5 Things A Local Does In Melbourne

Whenever I travel overseas I always make an effort to try and stay with people that are locals in my destination. They might be people I’ve met before or friends of a friend but one thing they always have in common is that they can show you a side of the city that you would not normally see as tourist.

Melbourne is no different. So rather then come here and do the same things that every other tourist is doing I’m going to list five things to do in Melbourne that a local Melbournite would do.

1. Visit Brunswick Street and Smith Street

Brunswick Street and Smith Street are both based in the suburb Fitzroy (catch tram 112 from Collins St in the CBD). Fitzroy is the vibrant heart of Melbourne’s alternative scene and Brunswick St is the heart of Fitzroy. It has café’s by the hundreds, all kinds of clothing stores, outlets and second hand music stores. Be sure to check out the alternative bookstore Polyester if you’re not too prudish.

Smith Street is similar to Brunswick Street except less well known by tourists.

Brunswick Street and Smith Street are within walking distance of each other, I’d recommend using Gertrude St for access between them as it also has quite a few interesting shops along the way.

Time to spend: Dedicate a good half day to explore both streets and the side roads between them.

2. Go for a night out at Cherry Bar

Cherry Bar is Melbourne’s first authentic rock bar. You can find it on AC/DC lane which is located off Flinders Lane ( AC/DC lane map).

Cherry is unlike any other bar in Melbourne, the combination of music, haircuts and clothes is literally like stepping 20 years into the past. They have a huge selection of local and imported beers, actually I wouldn’t bother going unless you’re a spirits or beer fan. No fancy cocktails here.

Be sure to get there a little bit early, around 10:30 – 11:00pm is a good time, any later then that and you will have to suffer the cues to get in.

Time to spend: Stay out until they close, then stumble up the street and buy hotdogs from the cart at the top of the street. Cherry Bar is also right next to Honkytonks and Alberts Bar, making it a great place to have some drinks to start the night or as a time out from the pounding dance music. They shut at 5am.

3. Shop Outside of the CBD Area

Although there are some fantastic shopping locations in the Melbourne CBD (make sure you check out the various “Lanes” e.g. Flinders Lane and Little Collins Street) the best shopping in Melbourne is outside of the CBD.

Brunswick/Smith St mentioned above are great locations for finding off beat and second hand clothing. If you’re after outlet stores (factory direct clothing) then check out Bridge Road (catch trams 48 and 75 from outside Flinders Street Station and over Flinders Street). Finally Chapel Street offers a great selection of modern clothing chains mixed with small boutique fashion stores (catch the no. 8 tram from the Flinders Street Station Terminus).

Time to Spend: You should be able to fit all three locations in on a day. The trams run often and all of the places mentioned above depart from the same area. To get back just cross the road and catch the tram back the other way.

4. Grab Lunch on Degraves Street

Degraves Street is located been Flinders Street and Flinders Lane, across the road from Flinders Street Station (Degraves Street map). Cafes line both sides of the street and have seating right down the middle giving the area the feel of Paris café culture.

Degraves Street is best visited for a weekday lunch or early dinner on Friday nights, small night clubs are also available in the area if your looking to go for a drink after work.

Time to Spend: About an hour to order lunch and eat it.

5. Hit the Beach in St Kilda

St Kilda Beach is Melbourne’s most accessible and central swimming beach. In the summer months its home to all sorts of events and promotions, as well as hot people with hot bodies. Public Transport on the no. 16 tram will get you down there (departs from the Flinders Street Station Terminus). St Kilda Beach also had a reputation for junkies and the needles they left behind however the council has now started trawling the sand every morning with a special tractor that removes any debris.

Close to St Kilda beach is also Acland Street. Acland Street offers a fantastic café culture and one of Melbourne’s best gelato stores “7 Apples”.