Where to play
Many big Melbourne attractions have a quirky locals’ alternative. Take an MCG tour or eat a pie at a VFL game in Victoria Park; picnic in the majestic Royal Botanic Gardens or visit the Fairies Tree at Fitzroy Gardens, ride the Scenic Railway at Luna Park or throw a towel on the beach at Half Moon Bay. See the latest blockbuster at the National Gallery of Victoria or peruse boutique curiosities at The Johnston Collection, take in a city view at Eureka Skydeck or see a film up high in the Rooftop Cinema; learn about the creepier aspects of our colonial past at Old Melbourne Gaol or ponder the exhibits at the Jewish Museum of Australia; shop for fresh produce at Queen Victoria Market or stroll around the South Melbourne Market.
Other favourite local pastimes include walking or running The Tan in South Yarra, watching the penguins at St Kilda Pier, taking a drive to Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges, catching a band at The Corner Hotel in Richmond or Cherry Bar in AC/DC Lane in the city, and eating Hobsons Bay fish and chips in Williamstown.
Where to shop
This buzzing metropolis has its share of big name brands such as Gucci and Ralph Lauren, not to mention destination shopping malls like Chadstone and Eastland. But locals know the most interesting retail adventures require inside knowledge and a little bit of legwork.
Find stylish Melbourne souvenirs at Melbournalia, or stroll around the Flinders Lane area for women’s fashion (Alpha 60, LIFE with BIRD, Kuwaii) and men’s (Incu, The Practical Man). Head to Fitzroy’s Gertrude Street and its surrounds for a mix of edgy fashion and unusual finds, including Saint Cloud (bikes), Cottage Industry (craft), Rose Chong (costumes) and Northside (great soul, jazz and funk vinyl records).
Melbourne is also known for vertical shopping outlets, from beads and art galleries at the Nicholas Building to men’s jewellery and records at Mitchell House and restaurants and hairdressing at Curtin House. For more mainstream shopping, try Melbourne Central (look out for the old shot tower and the Australiana clock on Level 2) and Emporium (stylish layout, great restaurants). Still hungry for more? Why not take a private walking shopping tour with Hidden Secrets, guided by locals who are really in the know.
Where to stay
As you’d expect, Melbourne has a huge range of accommodation types, from budget and boutique to art house and luxury.
The Novotel on Collins is the ultimate for convenience, surrounded by some of the best shopping and cafes Melbourne has to offer. Staying south of the Yarra? The Langham South Bank offers supreme opulence on the leafy side of the city.
NRMA members can also save on car hire in Melbourne at SIXT with 15% off daily rental rates.
