I visited Melbourne over the Christmas break and what a break it was! Instead of doing a usual what a wonderful city this is, I thought I will give a tour of Melbourne based on food. Getting hungry already? Well, here we go!
Lets start at the airport. Upon arrival, the immigration officers were very efficient and before long, we were through and collecting our bags. Just a word of warning; because Australia is an island, they are very strict about bring flora and fauna products into their country. So, if you have food items, plants or even animal skin, do declare it. Upon exiting the arrival hall, you have 3 choices. One, someone is there to meet you, whereupon transportation is already taken care of. Two, you are in Melbourne by yourself and have already decided where you are staying (in the city), and so the airport shuttle (Airbus) would be a viable form of transportation to get into the city. It cost $13 (australian) one-way or $21 return. Three, there are 2 or more of you, then sharing a taxi into the city is more viable. Before leaving the airport, don't forget to arm yourself with the free Melbourne guides available. Its a good way to free maps as well as discounts.
For a first time visit to Melbourne, I suggest staying somewhere
in or close to the city. My recommendation is the Queensberry Youth hostel. The Airbus stops on the perpendicular street (remember to tell the bus driver you would like to stop at the Queensberry youth hostel). What do I like about the hostel? Well, the staff are very friendly, you can book tours ( at backpackers prices) at the hostel and it comes equipped with a guest kitchen where you can store your food and cook it! The kitchen is washed nightly by volunteer staff and the hostel itself is very clean. The doors are locked at night and guest entries are by password only which is changed daily! It is very popular among backpackers so remember to book early. A bed in a shared room cost between $20 to $25. Private rooms are between $50 to $120 for a self contained apartment. There are supermarkets nearby, public telephones on the closest street corner, a pub at the other street corner, and very close to the city (about 10 to 20 minutes walk), depending on which part of the city you are heading.
Lygon street is within walking distance from the city or the hostel. Should you be lost, just ask any local how to get there. Lygon street is the epicenter of the Italian community in Melbourne. The street is lined with cafes, cake shops, and lots of Italian restaurants serving pasta and pizza. My favourite is Papa Gino Pizza Restaurant on Lygon Street. They serve very good pizza! The toppings are extremely generous and the service very prompt. Price-wise, its reasonable, not on the cheap side but also not expensive.
Walking towards the city along lygon street, you will pass the Old Melbourne Gaol and the National Gallery. Both of them, has very interesting architecture. Well worth a look. Upon hitting Lonsdale street, you have just hit the small city-based Greek district. Here you can find Greek delicacies and wonderful Greek coffee. On the corner of Lonsdale and Russell streets, there is a late night Greek restaurant (Dion Restaurant) that serves really good coffee and cakes.Continuing down Russell street (south), you will hit Chinatown on Little Bourke street. As like Lygon street, it is lined full of little restaurants to suit various tastebuds. It is difficult to recommend a good restaurant because I would say most are good. I usually enter a place only if I see Chinese people eating in it. I mean, you wouldn't want to enter a Chinese Restaurant if Chinese people refused to eat in it, right?!? I know that both Dragon Boat Restaurant and Westlake Restaurant serve really good Dim Sum (Brunch). This is the Cantonese cuisine served for both breakfast and lunch. The prices are reasonable as well. A trick to eating such meals is to drink lots of chinese tea. I was told it helps with the digestion and hence allowing you to stuff more food! There are two sections to Dragon Boat Restaurant in Chinatown. The restaurant is more posh, and next to it, is the more street level, hawker style casual eatery where service is not as good but the prices are more reasonable and prices are lower.
Still hungry? Maybe its time to do some sightseeing. Within the city, there is the Melbourne Observation Deck, where on a good day, you can see the coast. Its a bit on the expensive side, but print the coupon on its website for a 15% discount or at times, are are discount coupons at the airport or in guidebooks. There is a really nice cafe there; ideal for watching the sunset (on a good day) while enjoying the cakes, coffees and tea! Oops I back on food again.
Another definite city-based visit is the Queen Victoria Market. Its a place you have to visit at least twice. Once on a weekday or Saturday where there is an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat etc on sale. And on Sunday where the clothes, art and crafts, souvenir stalls are out in force. The market is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays and closes at 3 pm on the rest of the weekdays. The market is a heaven for vegetarians because of the fresh fruits, vegetables and stalls selling nuts etc at very cheap prices. There is a bus? selling Spanish donuts (very nice), cafes, street performers, chicken schnitzel sandwiches (a definite must try, in the building selling chicken, cheese, olives, next to the meat and seafood building). There is also a food court on the other-side of the meat & seafood building. My favourite, the Indian currylunch box for around $6. This included curry, rice, papadam and a cold drink, very good value. Next door is a Chinese take-away. Try the prawn noodle dumpling soup for about $6.50. Very tasty and good value too.
Of course, Melbourne is not Melbourne without the infinite numbers of food court in almost every shopping centers and the numerous street cafes, all along Swanston and Elizabeth streets. There are many sushi places on Swanston street.
Another favourite (of mine), is the Southbank. The ground floor is (again) a food court (make it food heaven) and on Sundays, I believe you are encouraged to sit down to play a game of chess. It is so relaxing, sitting by the river, enjoying a coffee or a tea, munching on my chicken schnitzel sandwich, reading my book, the sun above me ...ahhhh
This is an incomplete guide to my visit of Melbourne. There is so much more to see and taste. I think I will have to do another op on Melbourne (soon). Hope you enjoy this short introduction.
Relevant info: Queensberry Hill Youth Hostel 78 Howard Street North Melbourne http://www.yha.com/hostels/print.cfm?hostelid=98 or http://www.yha.com
Papa Gino's 221 Lygon Street Carlton
Dion Restaurant & Tavern 205-207 Lonsdale street Melbourne http://melbourne.citysearch.com.au/E/V/MELBO/0050/28/70/1.html
Dragon Boat 203 Little Bourke St Melbourne
Melbourne Observation Deck 525 Collins Street Melbourne http://www.melbournedeck.com.au
The Queen Victoria Market 513 Elizabeth Street Melbourne http://www.qvm.com.au (flash required)
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Great op! Have been to Melb every January for the past 4 years to visit my best pal and that brought back alot of memories! Next time you go back try the Dutch pancakes one evening at Vic market. Yummy!
helencbradshaw 06.03.2003 22:20
I used to enjoy Lygon Street very much. I wish I was in Melbourne now, to watch the 2003 Grand Prix! Helen
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Advantages: cosmopolitan; great dining, arts and sports scene; prettiest city in Oz Disadvantages: not very many at all - perhaps some unsafe areas at night, but only if you're alone
Feb 25th, 2003
very helpful by (100%):
