CBD (CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT)
1. Activities
FEDERATION SQUARE
Fed Square (as the locals call it) is a venue for arts, culture, restaurants and public events. There is always something going on, so jump on their website and check out what do this afternoon. Many art galleries have free exhibitions available all year long.
SHOPPING OPTIONS
If you are looking for the big chains and those essential items, head straight to
Bourke St Mall. You may also get free entertainment as there are usually buskers around as well! The shops on Bourke St Mall lead through to
Melbourne Central Shopping Centre which, other than its great shopping options, holds stunning views of one of the only remaining shot towers in Australia. If you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time, you can also check out the iconic Melbourne bird clock which chimes on the hour, every hour, each day.
Alternatively, check out
Spencer Outlet Centre, right next-door to Southern Cross Station, or
DFO South Wharf near the MCEC if you are a bargain shopper, they have all the big names without the expensive price tag. Melbourne is also famous for vintage stores and “Op Shops” a.k.a thrift stores and you are bound to find great treasures in
OTC Vintage on Flinders Street Vintage Sole in Catherdral Arcade or
RetroStar Vintage Clothing on Swanson Street (note: RetroStar can be tricky to find – keep an eye out for the signs near the corner of Flinders Lane. You will have to go up to the first floor of the Nicholas Building, which is easiest via Flinders Lane).
If you’re into the finer things in life, you can wander along the
‘Paris End’ of Collins Street which boasts some of the best high-end designer brands from across the globe.
STATE LIBRARY
This newly renovated gem will be perfect to capture those Instagram worthy shots. Hot tip: go to the top floor viewing deck. They often offer workshops and talks from artists, writers, architects and publishers that are usually free to attend.
QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET
One of the largest outdoor markets in the southern hemisphere, this is the place to go if you want to craft a delicious picnic to have at the Flagstaff Gardens. It is also great to load up on “Aussie” souvenirs for friends and family. During the warmer months they open a
Summer Night Market which offers a mouth-watering selection of food and drink, perfect for enjoying summer in the city. Then in April / May, they will usually have a Europa Night Market which showcases fantastic food options including scooping spaghetti out of a cheese wheel.
STREET ARTISTS
Melbourne is well known in Australia for its vibrant street art which covers most of the laneways and alleys in the city (although some are more highly concentrated than others). If you are a fan, you can head down to
Hosier Lane,
AC/DC Lane,
Blender Lane,
Rutledge Lane and
Union Lane to view the ever-changing artwork by some of Melbourne’s underground artists.
OUTDOOR CINEMAS
On the rooftop of
Curtin House, you will find this
little gem open during the summer months screening a mix of new releases and classics at sundown. Tickets are usually under $30 and cheaper if you are a student. Did we mention you also have access to a Burger Shack and a bar full of delicious cocktails, wines and beers?
At the Royal Botanic Gardens there is a
Moonlight Cinema hosted between November and March each year. There is a range of old and new-release offerings for you to roll out the picnic rug and enjoy. Moonlight boasts an extensive food truck and licensed bar offering, and its reserved bean beds. You can also BYO booze and dogs are allowed so get ready for some puppy cuddles!
LIVE MUSIC
Melburnians love their live music and as such offer several options for free or paying gigs all over the city any day of the week. Look into
Cherry Bar,
170 Russell,
The Forum, or
The Toff in Town. If you are after folk, blues, jazz, pop, or Australian hip-hop, we suggest looking at listings in the local street press like Beat Magazine (available at bars, pubs and cafes) or the indie radio-station RRR’s online gig guide.
The
Sidney Myer Music Bowl has something for everyone with rock concerts, symphonic performances, theatrical extravaganzas and more.
GALLERIES
Melbourne is home to a range of galleries, with many of them free to enter. Just a short stroll from Flinders St Station is NGV International, where you can stand at the entrance of the gallery and take in the breath-taking water wall, or step inside to view one of their world-class exhibitions. Entry into the main gallery is free, with varying costs for the temporary exhibitions. NGV Friday Nights are also held during the summer months, hosting a range of local DJs and bands, with canapes and drinks included in the ticket price.
Melbourne Museum is the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere and is located in the gorgeous Carlton Gardens in Melbourne’s north. In addition to its ever-changing temporary exhibitions, the museum is home to some of Melbourne’s State Collections, including objects relating to Indigenous Australian culture, historical studies, and zoology.
GARDENS
At the
Royal Botanic Gardens, you may enjoy the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a Free Guided Walk, a ride on the Garden Explorer or Punting on the tranquil Ornamental Lake, all set against a beautiful backdrop and just moments from the city. The Children's Garden helps them discover the natural world, with plant tunnels that they can crawl through, rocks that they can climb and a bamboo forest in which they can hide.
