Aerosol-wielding artists from around the world have left their mark on Melbourne. Hosier Lane, declared a “graffiti tolerance zone” by the city council, contains the area’s densest collection of spray-painted masterpieces. —Chris Baty Photo by Meena Kadri. This appeared in the September/October 2010 issue.
Melbourne is by far one of the best cities I have ever lived in! A cross between San Francisco and London, the city perfectly combines the old with the new. Many of the buildings exude an old world feel; while the coffee shops, bars, art galleries and restaurants pulse with a new world vibe. Melbourne is the place to be for artists of any genre, but especially if graffiti is your medium. While Melbourne can boast about its National Art Gallery, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and the Centre for Contemporary Art, some of its most brilliant artistic treasures can be found on the sides of the buildings, down narrow alleyways. What makes the street art culture of Melbourne so unique is that the city actually supports it! They encourage graffiti artists and promote their work in tourist brochures, and city informational guides. It is a constantly changing exhibit, and the best part is you never know what you’re going to see around the next corner. Melbourne is super easy to get around, either by foot, free shuttles, or the tram lines. Hosier lane is Melbourne’s most famous graffiti laneway, but simply wander through the alleyways of Collins and Bourke Streets and you’ll be amazed at what people can do with a can of spray-paint.
Melbourne is one of the great street art capitals, and Hosier Lane is its most famous laneways. Be sure to explore around the area as there are a few lanes that are full of colorful works.
Nice little place for breakfast or lunch operated by a very nice family. All four of us enjoyed breakfast. I loved my poached eggs and smoked salmon. At the end of the Royal Arcade at Little Bourke.
A great place to enjoy Thai food and local wines (they have old world ones too). It doesn't take reservations, but there are plenty of places within a few blocks if there is a wait.
The Westin is a modern, comfortable hotel that is ideally located for exploring the central business district of Melbourne and surrounding areas. The staff is really helpful and friendly. I recommend talking with Paul Rumpff, concierge, who was really good with recommendations.
Melbourne’s “National Galley of Victoria” is home to some incredible works of art. Not only do they have a fantastic permanent collection, but they also play host to some of the world’s most incredible artists via their rotating guest exhibitions. I happened to be in Melbourne during this incredible exhibit by Ron Mueck. His sculptures capture every tiny detail of the human body (down to the hair follicles) while he plays with the scale. He takes things which we normally view as small (such as a newborn baby) and makes them huge or things which we view as normal sized and shrinks them down. It is a crazy, unlikely combination that really works. The detail of his work is almost eerie. There are times when you look at his sculptures and expect them to come alive at any second. Ron Mueck’s work is showcased around the world, so if you get a chance, you should definitely see it! If you’re in Melbourne, don’t leave without making a stop at the National Gallery. It is located at 180 St. Kilda Road and is easy to reach by foot or tram. You can find out which special exhibits are showing at http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/ I also recommend going up to the 2nd floor to enjoy an afternoon tea while you’re there!
Although this is a franchise - there's one in the Lower East Side in Manhattan - it's worth a stop for the pork meatballs and burratta. A nice staff, and a good option when you can't bear the wait at nearby ChinChin.
Whilst taking a break from the long driving we had all endured to reach the great ocean road, we decided to take a small break in a beach cove to relax and recover. Whilst on the beach I noticed a group of birds screeching at one another and decided to see what photos I would be able to take. Not only did I take a really candid photo I ended up with one of my favorite photos of the whole trip.
This is a fun place to relax, have some beers and yuk it up with friends on a sunny day. It's just south of the Finders St Station and north of Southgate. We happened to enjoy it on Christmas Day and enjoyed ourselves immensely with locals and fellow travelers.
We stumbled upon a gem of an alleyway when walking the streets of Melbourne. I probably spent a good 15 minutes trying to capture all my favorite pieces on the wall. This made the Top 5.
Whilst walking down the steps to reach the enchanting blues of the ocean. I couldn't help but be drawn to the way the light way contrasting on the top of the dry grass pictured. Also with the softness of the sea and rugged rocks in the background I thought It made a fantastic picture.
