Next Stop: Melbourne, Australia
Your Ultimate Guide to the bustling city that loves its Footy and happens to have the best Thai Curry that you’ll ever eat.
The City:
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
The Vibe:
Melbourne is unlike any other metropolitan city. Yes, it can be described by using many of the most common buzzwords — bustling, vibrant, energetic, alive. However, there’s something about Melbourne that makes it stand out from all the others. Ask anyone else who’s been there before, this city is one-of-a-kind.
Yes, the hustle is alive and well in Melbourne, but for the amount of time that is spent grinding — an equal amount of time is spent socializing, exploring, and just simply, living. Afterwork Happy Hours are a must. Work does not rule your life. It’s all about balance, baby. I mean, the entire city shuts down for Footy Grand Final day. (Footy = Rugby. And once a year they have the big game similar to our Superbowl. And the entire city shuts down. And. No one. Goes. To. Work. It’s just a thing.) See what I mean about balance?
The Necessities:
Myki card, scarf, sunnies, water, rose water spray, lotion.
Though you can ride within the Central Business District for free on the Tram, you will need to purchase a Myki card from any 7/11 or corner store if you want to travel any further. You can add money at the shop or at most tram stops, which makes travel easy and manageable.
It may sound silly being Australia and all, but if you’re in the city during their winter months (May — September) you better get yourself a scarf. Thanks to my charming American ignorance, I thought Australia was all beaches and outback, with a few kangaroos scattered around. Which is why I was hit with a heavy dose of reality when I found out that its location is ideal for those brisk Antarctic winds. ‘Frigid’ is the word you’re looking for. A scarf — and a pair of gloves — is a must.
Sunnies, water, rose water spray, and all the lotion you can find. Australia is the opposite of Miami. Yes, it’s hot. But it’s that dry hot. That Egypt on a 110-degree day hot. That just opened the oven on your poor, innocent face hot. That sucks the life energy from you hot. And your skin, alone, must pay. You are going to want to stay hydrated and spray that rose water like you’ve never sprayed before, sister. Lotion is your boyfriend now. Use him.
Quick Bites:
Jing Jang Thai, Sushi Hub, Rocket Burger, Campari House, Degraves Street.
Jing Jang Thai: When I got back home, a lot of people asked me what typical Australian cuisine was.
The country — because of its location — is a fusion of many cultures. And with the large influx of tourists from Southeast Asia; one of the most common cuisines you’ll find lining the streets is Southeast Asian cuisine.
The BEST spot? Jing Jang Thai. If you can find a table, you’re in luck. Two minutes after you’ve ordered, the food has landed beside you and next thing you know you’re lying on the bench at a 45-degree angle with your pants unbuttoned trying to mentally transport yourself into your bed. Yes, it’s that good. And the best part — you can get a 2-course meal and a glass of wine for under $20.
Degraves Street: Melbourne is known for its alleyways full of hidden restaurants and secret bars. There are actually bars that I’ve given up going to entirely, after spending 20 minutes just looking for the door. *heavy eye roll*
One of the most famous alleys in the city — that is not so hidden — is Degraves Street. Lined with quaint cafes, bustling bakeries, packed restaurants, and trendy bars, Degraves is the ideal spot to eat — and drink — the day away. And if you’re in the mood for a quick bite — try the toasties that are only $5 after 3 PM and the way-too-over-the-top-doughnuts — that will put you in a food coma for at least 2 days.
Date Night:
Pidipipo, Movida, Supernormal, Chin Chin, Rice Paper Scissors, Lume, Bomba, Milk the Cow, City Wine Shop.
Pidipipo: If authentic Italian gelato is your thing then venture a few miles out of the city to Carlton and enjoy the best Italian gelato the city has to offer. I say authentic, because the founder of the shop attended Gelato University in Italy — which is actually a thing. Within walking distance of heaps of restaurants and across the street from the cutest movie theatre you ever did see, Pidipipo is the perfect ending to the perfect night. There is almost always a line, BUT they also have a fountain that continuously pours out Nutella. So, yeah, I’d say it’s worth the wait.
