Papertrail — Space, Skyline, Sorted

This one’s in YarraBend — Melbourne’s award-winning riverside precinct built on the old Alphington Paper Mill site — a few minutes from the CBD. It’s a serviced apartment that doesn’t act like one: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a terrace that runs the full length of the apartment, and views out to the Dandenongs. Styled by The Holiday Home Girls, so the interiors are properly done, not an afterthought. Floor-to-ceiling windows and enough light that it feels like somewhere you’d actually live.

It works for business travellers, relocating families, insurance guests, or anyone who needs a base for longer than a few nights. There’s also a wellness centre on site — spas, indoor and outdoor pools, gyms, private yoga studios — if you’re the type to actually use that stuff.

The Space

88m², Level 4, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

What You Actually Get

Two queen bedrooms with premium linen and built-in wardrobes, the master with its own ensuite, plus a second bathroom for the other room. The full-length terrace runs the width of the apartment with panoramic city and mountain views, and there’s a separate private balcony off the second bedroom with its own skyline outlook. The kitchen is fully equipped with quality appliances — everything you need for a proper stay, not just a reheat-and-go setup — and there’s a Smart TV, unlimited wifi, and a dedicated workspace for anyone working while they’re here. A European laundry with washer and dryer rounds it out, and the whole apartment was interior designed by The Holiday Home Girls, so nothing feels like an afterthought.

The Location, Without the Spin

Papertrail is built around the restored 1936 Paper Mill — heritage buildings, contemporary architecture, parklands, and a village feel most new developments don’t manage. Paper Square, walking trails, cafés and green space are all close, and the Yarra River trail network is right there. You’re in Alphington, close to Fairfield, Ivanhoe and Kew, with quick access to the Eastern Freeway for a fast run into the CBD. Alphington Station and local bus services are close by too, so you’re not dependent on a car to get around.

Where to Eat (Downstairs, Basically)

• Zero95 — proper wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, imported ovens, San Marzano tomatoes, none of it faked. Good for a casual dinner without leaving the precinct.
• Decca — Adam D’Sylva’s place (the guy behind Coda and Tonka), doing Italian-Asian-Australian food that’s better than it has any right to be for a neighbourhood restaurant. Worth the wait for a table.
• Au79 — coffee sorted. Good espresso, all-day breakfast, the kind of café you’ll end up at most mornings without really deciding to.

All three are part of the new hospitality strip at The Bend, right in the YarraBend precinct — so it’s a short walk downstairs, not a drive.

Parking, Sorted

Secure undercover parking for one vehicle in the underground car park (2.1m clearance).

Pet-Friendly

Bring the dog. Pet friendly, subject to approval and a small additional fee.