Melbourne Staycation is a blog about enjoying Melbourne without spending big bucks. The writer shares her local knowledge and some secrets about her favourite city. She shares the best of Melbourne: from Sicilian sweets to street art, from walking tours to wine bars, and from yoga to yum cha.
Astor Theatre
This grand old queen of Melbourne cinema is much loved by locals. Last year, when she was threatened with a beheading by her previous owners, there was a public protest and she was saved. The Astor opened in 1936 and is the only single cinema (of its type) in Australia that remains in daily operation. Visiting [...]
Red Silks
Red Silks is hidden upstairs in a Chinatown arcade. It is a pleasant surprise to find this restaurant perched above a busy city shopping strip. You can dine on the large verandah. It will give you a view below of Bourke Street. Inside, Red Silk has a funky ambience. Look up and you will see [...]
Melbourne Zoo
Full of surprises and sensory wonders, Melbourne Zoo has been charming locals for 150 years. Paths winding through acres of garden lead to all manner of creatures, friendly and fearsome! It is a destination enjoyed by many. Little Sister and I decided to set off with her daughters Milly and Maisie, accompanied by our friend [...]
Herring Island
Cycling around a bend in the Yarra, I spied a punt crossing the river. It floated from the riverbank across to an island. I quickened my pace and cycled down to the landing as I watched the punt come back across the river. Leaving my bike, I boarded the punt and was ferried across the [...]
Collingwood Children’s Farm
A bit of country in the city, Collingwood Children’s Farm is well-loved by Melburnians big and small. It is a working farm and welcomes visitors, especially little ones. Situated between the Yarra River and Abbotsford Convent, it is easy to forget you are in the city. There is plenty of room for the kids to [...]
Capital City Trail – Zoo to Federation Square
The Capital City Trail begins at Federation Square. This is the third post in a series of three. Part 1 – Capital City Trail from Federation Square to Abbotsford Convent, contains some general information on the trail, as well as track notes and photos. It was followed by Part 2 – Capital City Trail from [...]
Capital City Trail – Abbotsford Convent to the Zoo
The Capital City Trail begins at Federation Square. This is the second post in a series of three. Part 1 – Capital City Trail from Federation Square to Abbotsford Convent contains some general information on the trail, as well as track notes and photos. For current updates on the Trail, see Bicycle Victoria Network. Part 2: Abbotsford [...]
Capital City Trail – Federation Square to Abbotsford Convent
If circumnavigating inner Melbourne on an off-road trail by bicycle appeals to you, read on! The Capital City Trail is completely off-road and meanders along through rivers and parks in Melbourne. You can do all of it (31kms) or some of it, as there are regular points to enter and exit the trail. The trail [...]
St Kilda Beach
For many people, Summer in Melbourne is walking along St Kilda pier with an ice-cream and lazing on the beach ’til you’ve watched the sunset go down all orange and pink. The palm trees on the Esplanade bear witness to the constant promenade of people and their ‘toys’ along the beach. The kitesurfers mix it [...]
Favourite Melbourne Markets
Creative, designed with love and made in Melbourne. I never leave these markets empty-handed! Craft Hatch - quarterly market of the wonderful Craft Victoria, held at the bohemian 1000 Pound Bend Cafe. Unique high quality products from local artisans. Flemington Racecourse Market – sprawling market operated by Craft Markets Australia and held in the gardens [...]