Melbourne Travel Guide
Melbourne was the first stop on my big trip to Australia last year. Having proudly timed my 27 hour flight nicely, I didn’t feel too jet lagged when I arrived and was ready to explore the town right away. I even had the energy to go bar hopping on the first night and ended up getting very little sleep in my 4 days in Melbourne, which you can count as a good sign. Melbourne now holds a very special place in my heart. Firstly because the food in Melbourne is incredible (the number 1 way to my heart), secondly I know some amazing people out there and thirdly the city just has a character like no other. What I love about Melbourne is the quirkiness of the city. Its a place full of great restaurants, outdoors hangouts, coffee shops and arts! This post gives you my top highlights.
Hosier Lane
Hosier Lane is definitely one of Melbourne’s top icons and possibly my favourite spot in the city. Melbourne is generally full of colours but this street in particular is amazing. All you have to do is look around and you’ll find some serious talent. The great thing is that the art is always changing as well. Make sure you bring your camera because you’ll kick yourself if you missed the photo opportunities at Hosier Lane. Its also great for people watching and is a top spot to enjoy the Melbourne street art.
Chapel Street
Chapel Street is a local hangout full of shops and funky boutiques with lots of vintage choices. With so many food and bar options along the street you can be sure to find a place to refuel. You can even finish up your day by watching the nightlife take over Chapel Street. It’s only one street but there is so much to do that you can easily spend a whole day there. It’s also easily accessible via public transport.
Cafes in Degraves Street
Melbourne is world renowned for it’s coffee culture. I was never a real coffee person until I visited Melbourne. They don’t claim to have the best coffee in the world for no reason. This narrow European style street is filled with cute little coffee shops to chill in. Melbourne coffee is truly something you need to experience for yourself.
St Kilda Beach
St Kilda beach is worth a visit on a sunny day. With just a short tram ride from CBD you can be by the beach, perhaps not the best one in Australia but St Kilda is good for it’s atmosphere. The water personally seems a bit too cold for me but there are plenty of other things to do such as visiting St Kilda’s iconic amusement park Luna Park. There is also a beautiful bar along the beach with an outdoor terrace called Captain Baxter. They hold day parties and offer great views of the beach. I must warn you though, St Kilda is tourist central.
The tram – route 35
The transport around Melbourne is incredibly convenient. Many things around the city centre are within walking distance but Yarra Trams operates Melbourne’s iconic route 35. Route 35 – City Circle is a free tourist tram which takes you to all the places you need to be as a tourist! You can view the map here, just find yourself a window seat and enjoy the ride. To get to the city from the airport, the easiest way is via Skybus which offers free hotel transfers. It only takes 20-30minutes and they provide free Wi-Fi on board!
Catch52 – London Food & Travel Blog
