Melbourne

MOD likes to call it Melbi, says Aussies abbreviate everything, Brissie, Tassie. Says we are lucky cause Sydney is already abbreviated. 

That’s ludicrous MOD. And don’t even consider repeating your favourite abbreviation for Bendigo. 

Stop taking the mickey out of us Aussies. 

I was just chatting to my mate Wazza from Launi about this very same thing the other day. 

It’s Melbourne. 

Not abbreviated. 

One of my very favourite happy places. 

I tell NuZulanders that I’m from Melbourne. They don’t usually know where the Rat is so it’s just easier. Usually. Some do, which always surprises and pleases me. 

I tell them Melbourne is my home town, because I adore this city. 

Where I’m now headed. 

I love the ease and comfort of Melbourne. The buzz of the city. The diversity. The enormous range of things to do, see, places to eat. 

Today I feel the need to share some some basic tips on visiting one of my favourite cities.

At the airport, when you exit the customs door, turn right and head outside through the auto doors. Take the first road crossing, cross two roads and at the left is the Uber waiting area. Or the pick up points.

If you choose public transport don’t cross the road. Just on from the crossing are the red airport shuttle buses. $19 and a twenty minute ride gets you into Southern Cross Station. From there you can take a train to one of the beautiful little regional towns like the Rat (highly recommended) or Bendigo, or a metro train to some of Melbournes cool suburbs. 

Choose to stay in the city? Exit the shuttle bus and take the exit ramps to Spencer Street. Bourke Street, home of Bourke Street Mall, runs straight into Southern Cross. You can catch a free tram within the city limits. Hop aboard and enjoy the ride. 

Outside the city limits you need a MiKi card, which you can get at Southern Cross or any mart. 

Bourke Street Mall, home to big name shops like Myer and David Jones along with boutique shops, branches out to shopping malls like Emporium. Head through Myer to get there. When you have had enough of the 3 floors of Emporium, Cross Lonsdale Street and head to Melbourne Central. Lonsdale is easy to find, head through Emporium, turn left at Nescafé and there you are. On Lonsdale.  Melbourne Central has my two favourite shops, Tea2 and Max Brenner Chocolate. 

Back in Bourke Street Mall looking out from Myer, you will see The Royal Arcade. Home of Koko Black. Where they make chocolate delights on the premises and serve everything chocolate, plus good coffee. Meander through The Arcade, cross Little Collins to the next laneway, weave through that, cross Collins, further weaving through another arcade, cross Flinders Lane (Brunettis is on the left and worth a visit) and you will get to Degraves Street. And just so you know, Brunettis is an iconic pasticceria which originally started in Lyon Street Carlton.  Lygon Street is famous for its restaurant scene. 

Between Flinders Lane and Flinders Street, Degraves and it’s alfresco dining really epitomises Melbourne’s famous coffee culture and street art scene. 

Probably quite confusing directions but you will find it, and on the way see some of the little nuances that are Melbourne. 

The other eating place I love is Hardware Lane. From Bourke Street Mall, head back towards Southern Cross, cross Elizabeth Street and the next on your right is Hardware Lane. 

If you want direct factory outlets, from Southern Cross head down Spencer Street over the Yarra River bridge, turn right at the Convention Centre and take the South Wharf Promenade to DFO South Wharf. With more than 180 stores boasting up to 70% off, you are sure to pick up a bargain. 

And lastly, take the tram to St. Kilda. Across the road from Southern Cross pick up the 96 East Brunswick to St. Kilda. You will need a Myki. 

St Kilda is home to many of Melbourne’s famous visitor attractions including Luna Park, the Esplanade Hotel, Catani Gardens, Acland Street and Fitzroy Street, the main street. Fitzroy Street is lined with outdoor pubs, cafes and restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines showcasing Melbourne’s multicultural heritage. Make sure you head down to Acland Street though, home of the ‘cafe society’, amazing cake and pastry shops 🍰 and a super cool culture.

Of course there is so much to do in Melbourne…… 

And as I look out of the plane window from my seat in row 30 –  I really must discuss these ridiculous back-end seating arrangements with Jetstar –  I can’t wait to sample Melbourne and all her delights.