Secrets of the City - Melbourne

Our Local Expert Says:

This hotel has become an architectural icon. The adventurous should swim a few leisurely laps of the hotel's glass-bottomed pool, high above Flinders Street, before settling the nerves with a pre-dinner drink at the renowned Ezards Restaurant in the same building.

Description:

A short stroll from most of Melbourne's major attractions, the Adelphi's slick look belies its warm, personalised service. Well-respected for its architectural innovation, the hotel's designers turned potential disadvantages of a converted warehouse into a deliberate purity of design. Its modern decor reaches a zenith in the rooftop glass-floored swimming pool that is cantilevered over Flinders Lane. The guest rooms combine spaciousness with all the amenities upscale guests have come to expect. There is no on-site parking, however patrons receive discounted rates at a parking complex in the same street. The hotel's restaurant is run by the renowned chef Teage Ezard, in addition there is the Adelphi Lounge and Bar and the Roof Club.

Our Local Expert Says:

Melbournians love coffee, and the arguably the finest beans are to be savoured in Degraves Street. Come early on a weekend and enjoy watching the city come to life as you devour your brunch.

Description:

The tiny, cobble stone alley of Degraves Street knows how to jam a lot in to a small space; and it's mainly Melbourne's best coffee. Running north between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane, Degraves Street is home to tiny cafés that spill onto the street, dishing up delicious paninis and friands from early morning to late afternoon.

Named after pioneer merchants Charles and William Degraves, the strip has an old-world vibe. Adding to Melbourne's European café culture, Degraves Street is the ideal pitstop on your way from Flinders Street Station to the shopping fare of Bourke Street Mall.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is a must for any serious film buff. Luckily you can leave your black beret at the door because media art has never been so accessible.

Description:

More than a just a refuge for film buffs and gaming geeks, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) provides an interactive multimedia experience for all ages. The world's largest screen gallery, ACMI is devoted to the promotion of innovative cinema, television, new media and games, inviting punters to experience multimedia art with the same consideration often restricted to more traditional art forms.

Opening 2002, ACMI is nestled in Melbourne's iconic Federation Square. Conveniently located opposite Flinders Street Station, it's easy to pop in for a film, talk, creative workshop or exhibition. Get lost in the maze of interactive screen galleries and make your own moving image story.

Description:

Frank Camorra was born in Spain, raised in Australia and worked as a chef in his native country. At MoVida he brings the tastes of his homeland to his adopted country. Terrific tapas, main courses and of course, the wines and sherry, have filled this back-street bar with a loyal clientele. Seating is at table, bar or laid back on lounges.

Our Local Expert Says:

Walk-to-art tours unlock the veiled underground Melbourne art scene. You will never look at graffiti the same way again.

Description:

There is a definite predisposition to conceal the cool in Melbourne; the harder it is to find, the better it must be. So it's handy to have someone that will unlock the secrets of Melbourne's local art scene for you. Walk-to-art offers just that, a guide to street art, artist run spaces and art in galleries.

Street art and graffiti add to Melbourne's gritty, yet charming culture. But it's difficult to know which inner-city alley leads to a work of art or a dumpster, and at times that dumpster will be the artwork.

The three hour walking tour changes itinerary with what's shaking, so there's no set program. The perfect way to discover Melbourne's thriving arts scene, Walk-to-art lets you meet the artists and curators and really get in on the action. With wine and cheese at the conclusion of each tour, this may just be the fanciest way to slum it in Melbourne's street scene.

Our Local Expert Says:

Where every night is action packed, Melbourne’s Chinatown is the best place to grab a cheap bite to eat when bar hopping in the CBD.

Description:

For something that's Chinese, there's nothing foreign about Melbourne's Chinatown.

Carving the centre of Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) in the top end of Little Bourke Street, Chinatown is a bustle with restaurants, shops and a mixture of delicious aromas with at times, rather unsavoury wafts from back alleys. But we're talking Melbourne where smelly alleyways boast some of the coolest hole-in-the-wall bars, so best look for the giant dragon gates and jump on board the orient express.

Whether its Yum-Cha at the Shark Fin Inn or some Placenta face-cream from one of the many beauty shops, Chinatown is mostly hit up by Melbourne's hipsters for cheap and fast dumplings. David and Camy is an institution on Thursday nights for bright young things in tight denim, flannel and neon lipstick, fresh from the latest exhibition opening and hungry for some pork dumplings at below reasonable prices.

A maze of shops of things you didn't know you needed awaits and you'll feel strange air of shopper's delight and remorse when you leave with a giant cat shaped lamp under your arm.

