital culture. Head to Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium to get up close to crocodiles, penguins and sharks, or get a bird’s-eye view of the lively Docklands entertainment precinct while riding the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. Delve into Melbourne’s culinary culture at Queen Victoria.
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