Are you planning a trip to Australia? Well, no trip down under counts unless you come to Melbourne. It’s a vibrant city to visit and spend some time exploring. Having been consistently voted as one of the most liveable cities, Melbourne has a range of sights and experiences to explore and partake in. Whether it’s coffee culture, art, live music or sports, there’s something for everyone.
As you get ready for your trip to Melbourne, it’s important to be prepared. Visit a tech store that buys phone accessories in bulk to grab a charger and other essentials, make sure you’ve got outfits for every type of weather and don’t forget to weigh your bags once they’re all packed! The last thing you want is a fee for extra weight on your luggage.
And when you visit Melbourne, there’s one suburb you should check out for sure—South Melbourne. Why, you ask? Well, keep reading to see why you should add South Melbourne to your itinerary.
The South Melbourne Market
A famed destination among Melbourne locals, the South Melbourne Market is well worth a visit. It’s open every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 a.m. until the late afternoon. Keep in mind, the weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends if this factor is important to you.
You’ll find a variety of vendors in this inner city market, selling everything from shoes, clothes and other fashion items to fresh flowers, culinary delights and baked goods. There’s something for everyone at the South Melbourne Market—it’s a favourite among locals and visitors for a reason!
If you’re staying somewhere with cooking facilities, pick up some fresh produce at the market, from fruit and vegetables to seafood and deli, and take it home and whip up a feast. If you don’t, well, you can easily grab a tasty meal at any of the restaurants at the market. Do you have a favourite cuisine? The market’s got you covered with Greek, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and more food options to curb any craving big or small.
Experience Melbourne’s Iconic Coffee Culture
Melbourne has world-class coffee—there’s no denying it. Due to its influx of Italian migrants post World War II, Melbourne has developed an unmatched coffee culture. When you’re in South Melbourne, stop in at any of the cafes to sample the rich, aromatic brew, made specially with locally roasted beans. No matter your coffee of choice—whether it’s a cappuccino, latte or espresso—you won’t regret getting a signature house blend in this boutique suburb.
Some choice cafes include the following:
- ST. ALi
- Juniper
- Clementine
- The Kettle Black
- Cheri
- Dead Man Espresso
These cafes are also ideal for a spot of brunch, lunch or an afternoon sweet treat when that three o’clock sugar craving hits. Sit, indulge in a coffee, sample the delicious food while you enjoy a lazy morning or afternoon at a South Melbourne cafe.
Browse Through Boutique Shops
If you feel like a retail therapy hit while you’re exploring the city, South Melbourne is the ideal spot for some shopping.
Whether it’s at the South Melbourne Market (which we’ve covered above) or its surrounding streets, like Coventry Street, South Melbourne offers visitors some unrivalled destinations when it comes to appreciating fashion, homewares and design. Undoubtedly one of the most refined and boutique hubs around Melbourne, the area’s shaded, leafy green streets are a wonderful place to explore and do some damage to the wallet.
Located amidst South Melbourne’s famous Coventry Street shopping precinct, Pomegranate by Mr Darcy is one of the most well-loved stores on the strip and has been providing visitors and locals with upscale homewares and gifts since 1999. Pomegranate hosts a wealth of charming products that reflect the store’s vibrant sense of travel, wonder, excitement and mysterious possibilities. Nearby, Little Darcy is an excellent store for kids’ clothes and accessories.
Vincent Design has been an old favourite of design-conscious local residents for well over a decade. Each member of the Vincent family involved with the business brings their own skills and experience to the forefront. In 2018, the crew launched The Every Day, a range of upscale furniture and accessories. These pieces are waiting to be discovered in South Melbourne alongside designs from the likes of Nomess Copenhagen, Snurk, Design House Stockholm and Rains and Bellroy.
A Lesson in History
If you’re keen on the local history, a leisurely stroll around South Melbourne and Albert Park is a historical discovery delight. Walk amongst grand terrace homes, formal gardens, and hidden back lanes—there are plenty of secrets to stumble upon. The great thing is, if you get tired, there’s no shortage of public transport. Simply board a tram to head to your accommodation in the city centre or South Melbourne.
The walk around this area provides a taste of some of the local highlights. Explore the back streets and laneways and see what you discover. The train stations are worth a visit; Albert Park Station was constructed in 1880 and was originally known as “The Butts” because soldiers from the Royal Victoria Volunteer Artillery used it to get to the shooting range down by the sea. This was also the site of a major gun emplacement protecting Melbourne from invasion by sea during the war.
From the South Melbourne railway footbridge, you can clearly see the Dorcas Street
bluestone bridge, which was built in 1857. History buffs will enjoy this stroll around the area.
Get Creative in South Melbourne
For those with a creative flair, there are plenty of creative activities to enjoy in this trendy suburb.
You’ll want to visit The Wheelhouse. This specialised ceramic studio is focused on developing the skill level of all ceramic students, from beginners to the more advanced. Their highly qualified teachers lead small classes of up to twelve, from four to ten-week terms, in both Hand-Building and The Wheel. Obviously, this is more suited to those staying in Melbourne long-term. However, two-hour Taste of Clay classes are also offered, as well as private groups on request for those simply passing through. The team has created a studio space for their students that is calm, safe, inclusive and supportive – essential to the learning process from novices to those more experienced.
For those who enjoy painting, you can book a paint-and-sip session at Champainting, where you can enjoy a painting class paired with a glass of bubbly. If you’re artsy but can’t resist a sweet treat, you can opt for a cake painting class at Meeya Cafe, and then enjoy the delectable treat you’ve so carefully crafted.