Look up from street level windows of slightly depressed crayfish to reveal a plethora of karaoke joints... read more

Description:

This tiny but hugely atmospheric bar is detail at its best. The retro-Asian theme would make Chairman Mao proud. Mix with the hip crowd from the business world, and try the "Gang of Four" cocktail (mango, vodka, Cointreau, and lemon). Open Monday to Wednesday 5pm to 1am, Thursday 5pm to 3am, Friday 4:30pm to 3am, Saturday and Sunday 6pm to 3am.

Description:

Babka means Grandmother in Russian, and you'd be forgiven judging by the smells of the bakery out the back upon entering that you'd stepped into a kitchen full of delicacies. Everyone has their favorite dish, from the delectable pastries straight from Eastern Europe to the mammoth sandwiches that provide excellent hamper options if picnicking in the nearby Edinburgh Gardens. The standout however has to be the corn beef option which is a weekly ritual to many. The exotic pies come out around lunchtime and sell out extremely fast so expect a line around midday. Not sure if it's on purpose and I'm sure it wouldn't hurt sales, but the mostly female staff seem to be young, slim and attractive. It's best to get takeaway on Sundays morning as locals ease their sore heads by the bucket load.

Our Local Expert Says:

This iconic bistro should be known for its delicious mains and desserts. However, it's become famous for refusing a reservation from Jerry Seinfeld when on tour here. For the record, it's strictly a first come, first serve basis. Fitzroy's best heart-starting espressos are to be found here, too.

Description:

Named after the two Marios who own it, Mario's Cafe has been a Brunswick Street stayer since 1986, known for the quality of food and efficiency (as well as endearing arrogance) of the waiters. This is a thriving hub of activity for creative types. The style is demure but there is original artwork on the walls and spoonfuls of attitude to go around. When you come to Marios, you are guaranteed a good meal every time. Highlights include breakfast all day, a penne puttanesca to die for and strong espresso coffee that will knock your socks off. Fully licensed.

Our Local Expert Says:

Home to the cool of ‘fitzroyalty’, Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s hippest suburbs. Don’t neglect the Gertrude Street end of Brunswick Street; the housing commission flats only add to Fitzroy’s cultural mix and it’s home to the best fashion boutiques.

Description:

Melbourne's inner-city suburb Fitzroy is where the cool kids come to sip their lattés and pick up the latest threads. Local fashion designers rub noses with retro apparel in this youthful hood, where a caffeine hit is never far away.

Melbourne's first suburb, Fitzroy's history was working class roots which combined with today's gentrification of the area provides for a textured contradiction that add to Fitzroy's charm. Designer luxuries are dripping into Fitzroy's bohemian air, and Brunswick Street is the best place to see it all.

Terrace houses host shop fronts of all descriptions, and bars, cafes and fashion shops reign supreme. A strip for all times of day, the brunch set spill on to a sunny day till dusk when the coffee turns to beer.

Make like Fitzroyalty and start with breakfast at Birdman Eating on the leafy Gertrude Street at no. 251. Be sure to check out the local fashion talent at Obus and Alice Euphemia before turning corner to Brunswick Street where you'll find Douglas & Hope, Alpha 60 and Fat52.

Lunch at Alimentari (251 Brunswick St) is best for those that like their food mouth watering. The Lebanese meatball wrap is a favourite with locals. An afternoon of galleries,... read more

Description:

When you think Carlton, you think Tiamo, it's basic, cheap and Italian! The decor may be getting a little battered, but you can rely on Tiamo to be there and be just as you expect. Do not expect upmarket Italian finesse here. The family atmosphere comes from staff and loyal patrons who include local students and intellectuals. Its success has spawned Tiamo 2 next door - a little more sophisticated but still basic at heart. Tiamo's food is cheap, filling and simple--spinach & ricotta cannelloni, lasagne and ravioli. The coffee is also fabulous and worth a visit itself.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great acoustics and a hip location have made the Evelyn a favorite haunt for bands, their crews and locals. Once the music is over, it's a superb spot for a quiet brew, too.

Description:

Despite its name, this is not a hotel, but a bar/band venue, and a chic spot to relax in. With blasted brick walls, modernist white furniture and café like footpath umbrellas, the Evelyn draws a sophisticated crowd who wants to relax in a casual, but still classy, setting. Monday is Polyester, with one of Melbourne's top funk/soul/Latin DJs, Tuesdays see regular live funk bands. The Evelyn also hosts Australian touring acts. There is also a cloakroom, band room, small dance floor and a bottle shop.

