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Melbourne: a mecca for foodies, coffee hunters, art snobs, and footy fans. Okay, this might be slightly stereotypical. However, when one talks of Melbourne, they can’t help but mention any one of these aforementioned delights. If you’re planning an adventure that only lasts one short but sweet weekend in Melbourne, here is how to spend your time.
Visit the Old Melbourne Gaol
The Melbourne Gaol is not for the weak-hearted. If you think you’ve seen a ghost or two in your time, it’s likely that you will sense some spirits floating around the joint. Built in the 1800’s, the Melbourne Gaol was once home to Australia’s most dangerous criminals; held alongside the murderous residents were petty offenders, the homeless, and mentally ill. Up until its closure in 1929, the gaol held 133 hangings including the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly. Of course, no criminals actually reside in the building, although you can certainly sense them lingering in the air.
Check Out the Street Art
The word street art and Melbourne, are virtually synonymous, with bold splashes of paint coating many of Melbourne’s most famous laneways. It’s not just in the most popular places either; whether you are sipping on a coffee, or exploring the back streets, you can be sure to be enlightened and dazzled by Melbourne’s brightest areas. Points of interest include the iconic Hosier Lane, where you will be greeted with a display of avant-garde pieces splattering the wall.
Discover the Best Coffee in the World
Sorry Starbucks devotees, Melbourne has the best coffee in the world and no weekend in Melbourne could be spent without visiting some of the city’s best cafes. With many boutique cafes slaving away over their own roasters to create the perfect combination, you can taste a large variety of artisan blends. Opt for Lygon Street or Degraves Street for the perfect combination of coffee and food.
Attend a Festival
The city is a melting pot for cultural festivals, with one usually hosted every weekend in Melbourne. Whether it’s a multi-cultural affair for kindred spirits, a literary festival for the book bugs, or this seasons’ haute couture for fashion lovers, be sure to mark your calendar down for your favourite one. The best? Laneway Festival and Melbourne Jazz Festival for music buffs, and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival for foodies.
Watch an AFL Game
There’s nothing more overwhelming than being part of the crowd at an Australian Rule Football game. From March until September, Melbourne is purely focused on AFL – they’re not crazy, just passionate – or so they will tell you. Head to game at the MCG to support Essendon, Melbourne’s home team.
Day Trip: Yarra Valley Wineries
For some Australia’s best wine and food, look no further than the Yarra Valley. Food and wine snobs will delight in a place that specialised in the production of pinot noir, sparkling wine, and chardonnay. It’s a great way to see the beautiful Australian countryside, and a chance to escape the city.
Have you had a weekend in Melbourne lately? What did you do? Leave your recommendations in the comments below.