Bomba: Located directly in the heart of the Central Business District and complete with a spacious rooftop bar, Bomba is one of those places you could spend hours in, just because of the view. Serving up Portuguese style tapas, it’s a perfect spot for an intimate date night or a rowdy night out with a group of friends.
Late Night:
Gin Palace, Bar Ampere, Loop Roof, Ponyfish Island, Butcher’s Diner 24-Hr Deli, Bar fifty-five.
Gin Palace: Gin Palace is the spot for anyone who works in late-night hospitality. For two reasons mainly. 1) Because they serve food until 3 AM and 2) the Chicken Sammies. When I say this is the best chicken sandwich I’ve ever had. I mean the Best. I’ve. Ever. Had. Picture this: Shredded chicken with mayo gently tucked between the two most perfectly toasted pieces of thinly sliced artisanal bread. Cut into 4 triangles, laid on a board with lemon and spicy Cajun salt on the side. And, of course, a bottle of tobasco sauce. Simple. Incredible. One night I ate 3, sober. And it would be a lie to say I don’t dream about those sammies at least once a year.
Butcher’s Diner 24-Hr Deli: The late-night bar scene is huge in Melbourne. And if you’re a part of the hospitality industry, you’re used to rushing to the bar just to make last call for drinks — girl, you know that kitchen closed hours ago. When I lived in the city, I worked at a bar that served alcohol until 2 am and food until 1. Which meant, I was always out way too late. The Butcher’s Diner 24-hour Deli fixed all that. Open, literally 24-hours a day, The Butcher’s Diner makes sure you never miss a meal. And that’s how I gained 10 pounds in the last month. Jk, more like 8.
Brunch:
Archie’s All Day, Degraves Street, Code Black Coffee, Auction Rooms.
Archie’s All Day: The first real brunch place I ever visited was in Fitzroy, one of the trendiest suburbs in the city. Even if the weather is dreadful outside, the moment you walk through the doors of Archie’s All Day it’ll feel like a bright Sunday morning. Lined with some of the best pastries around, this truly is one of the best spots in the city. Best thing on the menu — their famous Bloody Marys. I’ll take two please.
Auction Rooms: Tucked up north, away from the CBD, Auction Rooms is a very special brunch spot. Not only is the food fresh and local — the building is breath-taking. Complete with an indoor/outdoor patio filled with lush, overgrown plants, it feels as if you’re eating in the middle of your own personal garden.
Rain:
National Gallery of Victoria, Botanic Gardens, Victoria State Library.
National Gallery of Victoria: In much of my free time, I found myself wandering the National Gallery of Victoria. Even when it wasn’t raining. The exhibits changed seasonally but the energy was always there — vibrant and buzzing. From Yayoi Kusama’s Flower Obsession to Ron Mueck’s Mass, there is something for every art lover. And with public access every day, it’s hard to find a reason not to go.
Victoria State Library: Going to the State Library is almost like attending a social event. The front lawn is always packed with students and tourists, and there are at least one or two musicians setting the mood. Entering the front door is an experience all on its own. There are equal amount of people walking around snapping photos as there are typing away on the computers and studying reference books. And with architecture that designers only dream of seeing in person, the photo ops are endless.
Shine:
Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market, Botanic Gardens, Shop Fitzroy, Degraves Street, Federation Square, St Kilda Beach, Brighton Beach, Sandringham Beach, Parks, Noodle Market, Arbory, Wine tours, Night Markets.
Queen Victoria Market: Just north of the city sits the revered Queen Victoria Market. Named after Queen Victoria herself, it is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Stalls full of pastries, wine, coffee, chocolate, bread, cheese, cheese, cheese — every girl’s dream. Walk inside and you have fresh seafood and meat on either side of you. The fruit and vegetable stands go on for days and you can taste anything you’d like. Cross the street from American Doughnut and you’ve got a stage for live music and paella being cooked to order. It truly is foodie heaven.
Botanic Gardens: One of my most cherished memories was walking through the Queen Victoria Market with friends to grab all the cheese and wine we could carry, and head straight to the Botanic gardens for a picnic. Even though it was just a short walk outside of the city, it felt as though you were millions of miles away. The best part? They showed films every weekend, under the stars.
Two words: Pure bliss.
