I Love Melbourne – Discover the Little Europe in Downunder!
There has always been a fierce rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne for the title of Australia's leading city. While Sydney trumps with its natural beauty and rich history, Melbourne makes up through culinary delights, culture and events. Of course, as in all city rivalries, both places have their pros and cons. It really boils down to your personal preferences and connection to the city. Me, I love Melbourne! There, I said it. I can't say that it was love at first sight, but it's the type of deep love you develop for a good friend. Maybe it's because Melbourne feels a bit more European, a bit more international! From the climate to the array of cultural events and institutions, the cosy street cafes and mouthwatering international cuisine - everything feels a bit different, down at the Southern Tip of Australia. Melbourne is definitely a city that never seizes to surprise you, so let's get to know the city and all its wonders!
Situated at the Southern Tip of mainland Australia, Melbourne enjoys a rather fickle climate. It’s four seasons in one day, as they say, so always be prepared for any eventuality. You can definitely feel a bit more chill in the air compared to Sydney. Summers are generally hot, winters are cold and rainy, but as a general rule – never bank on anything.
The greater Melbourne area is hugging the Port Philip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula, offering the perfect space for a big harbour as well as many stunning beaches. The hinterland is backed by the Macedon Range to the West and the Dandenong Range to the East. To the northeast of the city lies the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s finest wine regions. The Mornington Peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas Melbourne has to offer dotted with wealthy, quaint villages along the stunning coastline. Visit the Peninsula Hotsprings for a relaxed couple of hours in the natural, mineral-rich hot springs or visit the penguin colony at Philip Island. There is honestly always something new to discover in and around Melbourne!
The Melbournians
Melbourne’s cosmopolitan flair comes from its multicultural population of over 5 million people. Here, you find especially Southern European, Middle Eastern and Asian influences all throughout the city. Greek migrants started to come to the area during the first gold rush around 1850, which is one of the reasons why Melbourne has the biggest Greek community outside of Greece today. But the gold rush also lured in a lot of Chinese migrants and fortune hunters from all over Asia. Today, the prestigious University of Melbourne and several other educational institutions attract a huge number of foreign students, especially from China. Cultural diversity is also the reason you can enjoy so many world-class restaurants and some of the best authentic international cuisines anywhere in Australia.
#1 - Melbourne's Laneways
No matter how long I lived in Melbourne, exploring the laneways around Degraves Street never got old for me. Just opposite the famous Flinders Street Station, you find Melbourne’s famous laneways and historical arcades.
In Degraves Street, you find some of the best coffee not just in the city, nay – in Australia or dare I even say, in the world?! The narrow lane is filled with outdoor seating and shop windows brimful with delicacies. It is, therefore, a fact that if you love good coffee and excellent food, you need to visit Degraves street. Just a few lanes over, you find Hosier Lane, best known for its amazing graffiti street art. While some graffitis are iconic, others change and often depict contemporary issues and events. It’s like walking through an open-air art gallery. Only with a faint urine smell added. It makes for one of the city’s best selfie spots! At the corner of Hosier Lane and Flinders Street, you find MoVida, one of Melbourne’s most popular restaurants, serving delectable Spanish tapas. Another lane, that needs special mentioning is AC/DC Lane – named after Australia’s famous rock band. Apart from some more iconic street art, you’ll find some of Melbourne’s finest restaurants and coolest bars in the area. Hardware Lane is where some of the best Italian restaurants have settled. Try some of the outstanding pizza and pasta served here, while slurping on an Aperol Spritz.
While you are at it, make sure to also explore some of the beautiful arcades that are part of the laneway maze. The Block Arcade, Royal Arcade and Cathedral Arcade are a Must-Visit for their beautiful architecture and their unique antique and luxury shops. Take some time to get lost in the laneways, marvel at the fantastic street art, explore the shops and treat yourself to some of the delectable coffee and snacks along the way.
