2026 Essendon Fields Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

I just got back from the Air Adventures Flyaway Faraway tour, and I can’t recommend it enough. I got to experience the highlights of the outback and The Kimberley without endless hours of driving. Jules, our tour host, and Kane, our pilot, were absolutely fantastic. We encountered some amazing people and enjoyed top-notch dining along the way. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime trip!

As a group of eight friends, we thoroughly enjoyed our initial trip with Air Adventure, so much so that we booked another—this time personalized to our preferences by John Dyer. The journey took us to Longreach, Winton, the Gulf, Torres Strait (including the tip of the continent), and then onward to Mount Mulligan, Orpheus Island, and Wallaroo Station. We experienced exceptional venues, engaging tours led by knowledgeable local guides, and the overall experience was elevated by the presence of our pilot and guide (thank you, John!). We’re already looking forward to trying a new route next year—can’t wait!

What a great journey! We left Melbourne in the morning, enjoying morning tea in Broken Hill, lunching at the Innamincka Pub, and continuing to Birdsville. After exploring town, we watched the sunset on Big Red and had dinner at the local pub. Mandy, our host, and Kane, our pilot, ensured we were well cared for. The next morning, Kane flew us over the flooded Lake Eyre and breathtaking outback views, then south to Parachilna in the Flinders Ranges, SA. At Nilpena station, we saw the astonishing 550-million-year-old Ediacaran fossils—very impressive. Lunch in the delightful old woodshed was charming. Staying at the Prairie Hotel was a treat; we enjoyed sunset drinks, bushtucker starters, and a delicious dinner, with some of us even trying the famous FMG- Feral Mixed Grill. The accommodation was both comfortable and distinctive. After breakfast, we toured Brachina Gorge and Parachilna Gorge, with a coffee stop at Blinman, before returning to the hotel for lunch and then flying back to Melbourne. Though just a few days long, it felt like a week, in a positive way, because we experienced so much. Such wonderful traveling companions and can't praise Mandy and Kane enough. Thank you sincerely.

Had an enchanting experience from start to finish. Kim, our wonderful hostess, truly deserves a medal for her outstanding efforts behind the scenes. Fantastic work, thanks so much. The rooms were both superb, and the excursions to Ediacaran Fossils, as well as seeing the yellow-footed rock wallabies, were major highlights for me. Could continue on about the amazing time, thank you all.

We embarked on a three-day excursion last month, visiting Innamincka, Birdsville, and Parachilna in the Flinders Ranges. My husband had always dreamed of witnessing Lake Eyre in flood, so our journey from Birdsville across the channel country and Lake Eyre truly stood out as the best part! Our time in Parachilna was equally delightful, featuring excellent tours of the Ediacara fossils and two gorges, conducted by our well-informed host at the Prairie Hotel. Tour leader Mandy and pilot Trevor were very amiable and ensured our few days went without a hitch. Strongly recommend!

The Western Wedge Wildflower Safari was outstanding from start to finish. We were fortunate with consistently lovely weather, enhancing the whole experience. Jules, our guide, was incredibly efficient, joyful, practical, and sympathetic when needed. Harpreet excelled as a pilot, offering much more beyond his professional duties. The destinations we toured were breathtaking, and it was nice to have moments for walking. The four-wheel drive cliff and sand hill excursions are unforgettable, especially with a humpback whale joining us in the water while we observed whale sharks. The accommodation was top-notch, with minor suggestions for a brighter lamp in the tent at Sal Salis and outdoor lighting at the Esperance lodging. A magnificent experience! Maureen Rogers

