10. Shoes that smell as art
In Melbourne, anything and everything qualifies as art. There are no limits to it. However, when a collection of shoes is deemed an art installation, it raises some eyebrows.
9. Shop Sui – not for eating
Shop Sui is a boutique store offering a variety of items, from doll clothes to homeware designs. True to the nature of boutique shopping in Melbourne, the experience is quite delightful.
8. A bay that can be looped in a day
Begin your journey in Melbourne and meander through the Mornington wine regions, then head towards the historic towns of Sorrento and Portsea. From that point, either jump on a boat or drive to Queenscliffe – and then it’s smooth sailing back to Melbourne via Geelong.
7. Factories as residences
While other parts of the world choose to demolish their history, Melbourne opts for integration of its heritage. A prime example is the old Collingwood department store, Foy & Gibson. Once a hallmark of prosperity, it is now accessible to anyone with six-figure sums for an integrated studio apartment.
Historic buildings coexist in a city where elegance and grit contrast sharply. Quite reminiscent of Oscar Wilde.
6. Extensive bike paths leading to Canberra
Sure, if you’re Cadel Evans, cyclinging to Canberra is within reach. But there are 670 kilometers of bike pathways throughout the city, giving you enough distance to reach Canberra with a comfortable margin of 10 kilometers. At that point, you’d be out-pacing Amsterdam.
5. Australia’s original espresso machine
Less than fifty years ago, the country’s very first espresso machine made its debut on Lygon Street, Carlton. To say it quickly gained popularity would be an understatement.
You might as well visit the place where it all started and indulge in a coffee or pasta while enjoying street-side dining so spectacular, it could be mistaken for Florence.
The Grinders Coffee shop on Lygon Street is where Giancarlo famously roasted the first beans in Melbourne—which he still does for nearby cafés.
4. The charm of second-hand items
Show up at cool events sporting a stylish grunge look. The plethora of second-hand stores in Melbourne has the ability to outfit an entire city, so there’s no need to stress if your wardrobe feels excessively polished or too formal.
3. An easily accessible airport
Getting out of a large city is just as essential as getting into it. Slow transportation to the primary airport can be costly, time-consuming, or result in missed flights.
Skybus runs a service between the city and airport for $16, taking just 20 minutes while leaving every 10 minutes.
2. Kent St as a fallback
About ten years ago, a humorous phrase appeared on a bathroom wall on Smith Street.
It said, “F this, I’m going to Kent St”. This cheeky expression clearly resonated, as replica stickers have circulated globally. They’ve even been seen in Moscow.
And why wouldn’t they? At Kent St (a bar/café), like-minded individuals can enjoy coffee during the day and beer at night in an art deco setting while engaging in board games, scriptwriting, and listening to local DJs.
1. The significance of culture
As the Melbourne Festival approaches its grand conclusion, many wonder why Melbourne naturally embraces cultural events in a unique way.
Festival director Brett Sheehy comments: “What differentiates Melbourne from other cities is that the average man or woman acknowledges that arts and culture are a vital part of the community.”
And that’s a sentiment easy to embrace.
by Susan Floyd