#2 - The Free City Tram
One of the best ways to explore the city centre is by tram. No getting lost, no aching feet! Melbourne has the largest tram network outside of Europe, connecting the suburbs with the city centre. The best is that travelling by tram within the city centre is free, making it really easy for locals and tourists alike to get from one side of the centre to the other. This is one of the best concepts the Melbourne city council could have come up with, especially with the fickle weather reigning supreme. If you are a visitor, catch a ride on the historical free tourist tram around the city. Apart from being old and beautiful, you also get a brief description of the highlights as you pass them along the way. And all of that for free! It definitely is one of the best ways for first-time visitors to explore Melbourne’s centre.
To access the great train and tram network in and around the city you need to buy a so-called Myki card. If you have read Sydney Nature Bonanza – The 5 Walks I love the Most!, you know how the Opal card in Sydney works. It’s the same concept in Melbourne where you have to buy the card at a retailer instead of the station. In Melbourne, you can buy your Myki card at every 7-Eleven store, which makes it pretty easy. Just make sure to purchase the card before hopping on a tram or train.
#3 - Southbank & Yarra River
Just behind Flinderstreet station, you find the Yarra River with its lovely promenade, called the Southbank. It’s the ideal spot to go for a stroll and take in the views of the city. You can walk on either side of the river to come across some amazing alfresco eateries, cultural sites as well as the gateway to Melbourne’s beautiful parks and gardens. You often see rowing clubs training on the river while the tourist boats take you from here to Williamstown, a lovely seaside suburb in the west of the city. We will talk about this one a little later on.
In summer Southbank is the best place to enjoy a good drink overlooking the river. My favourite place is Arbory, a cool outdoor bar located right behind Flinders Street station overlooking the river. During the summer months, you can even enjoy your drinks on the Yarra River at Arbory Afloat. Set on a raft in the river it’s the best place to relax with a tasty cocktail or a glass of wine, enjoying the city. Another Must-Visit is Ponyfish Island, an iconic little bar in the river, wrapped around one of the pillars of the Southbank pedestrian bridge. On the opposite riverside to Flinders Street Station, you can get a bite to eat at some of the high-end restaurants located here or visit the famous Crown Casino. Maybe it’s your lucky day to win the big bucks! If you walk towards the opposite side, you find some important cultural venues. Visit the Malthouse Theatre, the Melbourne Recital Centre and the National Gallery is just a stone-throw away from the river, offering fantastic changing exhibitions.
#4 - The Royal Botanical Gardens
Complete your walk along the Yarra River with a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria. The Gardens are simply beautiful with several walking trails crisscrossing the area, tranquil lakes and ponds, viewpoints and diverse plant collections. Enjoy the Aboriginal Heritage Walk or go jogging like a local along the Tan Track. There are also several cultural venues to be found in the Gardens like the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, the Government House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a memorial for the fallen Victorians of World War II. If you need a little refreshment, you can either visit The Terrace cafe or Jardin Tan. And of course, there is The Gardens Shop, where you can pick up some botanical-inspired souvenirs and gifts. You can easily spend hours in the Gardens, enjoying nature and catching some fantastic vistas of the city. It is still one of my favourite places to visit in Melbourne and a great way to take a break from urban life.
#5 - Melbourne's Culture
It’s a fact that Melbourne is Australia’s leading city as it comes to culture and education. With over 100 art galleries, countless history, art and cultural museums, it’s a playground for any culture buff.
Your first point of call should be Federation Square, conveniently located next to Flinders Street Station. Here, you find the Ian Potter Museum of Art, a museum exclusively dedicated to Australian art. Next door, you can visit the ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image – Australia’s national museum of film, video games, digital culture and art. As already mentioned the NGV – the National Gallery of Victoria is located just across Yarra River and showcases international and Australian artworks. It’s Australia’s oldest and most visited museum. Just outside the city centre, in Carlton, you find the Melbourne Museum. It is the biggest museum in the Southern Hemisphere, showing the history of forestry, science and life, the story of Melbourne, Aboriginal culture and a children’s gallery.