This 3 floor indoor/outdoor place is a fun place to while away a day or evening. I didn't have a chance to sample the dogs, but they smelled pretty darn good.
This is a fun place to hang outside and have some cocktails. Extremely casual. It is partially covered and has some heaters too. We were here on a beautiful summer day and had a great time.
We spent 2 weeks hitting every beautiful beach we could between Sydney and Melbourne. We hooked up with local hosts through the U.N. hospitality network called, Servas. You can stay for 2 nights for free with your hosts. Our first day in Melbourne was absolutely gorgeous, and we spent all of it in the sun as Graeme was our host, and taught us how to body surf. Like the dumbass I am, I'd tried to teach my daughter how to boogie board when we were in Hawaii and almost drown both of us. Riel escaped unscathed while I ruptured my eardrum when the board hit me in the side of the head. On the other side of the Pacific, with some wet suits, boards and informed instruction we got it. After one particularly spectacular ride as my 13 year old son Zion and Graeme raced side by side for the shore, Zion jumped to his feet and exclaimed, “Graeme is the master, and I am his willing disciple!” We filled up our waterproof video camera with great footage and that night enjoyed a spectacular meal together. Melbourne was everything we were told it would be and so much more! This adventure and many more published in, Four Homeless Millionaires, available everywhere.
It's nine o'clock on a Monday night, the newcomer shuffles in. The bar was empty, but the shelves were full, the decanters filled. Hayden Lambert, head bartender - Kiwi by way of Irish whiskey, sixth best mixologist on the planet - is behind the counter. No jacket required. Just a nightcap. In this white-tiled sanatorium of sauce slotted into the end of a laneway, I ordered an Old-Fashioned. It felt like an MGM backlot, but Lambert's exaction, the finishing touches of bitters and a flash of orange was all Godard. Cool on the lips, tingling on the tongue and a warm roll that spread the gospel throughout my anatomy was all "La Dolce Vita". Bar Americano, a mixology maestro Matthew Bax joint, opens at 7am, which translates to a criminal espresso in the morning, a sneaky Pete at lunch, a life-saving aperitivo at five, and something for courage after dark. In and out. Straight. That's dedication to service. "We can only have 12 people in here, so it's not about making money," Lambert was saying. "We get paid on time and we make cocktails." He shrugged as his hands deftly dried a snifter in a way that made it shine like the Empire State Building. "We tell people to put their phones away. Just enjoy the drink." I did. A shadow flickered in a dim doorway - Bax, himself? Lambert averted his eyes. "Matthew doesn't need the attention and doesn't want people to come here because of him. Can I make you a Millionaire?" "You can," I replied. "But I already feel like a million bucks."
I'm addicted to urban art, and always search out graffiti wherever I am in the world. Hosier Lane is covered from beginning to end–not a single square foot left untouched. Totally worth a visit.
Of all of the cities in Australia, Melbourne is the one who is fussiest with their morning cup of joe. Here are 5 tried and tested coffee houses that have survived the cities critics and can be proudly considered Melbourne’s finest. 1. Brother Baba Budan – 359 Little Bourke St, Melbourne Brother Baba Budan's funky warehouse-style café in the city centre has minimal seating available meaning that there is a real focus on good coffee – fast! 2. The League of Honest Coffee – 8 Exploration Lane, Melbourne You know that a place that takes the time to roast their own beans have a great blend and that’s so true here. If you have a milk preferences then I recommend you try their coffee as the blend they use is extremely flexible with all milk types, but still tastes great black. 3. Seven Seeds – 114 Berkeley St, Carlton This company lives and breathes their coffee, roasting their coffee beans on site and taking the time to educate their consumers; in fact I’d go as far as to say they are the leaders in Melbourne’s constantly growing coffee scene. 4. St Ali – 12 – 18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne Another coffeehouse which roast their own beans, it’s hard to decide which coffee to have here as everything is so good, though I’d recommend the house blends. 5. The Little Mule – 19 Somerset Place, Melbourne A bike themed cafe, the blends are done well, if not a little bitter sometimes, but overall it’s the perfect smooth mix which you crave when drinking the first coffee for the day.
