Melbourne is a diverse city, with way too much to fit into one visit. There is no shortage of restaurants, art galleries, bars, nightclubs, cafes and shopping that will keep you entertained on your next trip to (arguably) Australia’s most cultured city. But what sits off the beaten path? Here are just ten of our favourite hidden gems:
10. Pizza Pizza Pizza – located right in the CBD just off Bourke Street is a hidden cocktail bar with a window front. You walk right on in like you own the place, make your way to the freezer door and push it forward to step inside. Signature and classic cocktails are on offer with a speakeasy style bar with woodfire pizzas by the slice. The perfect start to your evening.
9. A hop, skip, and a jump away from the city, the inner-city botanical garden in Williamstown is one of the first Victorian public gardens. It was established by the earliest colonists and features a rich and diverse garden right next to the beach. You may even opt for a Silver Service taxi ride to get there.
8. Williamstown Beach is a short taxi ride from the gardens and while a staple for locals, it remains a relative gem to those outside of the local area. There are plenty of breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay. If you want to make a day of it, Williamstown parks and reserves such as Cyral Curtain Reserve, Fearon Reserve, Sadler Reserve and Hatt Reserve are also within walking distance.
7. Ever wanted to eat inside a stacked train carriage on a Melbourne rooftop? Easey’s Burger Bar located on Easey Street in Collingwood offers this incredible dining experience with some seriously good burgers. The rail carriages sit five storeys high and the inside decor fuses graffiti and rail history. If you want a truly unique breakfast, the fried chicken with Frostie’s cereal crumb will blow your tastebuds.
6. The Counihan Gallery located on Sydney Road in Brunswick is a short ride from the CBD, offering a free contemporary art gallery experience that can be enjoyed by all ages. It combines political activism, creative expression, and sustainability.
5. Walking around an art gallery and the local parks in Brunswick can really work up an appetite. The Cornish Arms also conveniently located on Sydney road in Brunswick, offers the best in pub-style atmosphere with an extensive vegan menu you can bring everyone to.
4. Jumping back into a taxi and heading to the CBD, you will want to join the queue at Lune on Collins Street in the city, offering up arguably some of the best croissants outside of France. Yes the line will be long, but the wait is so worth it. Keep an eye out for the vegemite and cheese Escargot.
3. A more substantial lunch or dinner can be found in the laneways of South Yarra at Leonard’s House of Love located at 3 Wilson Street in South Yarra. If you love dirty fried chicken and some seriously good greasy burgers, this is well worth the 10-minute trip from the CBD easily accessible by taxi.
2. Ever wanted to pull a book out of a bookshelf and have a secret door open to a hidden room? You can at the State of Grace hidden on King Street in the city. Find the book Fall from Grace and go into a speakeasy cocktail bar with classic drinks.
1. We all know the Yarra River, you can take a cruise or walk down Southbank, there is a hidden track east of Richmond offering some beautiful riverside walks and stunning views of the city. Starting off at the Queen Victoria Markets in Elizabeth Street, this 4 hour walk is an incredible way to see the city. You can find more details here