The most impressive cultural building which should be visited when you are in Melbourne is the State Library of Victoria. It is my personal favourite and definitely one of the most beautiful library buildings in the world. It’s located right in the city centre, easy to reach and a Must-Visit when in town. The options to indulge in some amazing art, to learn more about Australian history as well as Aboriginal culture. Make use of it when you visit Melbourne!
#6 - Melbourne's Annual Events
If you wanted to, you could party all year round in Melbourne! The city attracts without a doubt the most sports and cultural events in Australia and easily is on track with any other major city in the world. If you love sports, can watch the Australian Open Tennis tournament, bet some money at the Melbourne Cup Horse Race or shout for your favourite team at the AFL Cup – Australian Foot Ball League. If you love cricket, come here to watch the Boxing Day Test Match and if you like it fast, Melbourne is also the venue for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
If sports are not for you, don’t worry, the city offers a plethora of cultural events and festivals too. The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is my personal favourite, taking place every March! As if the city wouldn’t have enough amazing food and wine already! You also find some world-class entertainment at the Melbourne International Film Festival, the International Comedy Festival or Melbourne Fashion Week. Last but not least, if you love a good festival Melbourne also hosts the Fringe Festival and Moomba, a 4-day event along the banks of the Yarra River. As you see, there is barely a free minute in the city without sports or cultural events! It’s up to you to pick and choose!
#7 - The Restaurants
Oh lord, if you love food coming to Melbourne is like you died and woke up in heaven. The list of world-class restaurants is endless. Every internationally known chef has at least one restaurant in Melbourne that is worth a try. If sampling amazing food is your thing, plan your budget accordingly, because it ain’t cheap. Do your research of what tickles your fancy or have a look here for some inspiration.
I was lucky enough to try out Chin Chin in Flinders Lane, a Thai inspired restaurant serving some of the best delicacies from all over Asia. Meat-lovers should make a booking at Rockpool Bar & Grill, an outstanding steak house serving the best Australian beef and locally sourced produce. Another high-end dining experience you shouldn’t miss out on is is Longrain situated in Melbourne’s Chinatown. Not only do they offer fantastic Asian flavoured dishes they also serve some of the tastiest cocktails this side of the Yarra River.
Talking about outstanding cocktails – one of the coolest bars in Melbourne is the Berlin Bar, also located in Chinatown. Located in one of the little side alleys in Chinatown, this place is not easy to find because it’s a speak-easy, hidden bar. We went there twice without finding the entrance or thinking the bar was closed. We ended up going with a friend, who had been there before and just pulled open the locked looking door. Third time lucky, I guess. Once inside, the bar is divided into ‘East Berlin’, all grungy and rough, the communist side and ‘West Berlin’ – all plush and luxurious, the capitalist side. It was such a cool experience, you should definitely give it a try. The two sides of the bar might be divided like the city was, but the cocktails are amazing on either side!
#8 - The Melbourne Food Culture
Apart from the amazing restaurants, you find all over the city, you also have whole areas dedicated to a specific culture and cuisine.
Melbourne’s Chinatown is worth taking a wander through, exploring the traditional Chinese shops and restaurants. The traditional culinary delights are endless, but my absolute favourite here is Shanghai Street. This no-frills restaurant offers some of the best dumplings in Melbourne. It’s not a place to linger longer! You choose your food often at the door already, you sit down, you enjoy it and then you get out.
Lygon Street is the Little Italy of Melbourne with a plethora of fantastic Italian restaurants, specialising in either pizza or pasta. The lovely outdoor seating makes you feel like sitting in the streets of Italy, enjoying delicious Italian food together with some good wine. For dessert treat yourself to gelato from one of the many good shops here.
If you love authentic Vietnamese food you have to visit Footscray in Melbourne’s west. While the neighbourhood isn’t the prettiest, you can find some amazing Vietnamese restaurants along the main road. Typical Vietnamese supermarkets can be found in between, ideal if you want to try your hand at some Asian cooking yourself. If you are interested in finding out more about Melbourne’s best food streets – have a look here!