My server placed a small glass vessel on the table, placed a wooden stand over it, and then atop the stand was a ceramic filter basket with my coffee grounds. She poured perfectly hot water with the deliberation of a monk and stirred the grounds with a small paddle, waiting for it to slowly trickle into the glass. Once that was complete, she poured the black liquid into another ceramic flask, which she placed on my table with a smile. "Your coffee, sir" Melburnians take their coffee really seriously.
Enjoyed the photography and decorative art exhibits in this admission-free museum in Melbourne. Great architecture and water displays as well! Definitely one of the better museums I've visited comparable to those of Paris and London.
This is the preferred way from Flinders Station on the north side of the river over to the Crown Complex on the south. As soon as you get to the south side, there is a bike rack on your left with Melbourne Ride Share bikes. Good place to pick up a bike to head south to the parks and even out to the beach at St Kilda or stay along the river.
Really enjoyed the trip to Melbourne - it has an "European" feel - great culture, restaurants and park.
Cumulus, Inc. in Melbourne was, without hesitation, the best dining experience I had while on the continent of Australia. Is it fair to build up a meal so boldly for a restaurant that changes its menu frequently, if not daily? Perhaps not. However, I'm not the only one to sing the praises of Cumulus, Inc. and its head chef Andrew McConnell. A staple of Flinders Lane since 2008, McConnell has built up a reliable reputation for not disappointing his patrons. Unassuming in its decor and atmosphere as well as its simple printed-on-paper menu, the restaurant McConnell founded and the food he and his team deliver need no pretentious wrapping. Pascale Gomes-McNabb designed a bar and dining room with an open kitchen that is light on frills, classic and yet far from cold. It is warm enough to allow the experience of dining and sharing a meal to take precedent. Cumulus, Inc. is open all day long for everything from a perfect coffee (this is Melbourne after all), to a French cheese platter to a five course meal in the evening. It also hosts private events in the Arc 1 Gallery which is attached. Reservations are recommended but smaller groups, or singles may find welcome on a walk in basis. If the Curry Cauliflower is on the menu: DO NOT miss it. It changed my mind about the humble vegetable forever. I also recommend leaving room for dessert. If you're into seafood, their oyster options are renown (however, I am allergic and was unable to sample them).
We happened to arrive in Melbourne, specifically Federation Square, right at rush hour to catch the masses heading home for the evening.
One of Melbourne's top picks for ambiance and great food is Cookie. Unfortunately, I didn't take photos of my entree to visually back up my claim. You'll find Cookie on the first floor of a multi-level walkup. Additional establishments occupy the other floors. It's my understanding that this hip and spacious Thai restaurant has been around since 2004 and shows no sign of slowing down. The night I was there was certainly evidence of that. The service was good and the food delicious, while the crowd looked to be young, hip and trendy. A few levels up is a rooftop beer garden, casually set and equipped to show outdoor films in the summer months. I admired the urban skyline views, astro-turfed flooring and outdoor patio table and chair seating. Without mention, it's a good time,..... woohoo!.....
“Ball!” An exhortation that fans of Australian Rules Football yell when the opposing team is illegally holding the ball. True fans also yell this whenever their rivals are in control. Barrack To cheer for a team or player. (Never say you “root” for someone. In Australia, root is slang for sex.) Specky Short for “spectacular mark,” or catch. For a play to rank as a specky, a footy player must run up his opponent’s back and snatch the ball out of the air. Pot A small glass of beer. In Melbourne bars, you order either a pot (10 ounces) or a pint (20 ounces). Shout Buying drinks for your friends. As in: “It’s my shout, so you’re getting Carlton Draught instead of some expensive microbrew.” BrekkyBreakfast. Australians have a confounding habit of turning everything into a diminutive that ends in y. (See “Specky,” above.) —Chris Baty
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