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Essential Melbourne/Naarm from a Melburnian - accomodation, coffee, restaurants & activities
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items Melbourne/Naarm sits on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung country, you'll see references to Naarm across the city so I recommend that you understand the cultural heritage of First Nations peoples before visiting - https://www.clothingthegaps.com.au/blogs/blogs/what-does-narrm-mean?srsltid=AfmBOorFz7z35e-qkKRHwAO4Fnb83adgmBFokpgWrd-DoMcloqEIuoR5.
I have lived my entire adult life in this city so I have included my absolute favourite places. If you have queries, please drop them in the comments and I'll do my best to help.
I have lived my entire adult life in this city so I have included my absolute favourite places. If you have queries, please drop them in the comments and I'll do my best to help.
Sections
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Accomodation
Coffee
Eats
Activities
Unique Shopping
Accomodation
I have had many staycations in Melbourne and these are my favourite places.
Located in the CBD QT has an amazing vibe and one of the best rooftops in Melbourne. If you're looking for funky luxury, you'll find it here.
QTHotels Melbourne - Luxury Accommodation & Stylish Stays in the Heart of the City
A beautiful mix of history and luxury. A lot of the rooms face the internal courtyard, so it's best for stays where you drop your bags and head into the city.
InterContinental Melbourne | Luxury Hotel in Melbourne
If you're looking for a budget friendly stay Bounce is right in the middle of central Melbourne.
Bounce Melbourne, Melbourne
Space is located on the edge of this very walkable city, close to the universities. Rooms for families with ensuites are available.
Space Hotel, Melbourne
The pool at Crown Metropol is loved by children and is very Instagramable. Making it a great place to stay for families and couples, it's located on South Bank, a very lively area of the city.
Crown Metropol Melbourne
The kids in my family love staying at Mantra, it's a good balance of value and location for family stays.
Mantra Southbank, Melbourne
For longer and family stays, the Aura Serviced Apartments are centrally located.
Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments - Melbourne
Melbourne was buzzing when the W opened, it's very centrally located and rated highly by both family and business travellers.
W Melbourne - Melbourne
Coffee
Melbourne is very well known for its coffee culture and world class brews.
A ‘hole in the wall’ with limited space, Patricia serves some of the best coffee I have had anywhere in the world.
Patricia Coffee Brewers
Market Lane Coffee has multiple locations in Melbourne, all are worth popping into.
Market Lane Coffee
Love St Ali coffee, they also have gorgeous cups to purchase in store, if you're looking for a unique souvenir.
St Ali Coffee
Eats
The Melbourne food scene is ever evolving and incredibly exciting.
Chin Chin is vibrant and loud, both in taste and vibe. Asian fusion restaurant that's amazing for lunch or dinner.
Chin Chin Restaurant Melbourne
If you want to splurge on one incredible meal matched with service, visit Gimlet.
Gimlet
If you want to try locally grown food, there's no better place than Farmer's Daughter. All their venues are exceptional.
Farmer's Daughters - Restaurant, Bar & Deli in Melbourne
If you enjoy pastries, the line at Lune is well worth the wait.
Lune Croissanterie
Great all day but I have really enjoyed visiting Cumulus at lunchtimes.
Cumulus Inc. | All day restaurant & bar
Open from 7am, Hector's is perfect for breakfast or lunch. Highly recommended.
Hector's Deli
The best burgers in town. But they offer much more than just burgers.
Butchers Diner
Activities
The cultural hub of Australia, there is always plenty to see and do.
This First Peoples arts and cultural organisation providing opportunities for all to learn, and connect with the rich living cultural heritage of Aboriginal Victoria.
Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square
Split over two main sites - both are worth visiting - the galleries feature amazing free collections and paid exhibitions.
NGV - National Gallery of Victoria
If you're into theatre, I highly recommend checking out the plays that are on during your stay.
MTC - Melbourne Theatre Company
The best private tours in Melbourne.
Best Local Tour Guide in Melbourne - Greg E. | Private Tours by ToursByLocals
Not just Botanic Gardens, there's always a range of activities on at the gardens, so make sure you check the schedule before your visit.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Unique Shopping
Haus of Dizzy is 100% Aboriginal Owned and has some of the most unique jewellery you'll find. There are multiple stockists across the city.
Haus of Dizzy
Ngali offers a range of womenswear featuring First Nations’ artwork.
Ngali - Designer Dresses | Silk Scarves | First Nations' Design
Oroton is an Australian Brand with beautiful leathergoods. Well worth popping into a store.
Oroton™ Australian Luxury Fashion Est 1938
Known for leather goods and in particular boots, R.M.Williams is an iconic Australian brand.
R.M.Williams®️
Melbourne's best independent bookstore.
Hill of Content Melbourne Bookstore
I have used these gorgeous natural skincare products for 20+ years. Jurlique have a farm in South Australia where they grow many of the botanicals.
Jurlique | Natural Skin Care Australia
There's no better sweet treat in Melbourne than Haigh's, highly recommend the chocolate freckles.
Haigh's Chocolates Haigh's Chocolate | Premium, Ethically Sourced Chocolates & Gifts