📍 Itinerary Overview Ready to vibe at Essendon Fields for 2 days? This spot is pure Melbourne gold, packed with sleek modern vibes, cool hangouts, and Insta-worthy landscapes! 🤩✨ 🚩 Sightseeing Route Start your adventure in Essendon Fields, where sunny days and fresh architecture are the norm. Wander through the district’s outdoor cultural spaces and snap those close-up shots of striking buildings. You’ll def want your camera handy for all that *urban aesthetic*! 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions Don’t miss Essendon Fields’ unique combo of business buzz and leisure spots. Take a stroll through the lush green pockets around the precinct. Be on the lookout for public art installations and trendy cafes—perfect for that mid-explore snack or latte fix. 🚇 Transportation Lowkey the best part: Essendon Fields is super accessible! Hop on a tram or catch local buses from the city center—they’ll drop you right at Essendon Fields in under 30 minutes. Got wheels? There’s heaps of parking, so cruising in is a breeze. 📷 Photo Spots Major photo ops alert! - Snap modern architecture close-ups - Chill at outdoor landscapes under the Melbourne sun - That hotel lobby at Hyatt Place? So aesthetic – trust. Level up your grid with a smile and some s vibes! 🍜 Local Cuisine Hungry after sightseeing? The area is loaded with food options—think brunch spots and easy eats. Hit up the hotel buffet for a tasty breakfast, or try nearby cafes for some local flavor. Don’t forget a cheeky coffee run, Melbourne style! 🏠 Accommodation Stay at Hyatt Place Melbourne Essendon Fields (1 English St, Essendon Fields VIC 3041). Here’s what’s popping: - Room Comfort: Chill in spacious, super clean rooms — so comfy you’ll want to move in! - Staff Service: The squad here is friendly and vibes well. The front desk always has your back. - Facilities: Hit the gym to sweat it out and enjoy a buffet breakfast (yum!). The downstairs bar is perf for relaxed evenings. A few guests say staff professionalism could glow up a bit more, especially for smooth arrivals and payment—but overall, it’s a stylish springboard for all your local adventures. 💡 Tips - Book your stay via trip.com for slick deals and easy room selection - After a long flight, ask staff for anything you need (don’t be shy!) - Bring comfy shoes for exploring all those outdoor finds - Most cafes & shops have flexible opening hours, but check ahead for weekend times - Early morning and sunset are lit for photos—golden hour is legendary here! Essendon Fields in 2 days? Expect modern vibes, epic snaps, good eats, and a next-level hotel to call home!

Melbourne’s Essendon Fields offers a relaxed city getaway, and Hyatt Place Melbourne Essendon Fields stands out for modern comfort and convenience. Just a short drive from Melbourne Airport and city hotspots, this hotel delivers spacious rooms and warm, welcoming service—ideal for both business and leisure travelers.🛬 Hyatt Place Melbourne Essendon Fields (1 English St) is easy to reach—only 15 minutes by taxi from both the CBD and MEL airport. Its location means you’re close to DFO Essendon for bargain shopping, and the historic Essendon Airport precinct, packed with aviation history and lively cafes. The spacious, spotlessly clean rooms are a genuine highlight, with plenty of space to unwind after a flight or a busy day. Guests rave about the comfort, and you'll find all the essentials from high-speed WiFi to a great gym. Don’t miss the buffet breakfast—while choices are limited, it’s fresh, tasty, and perfect for fueling up before exploring. Personal tip: If you’ve landed after a long flight, treat yourself to a drink at the downstairs bar—it’s a friendly spot to relax and recharge. Staff are mostly attentive and welcoming, especially at the front desk, though a little more training in guest care and payment handling could go a long way for smoother check-in. Request an upper-floor room for better city views—the natural light is insta-worthy! Book your stay with trip.com for the best Hyatt rates. Try a day trip to nearby Moonee Ponds or catch a game at Windy Hill for a true local experience. #EssendonFields #MelbourneHotels #TravelComfort #HyattPlace #TripReview

Fantastic. Everything was outstanding – the plane, the pilot, the tour guide, the lodging, and the cuisine – though choices for vegetarians or vegans are limited in the outback. Above all, the experiences were incredible – the Lake, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, and Nilpena Ediacara national parks were stunning. The Flying Doctor museum, Birdsville, Innamincka, and Prairie Hotel Parachilna were terrific, and the locals were informative, entertaining, and extremely helpful. Will definitely travel with Air Adventure again.

This chess board in the hotel lobby is beautiful.