GUIDE / PHOTOS

When: August, September, October, November

This “guide” will be different to my previous ones, Melbourne was the start of my year in Australia. I lived here for 4 months, luckily I started by staying with my friend for the first two weeks in Balaclava then moved into a hostel in St Kilda and for my last month here I shared a double room in Elwood with a friend I made in the hostel so we could save a little more money each week (as the prices increased at the hostel). I spent most of my time in these areas as I worked at a cafe in Elwood part time and hardly ventured into the city. If I’m able to go back to Melbourne in my remaining months in Australia I would definitely like to experience living in a different area. Luckily I had the chances to explore such areas as The Great Ocean Road, The Grampians, One Thousand Steps, Hanging Rock and a little outside of Melbourne we visited Mornington Peninsula.

Cafes, Bars and Restaurants

Monk Bodhi Dharma - My first Melbourne brunch, Jasmine and I shared two plates and we got The Avo & Umami Mushrooms (a variety of mushrooms on a housemade pumpkin polenta bread). I still remember how good this was.

Piccolina Galateria - Until I visit Italy this is probably the nicest gelato I’ve tried. I had a scoop of coconut and a scoop of peanut butter.

Neighbours Cafe - I enjoyed the zucchini, cauliflower and halloumi fritters with butternut pumpkin, tahini and date syrup, chilli jam, poached egg and salsa cruda. 

Vacation Coffee - A real good flat white here before looking at some art.

Egg Lab - As soon as I heard about this place I was basically on my way. I went for ‘the scram’, scrambled eggs, chives, cheddar, onions, chipotle sauce and added a hash brown!

Lentil As Anything - The best and i’m sure others who have tried it would agree? They also have a spot in Newtown, Sydney too. Always a tasty vegetarian menu and they have no set prices, you simply pay-how-you-feel or what you can. If you’re ever in St.Kilda or Newtown you should certainly eat here.

Peaches - $50 for a fried chicken burger and chips and 4 cocktails, not only a pretty interior.

Mr Tuppy - I moved to a room in an apartment for my last month in Melbourne and this was right around the corner, brekkie roll was a gooden.

Village Belle - couldn’t pick a better spot for an after beach negroni or a Sunday roast on a cold winter’s day.

Burnham Beeches (The Piggery Cafe) - Came here after doing the 1000 steps, so it’s a little drive out from the CBD but worth checking out after a pleasant walk that’s for sure.

nature and PLACES

Royal Botanical Gardens - In the middle of the cbd is this botanical gardens, such a tranquil place to escape the hussle and bussle.

State Library of Victoria - Designed by Joesph Reed in 1854, one of the first free libraries in the world.

The Great Ocean Road - I spent my birthday on a tour here, saw the 12 apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

The Grampians - Did a tour with some girls from the hostel, perfect day out. Saw my first kangaroos too.

Kokoda Track (1000 Steps) - A short up-hill walk

Hanging Rock - Spent the afternoon climbing rocks and admiring the great green views!

Arthurs Seat, Mornington Peninsular - For an amazing view of golden beaches, Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas, and the glass towers of Melbourne in the far distance.

Peninsula Hot Springs - and day spa with a cave pool, sauna, bath house & reflexology walk. A place to escape the city for some well needed zen.