I moved to Melbourne with my partner in 2023 to change things up from our mundane routine in the UK. After living there for a few short months, I fell in love with the city and its vibrancy - it had the same rush of London but with a much needed rela...
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6
Hidden Gems
Activities & Landmarks
Food & Drink
Nature
Stays
Suburbs/Neighbourhoods
Hidden Gems
As an adopted Melbournian, I like to think that I know my way around some hidden local knowledge that you can take advantage of too! These are a variety of picks that aren’t on the popular tourist lists!
Melbourne doesn’t have good beaches? LIES LIES LIES! You’re just not looking in the right place.
Half Moon Bay
Open roaming Australian wildlife! Feed, touch (humanely) and spend time with cosy koalas, wallabies and huge roos!
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
A gorgeously cosy rooftop bar and eatery in an up-and-coming neighbourhood of Melbourne. This was my regular just minutes from my apartment, and I loved it from my first visit!
Two Hands Rooftop Bar & Beer Garden
The best VINTAGE shopping in the artsy neighbourhoods north of the CBD.
Lost and Found Vintage
The loveliest people that sell some gorgeous Thai desserts and ingredients
SBT Thai Grocer, เสบียงทอง
Activities & Landmarks
As a proud multicultural and queer-friendly city, Melbourne is home to a variety of fun activities; from culture to religion to art to good old-fashioned fun!
Handmade goods, fresh food and nicknack shopping!
Queen Victoria Market
A right-of-passage visit for anyone travelling to Melbourne!
Luna Park
Super cool exhibitions to keep an eye on
ACMI
A vibrant neighbourhood with plenty of restaurants, shops and events
Chinatown Melbourne
The BEST sunset spot in Melbourne (and the crowds prove it!) - I took my friends here when they visited last year, and it’s become such a special memory!
Point Ormond Lookout
My favourite shopping centre in Melbourne! Everyone needs an excuse to shop, right?
Emporium Melbourne
One of the best roadtrips in Australia - SEE MY ‘GREAT OCEAN ROAD’ LIST for more information!
Great Ocean Road
See the city from a different perspective and try your hand at driving (safely please!)
GoBoat on the Yarra River
Another great shopping hotspot in the centre of the city - make sure to visit the huge clock and central tower!
Melbourne Central
An incredibly touristy activity, that is worth the hype!
Puffing Billy Railway
An iconic Melbourne building, the station is the heart of the CBD.
Flinders Street Station
Gorgeous architecture in Melbourne’s CBD - take a breather and sit for a while.
State Library Victoria
Just outside of the Royal Botanic Gardens, this is a great quick stop to learn about some of Australia’s history.
Shrine of Remembrance
Melbourne is home to so many street murals; make sure to check out the art in the many laneways!
Stroll down the laneways
Beautiful interior and a quick CBD stop for a busy day
St Paul's Cathedral
Food & Drink
The ultimate Australian destination for true foodies! The quality of the food here is mind blowing, ranging from the most authentic Thai food (as a half Thai person!) to incredible NYC-style bagels. A supreme mix of quick eats, social sit-downs and d...
Best Banh Mi in Melbourne
Hung’s Bakery (Formerly Phuoc Hung Bakery)
The most authentic Thai food I've tasted outside of Thailand!
Dodee Paidang Thai Street Food
The Peri Peri Chicken Pizza is one of the best things that has ever entered my mouth
Duke’s Pizza, Richmond
My god I can’t emphasise how much I love this place
JAN CHI Korean Feast
I adore this early-morning pastry spot - the BEST croissants and coffee in Richmond!
Penny For Pound, Richmond
Texan Pork Paper-Wrapped Sandwich is a 10/10 life-changing sandwich
Sloppy Joe's Deli
The Roast Chicken & Jalapeño Bagel and the Smashed Sausage & Egg (+ Hash Brown) Bagel annihilate any other CBD Bagel
The Bagel Shop
An incredible bar with sweeping views of the city (especially at nighttime!) - I personally recommend the huge range of infused vodkas!
Naked For Satan
A social, lively Korean BBQ in trendy Abbotsford
Chimac, Korean BBQ
Top 3 best pizza places in Melbourne handsdown
Smokin' Joe's Pizza & Grill
A ramen chain restaurant (boo I know) - BUT, incredible ramen!
IPPUDO
Two words: BLUEBERRY MILKSHAKE!
Agha Juice
A classic Melbourne spot for an evening drink or an afternoon bite to eat. A great rooftop in the heart of the city’s trendiest suburbs, you’ll have to climb a heap of steps to get to the top!
The Provincial Hotel
Philly Cheesesteak and an Iced Salted Maple Cap is the best quick lunch in the city
Anda
Nature
Melbourne is home to a broad range of green spaces and natural sights, and the locals really make the most of them. Spend some time unwinding from city life by strolling through lush gardens or sunbathing on the beach!
Architecture, fountains and flowers - this is my favourite spot to relax with a picnic
Carlton Gardens
An endless walking path by the river from the CBD to the outer suburbs
Yarra River
38 hectares of green space in the middle of the city - free access, with special events occasionally and an outdoor cinema!
Royal Botanic Gardens
A short loop walk through the rainforest just outside of Melbourne
Badger Weir Picnic Area
A gorgeous park just outside of the CBD; conservatory, miniature village and a quiet spot to sit for a while.
Fitzroy Gardens
The iconic Brighton beach huts, with calm water in a wealthy suburb of the city
Brighton Beach
Stays
From high-end hotels to cheap, friendly hostels, Melbourne will always be open to any budget! These are some of my favourite stays in the city.
My personal go-to hotel stay in Melbourne. A studio apartment with a full kitchen, bathroom and smart TV. On the outskirts of the CBD, the location is perfect and the price per night doesn’t break the bank.
City Limits Hotel
This hostel offers a range of rooms; including female-only dorms. A friendly, social atmosphere that’s great for solo travellers, friend groups and couples. Free WiFi, an on-site cafe and 24 hour reception makes The Village a great stay for your budg...
The Village, Melbourne
A popular, centrally-located hostel, United Backpackers has a strong focus on creating a fun and social atmosphere. Just a couple of minutes from Flinders Street Station and Federation Square the location is unbeatable!
United Backpackers Melbourne
Nomads sits in the unofficial suburb of the Working Holiday Visa - St Kilda. A modern and communal hostel, it grants close proximity to the beach and Luna Park!
Nomads Hostel
Suburbs/Neighbourhoods
My absolute favourite place in Melbourne (complete bias because it’s where I lived). Just 15 minutes on the tram to the CBD, Richmond boasts numerous cafes, bars, bookshops and green spaces along Swan Street and Bridge Road.
Richmond
Fitzroy is a vibrant suburb of Melbourne, known for its eclectic mix of street art, trendy bars and vintage scene. Popular with artists and musicians it blends the old and new of Melbourne.
Fitzroy
A trendy, unique suburb north of the CBD. Youthful and bohemian, Brunswick’s charm is held in its cafes, live music venues and modern urban spaces. Sydney Road is home to plenty of great food spots and shops.