#9 - Melbourne's Amazing Markets
Another Must-Do, when in Melbourne is visiting the amazing markets selling anything from fresh produce to delicatessen, wine, fresh fish and meats. And of course, there are plenty of food stalls to sample some of the delicious fresh goods. Some markets also offer souvenirs, plants or cosmetics. Either way, it’s always a great vibe and loads to see, to try and enjoy. Make sure you visit at least one of the great markets in Melbourne.
The most famous is without a doubt Queen Victoria Market, a major landmark located in Melbourne’s city centre. You can spend easily hours on the 7 hectares of market space, enjoying the enormous variety of goods and delicacies. Another fantastic market that deserves some exploring is the South Melbourne Market. Try the delicious oysters here, fresh from the ocean or treat yourself to a meal at one of the restaurants in the market. There is often live entertainment in front of the building and a cheerful buzzing vibe inside the market. A great place to spend a few hours, especially over the weekends.
For the hip and happening people out there, don’t miss out on the Prahran Market in Melbourne’s hip Eastern suburb of Prahran. Another gem of a market with so much to discover, try and explore. The suburb attracts a young and wealthy demographic, which gives you a good idea about the people in the area.
#10 - Melbourne's Glorious West - Yarraville
I cannot write about Melbourne without praising the up-and-coming, totally undervalued West of the city. While the most sought-after suburbs are traditionally in the East, the West used to be the rougher working-class suburbs. But this is all changing and the West is where it’s at if you ask me.
We were lucky enough to live in Melbourne’s best suburb in the West – Yarraville. Only about a 15-minute train ride from Flinders Street station, this little suburb has a lovely village feel to it with a big emphasis on community. Amazing restaurants, bars and unique little shops line Anderson Street, the main stretch of the village centre. The Sun Theatre, an original Art Deco building is a cinema mostly showing alternative and classic movies. In front of the theatre lies the village square, covered in astroturf with some communal outdoor seating and metal trees which look like miniature versions of the Singaporean Gardens by the Bay. Especially over the weekends, you find the square filled with kids playing, people catching up with friends, making new ones or just enjoying a coffee and a breakfast.
My favourite place in Yarraville is Barkley Johnson Wine & Deli. You couldn’t find a cooler bar, better wine or more delicious deli food if you tried. The fun and charismatic owner is always good for a chat and you somehow end up eating and drinking more than what you set out on. It’s a tiny place and so popular, we sometimes went three times in one day to see if we could snatch a space at the bar. Thank goodness we lived within walking distance and it’s needless to say, we went there a lot!
Williamstown
Another favourite of mine located in Melbourne’s West is Williamstown. This lovely suburb is located right at the bay offering some breathtaking views over the city skyline in the distance. The village main road is yet again filled with cool, unique shops and great restaurants. Williamstown Beach was my happy place with the best trails to go for a walk. The beach is located right next to the Jawbone nature reserve, which is filled with wildlife. It’s nearly guaranteed to see the iconic black swans, typical for this area as well as enormous pelicans. From the city, you can catch a boat to go on a fabulous trip to Williamstown. Catch one of the tourist cruises from Southbank and enjoy the sights. You cruise down the Yarra River, coming past the impressive harbour and enter Williamstown via the stunning Port Philip Bay. Spend some time walking along Williamstown beach and the Jawbone Nature Reserve, followed by a good meal in one of the outstanding restaurants. An easy 30-minute train ride brings you back into the city where you started your journey. A perfect little day trip enjoying Melbourne’s beautiful West!
I hope you got excited about visiting Melbourne, such a beautiful and interesting city, jam-packed with culture and culinary delights! I love the city and cannot wait for my next visit. I have many good memories here and I hope you will make some great ones too!
If you enjoyed this post, give it a Thumbs up and Subscribe.
Enjoy your week and until next time!