Our Local Expert Says:

This hotel has become an architectural icon. The adventurous should swim a few leisurely laps of the hotel's glass-bottomed pool, high above Flinders Street, before settling the nerves with a pre-dinner drink at the renowned Ezards Restaurant in the same building.

Description:

A short stroll from most of Melbourne's major attractions, the Adelphi's slick look belies its warm, personalised service. Well-respected for its architectural innovation, the hotel's designers turned potential disadvantages of a converted warehouse into a deliberate purity of design. Its modern decor reaches a zenith in the rooftop glass-floored swimming pool that is cantilevered over Flinders Lane. The guest rooms combine spaciousness with all the amenities upscale guests have come to expect. There is no on-site parking, however patrons receive discounted rates at a parking complex in the same street. The hotel's restaurant is run by the renowned chef Teage Ezard, in addition there is the Adelphi Lounge and Bar and the Roof Club.

Our Local Expert Says:

Melbourne’s culinary experience begins at the Queen Victoria Market. Get there early in the a.m. for the freshest produce, and a naughty donut breakfast.

Description:

With no harbour to swoon over, Melbournians pride themselves on cultural pursuits; particularly the kind you can eat. Food is serious business in Melbourne, and the biggest place to shop all things delicious is the Queen Victoria Market. We're talking the usual market chop; hustling hawkers screaming gibberish about a kilo of cherries and fish mongers casting out their catch of the day, but in a city that takes its cuisine with a side of snobbery, it's refreshing (not to mention fun) to see where all the grass roots action takes place.

With endless rows of stalls pushing everything from organic fennel to trashy clip-on koala toys, the vibe is both local and touristy. Young socialites select the perfect harvati for that night's dinner party whilst backpackers flock for a cheap feed from the Bratwurst shop in the Deli Hall.

If you've bought more food than you can carry, skip a couple of aisles over to the Retail Stalls section where clothing and accessories run the show. Tourists delight in Australiana paraphernalia such as sheep skins, moccasins and 'I HEART Melbourne' t-shirts (note: under no circumstances are these to be worn in Melbourne).

Accessible by the any tram heading... read more

Description:

Explore one of the most beautiful cities in Australia. Come and experience a casual 3 hour walk through Melbourne's beautiful lanes and arcades, and though they may be well known, not all their wonders are easy to find. Be taken through Melbourne's Central Business District, where a walking tour is the only way to see the innovative retailers within, whether they be in local designer fashion, hand made jewelry, contemporary gallery spaces, hole in the wall cafes, or basement bookstores!

Many of the boutiques you will visit are owner operators, so you'll find refreshing customer service, and attention to detail of past decades. There are a few stairs to justify the hot chocolate you'll croon over at morning tea - it is a walking tour after all! Your local guides, with over 50 stores to share, are keen to show you things you have not seen before, so no department stores or world famous big brands are on the radar - there's no secret there!

With a sense of intimacy and comfort, be guided in small groups of two to eight, where a little history, and attention to amazing architecture makes this mid morning walk inspirational to locals and visitors alike. This is not a discount tour, - no...

Description:

Cookie is a funky spot to grab a pint and a bite to eat. There is a wide array of fancy bar food available, such as drunken prawns with garlic, grilled Thai sausage, taro dumplings, deep friend chicken drumettes with kaffir lime, mussels steamed in ginger, and lots more. In the evening (and a few pints later) feel free to break out the moves on the dance floor.

Our Local Expert Says:

City skyline, alcohol and great movies – the Rooftop Cinema is the quickest way to acquaint yourself with Melbourne’s hipster scene.

Description:

Sit sky high in Melbourne's cityscape with some al fresco film at the Rooftop Cinema. Melbourne's Rooftop Cinema is the hippest, and perhaps highest, cinema destination, resting on top of the iconic Curtain House in the hub of the city.

Part bar part cinema, this urban oasis lets you sip cocktails whilst reclining in your deckchair, immersing yourself in the city lights. The films have a cult classic persuasion, and Edward Scissorhands rests comfortably next to Footloose in the program.

Only a few levels up from Melbourne's hippest bars Cookie and The Toff in Town there is some serious cool at play at the Rooftop Cinemas and people will be looking at you as much as the screen.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the few eateries that is unlicensed but, through sheer authenticity and entertainment value, it isn't missed.

Description:

Unchanged for decades, Pellegrini's is a home-food and good-coffee stalwart. There's no menu to speak of, just a few daily dishes of home-style, soups, pasta and pizza.

Description:

The Toff has a variety of shows, and a selection of food. Check their website for details.