All the wedding planning is over, you’ve finally said your ‘I do’s’ and have made your love official. The next step is to honeymoon with your partner. And what better way to enjoy the beginning of marital bliss than spending it at Brighton!
Just a stone’s throw from the Melbourne CBD and some of Victoria’s most picturesque destinations (like the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, and Wilsons Promontory, just to name a few), the timeless seaside suburb of Brighton boasts stunning waterfront views, iconic photo opportunities, and a generally relaxing but not removed atmosphere. The locale’s proximity to Melbourne also ensures that Brighton offers plenty of cultural attractions, boutique storefronts to indulge in a little retail therapy, and plenty of foodie delights as well, so you newlyweds can truly treat yourselves on your Victorian honeymoon.
If you’re unsure of how to prepare for a Brighton honeymoon, then let our concierge here at Brighton Savoy share all that you need to know for safe travels, and all that you have to look forward to during your stay too.
1. Start preparing early
As Brighton is Melbourne’s most popular centrally located beachside destination, you’ll want to make sure your honeymoon plans are finalised early to ensure you can beat the crowds and get your pick of rooms.
Alongside booking your accommodation promptly, it’s also advised that you finalise flights, secure travel insurance, and book any tickets to local attractions (i.e. scenic flights, hot air balloon rides, or even tickets to Luna Park) as early as possible. That way, you can make sure your itinerary is packed full of fun, sun-kissed Brighton activities for you and your spouse to enjoy together in your precious time as newlyweds.
2. Visit during the summer peak
It’s also advised that you plan your trip with consideration of Brighton’s peak travel season. Going during July and at the peak of winter, for instance, can make taking a dip in the water feel a bit uncomfortable, to say the very least. Not to mention that cold gusts of wind will leave you shivering.
For that reason, we recommend going in the late spring to summer, which in Australia is between October to February. During these months, the weather is going to be warmer, making it ideal for soaking in the sunshine while you sip on a chilled margarita.
Yes, October to February is peak season here at Brighton, which means you can expect accommodation to be a little scarce. But you’ll want that signature Brighton summer sunshine colouring all your honeymoon shots, so be sure to keep your trip planning stress-free by – once again – planning nice and early.
3. Pack for summer vibes
Brighton is known for its beautiful beaches, so no one would blame you for packing a few more outfits and accessories than necessary to take the perfect picture. Add sunglasses and a hat to your list, and don’t forget to bring some sunscreen because sunburns hurt and can make your honeymoon a bit uncomfortable.
Another important thing to note is that even though you booked during the warmer season, it could get a little bit chilly during the night. So it’s best to have a light jacket on hand. After all, Melbourne’s weather is known for being dramatic and unpredictable!
And speaking of Melbourne’s many quirks, whilst you can anticipate packing plenty of summery outfits, you’ll also want to make sure you leave space in your suitcase for shopping while you’re in town. As Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is filled with fashion boutiques and even designer stores where you can buy timeless pieces – and sometimes even at duty-free rates!
4. Dining and nightlife
If you’ve just arrived and are looking for a quick, cosy meal, the first thing you’ll likely notice is just how many waterfront cafes there are, all of which are serving delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients. If you’re a lover of fresh seafood, Brighton’s coastal cuisine is sure to tickle your tastebuds.
And once again, Brighton’s proximity to the Melbourne CBD has also made it super easy for honeymooners to head into town and catch a theatrical show, go out dancing, or even enjoy a romantic dinner with live music playing in the background and warm lighting setting the mood. With local haunts like Lygon Street and Chapel Street just a quick tram ride away, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to enjoying Melbourne’s bustling nightlife.
5. Day trips
Even if all you want to do is just swim and sunbathe at Brighton Beach, chances are looking into local guidebooks will get you inspired to break up your beach bum days with some sightseeing and day trips too. Considering that the Mornington Peninsula is just under an hour away, you’ll absolutely want to head there to trek up Arthurs Seat and see incredible views that seem to span for miles on end. From the cable car, you can see beautiful greenery on one side and the curve of the coast on the other. Following this trek, a visit to Mornington’s hot springs is sure to soothe your sore muscles.
The Billilla Mansion is another great destination for a day trip. Constructed back in 1878, this stately structure is a popular local wedding venue in itself, with many happy couples tying the knot on the estate’s sweeping lawns. The Edwardian style architecture provides a timeless facade that you can admire as a focal point from all angles within the Billilla Gardens.
And if you’re loving the gardens here, then you’re guaranteed to be in awe of the Royal Botanical Gardens located right across the road from the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria_ as well. Lined with weeping willow trees and a picturesque lake, it screams nothing but romance. A stroll through the Botanical Gardens to bookend a day exploring the NGV is another must-add to your Brighton honeymoon.
6. Practical travel tips
Considering that we have made recommendations outside of Brighton, we can’t leave you floundering around confused on how to navigate Melbourne, so here are some simple but important tips for any of our international or interstate visitors.
- Get a Myki card
- Melbourne is a very accessible city because of our large network of trams, trains and buses. To pay for your fare, get a Myki card from any train station with a customer service desk. You can also buy Myki cards at some convenience stores, like most 7-11s.
- Use the free tram zone
- The best thing about Melbourne is that transportation is free as long as you’re in the free tram zone, which spans the city centre. Be sure to touch on your Myki if you’re travelling outside of the tram zone, but if you’re inside, just jump on a tram to Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, NGV and the Botanical Gardens, or any of the other iconic attractions that fall within this central zone.
- Make a reservation
- There is a huge foodie culture both in Brighton as well as across Melbourne – so you can expect lots of restaurants to be full or available by reservation only on weekend nights. Be sure to make your reservations early on either via a phone call or even through restaurant websites.
- Swim between the flags
- On Australian beaches, you are required to swim between the red and yellow flags that are set up daily by lifeguards. The positioning of these flags is expertly decided based on ocean currents and the position of any identified Always heed the advice and directions of our local Brighton lifesaving club to help ensure you stay safe on Brighton Beach and other surrounding beaches. And if the waves or the weather is too dangerous, quickly head back to safety.
Enjoy a Romantic Beachside Honeymoon at The Brighton Savoy
With these tips on hand and all the necessary preparations made, your Brighton honeymoon should be able to go off without a hitch! Be sure to take plenty of photos during the golden hour, sample all the seafood and other culinary delights available across Brighton’s romantic dinner spots, and most importantly, remember to stay present. The warm atmosphere of our happy little coastal locale will surely pair well with your newlywed bliss.