Melbourne is a city intended for regular visits. Whether you are a leisure traveler or a frequent pilgrim on a business trip, there is always something new or interesting to discover, especially if you crave a dose of artistic or culinary flair.
But while residents are well acquainted with the city’s many charms and where to find them, visitors often miss its true gems.
With that in mind, a local person’s perspective always helps.
Pearl Diver Oyster and Cocktail Bar on Little Bourke Street.
Visit Victoria
Juan Pereira is one of those locals. Born and raised in the city, she is passionate about all things Melbourne, citing its diversity – an intoxicating mix of cultures, neighborhoods and experiences – and an exciting calendar of events as two of the many aspects that attract her attention.
live rock music, premiere sporting events, side-festivals, and world-renowned theatrical productions snatched from Broadway and the West End; Melbourne has it all.
“Rising: The Wilds” winter festival at Sydney’s Meyer Music Bowl earlier this year.
Visit Victoria
“I also love how easy and fast it is to get around,” explains Pereira, adding that you can enjoy “a really nice brunch at one of Collingwood’s hipster cafés and in half an hour you can paddle down Port Phillip Bay in Elwood.”
Ease of mixing business and pleasure
Pereira is part of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) team, whose mission is to secure conferences for the state, and is ideally placed to showcase a wide range of experiences about the Victorian capital, and encourage visitors to explore beyond the boardroom.
La Madonna Bar and Restaurant at Next Hotel Melbourne.
The recently released digital MCB guide – available for download at this link – is a prime example, with the interactive tool designed to help travelers dive deeper into the city’s offerings, from hidden bars and restaurants to little-known museums and galleries.
Chancery Lane, the atmospheric restaurant from Chef Scott Beckett (also behind venues on the new InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula); La Madonna restaurant and whiskey dissolving space “The Barrel Room” at the Next Hotel; And the Modern Australian Hotspot Association, near the corner, are a few inclusions.
Pastuso cevicheria is a popular hangout on the AC/DC Lane in Melbourne.
Adding to the mix, Pereira recommends intoxicating Iberian-style tapas at Lorinha Bar, the intimate Impla Wine Bar, the Peruvian Pastoso Bar, and the lively Sevicheria and Pisco Bar.
Free Discovery Ticket
Visitors and Melbourne can take advantage of the free tram area in the CBD, which covers major inner-city attractions such as Fed Square and the mecca of fresh produce at Queen Victoria Market, although exploring on foot is also a good option.
“Stroll down Union Square for a great view of Flinders Street and, if you’re lucky, try a free live show or activation,” Pereira suggests. Australia also has another to do.
Fed Square, home of the Koorie Heritage Trust and ACMI.
Visit Victoria
“If available, I would recommend going on one of their tours to connect more deeply with Melbourne/Naarm (Melbourne’s original name) and understand how the Korean people used to live on Narm land. Once you are done with your tour, you can have a delicious meal at the First Nations Restaurant in Big Esso located next to the box.
Those seeking cultural reform will love the National Gallery of Victoria or the Australian Center for the Moving Image (ACMI), while the Melbourne Arts Center is the best place to see a theater show.
Known to locals as “The Tan”, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria is another must-visit if you want to spend time in the great outdoors, with a 36-hectare old site – founded in 1846 – home to countless of Scenic walking trails, ponds and picnic spots.
Reconnect with nature at the Royal Victoria Botanic Garden.
Visit Victoria
“What I love the most is that in 1.5 hours you can get out in beautiful provincial Victoria for your nature fix. My personal favorites are the Dandenong Ranges, if you’re into hiking or enjoy the quaint forests and towns; and the Yarra Valley for a lovely winery experience, and Anglesey for a while.” To relax by the ocean.”
“If you’d rather stay and explore Melbourne on foot or by bike (or by boat in summer), I would visit the suburbs under Port Phillip Bay via the Melbourne Bay Trail,” adds Pereira.
Never a dull moment
Despite this, the real beauty of Melbourne is that there is always something going on – every day of the week.
Whether it’s a small party or a bigger event like the Melbourne International Film Festival or Music Week, there’s almost certainly something to suit your taste. And sometimes, the most memorable things are the ones you simply stumble upon.
Originally published at Melbourne News Vine
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