24 fabulous hours in Melbourne – easy when you know how
How to spend a day in Melbourne? There's loads to do, from great food to a Bowie singalong. And, of course, this is a city that knows how to shop.
By CORINNA LAGERBERG
Whether you are feeling spontaneous or have taken on the responsibility of proudly showing your hometown off to a visitor, a true Melburnian should have a go-to program for spending 24 hours in their wonderful city. Melbourne is full of hidden gems, the key is knowing where to look. One thing is for sure - a day in Melbourne is never long enough.
- St Edmonds, rear 154 Greville St, Prahran
Start your day away from Melbourne’s famous hustle and bustle. Avoid the breakfast enthusiasts on Chapel St and opt for its more charming and eccentric cousin – Greville St. Begin your day by refueling at St. Edmond’s, a former garage turned café.
The spanner crab and chili omelette for brekkie are both a must. The coffee is not to be missed either. If you thought hipster was dead, it’s certainly been reborn from the ashes at this hip all-day eatery, where the staff’s chic denim aprons, reminiscent of garage technicians, give the place an unforgettable vibe.
- ACMI, Federation Square, Flinders St
Time for some culture. Head in to the CBD to catch the fantastic David Bowie Is exhibition at ACMI (16 July – 21 November). If possible, book ahead to save yourself queuing time and to make sure you actually get in.
Visitors will be met with a showcase of costumes, photographs, video screens and album covers. The exhibition is a once-in-a-lifetime insight into Bowie’s creative process and shouldn’t be missed.
For all the fans out there, singing along and dancing is encouraged as you immerse yourself in the world that is David Bowie.
- Shanghai Dumpling House, 23 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne; Supernormal, 180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
While you’re in the city head to Chinatown, a great place for cheap eats, or luxury lunches if you have cash to splash.
For those on a budget grab the legendary and very affordable dumplings at Shanghai Dumpling House.
For a more upmarket experience head to Supernormal, chef Andrew McConnell’s open kitchen restaurant, known for its dumplings, bao and mains.
- Emporium Melbourne, 287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
A weekend in Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without shopping.
Emporium Melbourne features a mix of Australia and international designers all housed inside a building renowned for its world-class architecture.
The glass walkways linking the department stores are also a great way to view the busy city streets.
But keep an eye on your spending, with 225 stores it’s easy to part with your savings.
- Bounce, Essendon Fields, Glen Iris and Blackburn North
If your day hasn’t been eventful enough it’s time to bounce to the next stop. BOUNCE is a massive indoor trampoline park where the walls become the floor. It really is the perfect place for your inner child to be released.
It is home to over 100 interconnected trampolines surrounded by a brightly coloured and, thankfully, padded environment. Although be warned, BOUNCE is no longer a secret, with swarms of locals booking ahead on Fridays and Saturdays. I suggest you do the same!
- Mr. Miyagi, 99 Chapel St, Windsor
There is no other way to finish a day in this glorious city than with drinks and dinner – it’s the Melbourne way. Up the Windsor end of Chapel St, Mr. Miyagi is an edgy, Japanese-inspired restaurant with a neon graffiti scrawled heart throbbing in the window. The cocktails are a must, with multiple innovative and somewhat quirky options, including the Bubblegum Crisis (a vodka and sake mix with a splash of sour apple and vanilla), to choose from. The menu is broken into three "rounds" encouraging diners to share among themselves. Highlights include the battered corn with caramel popcorn, the Miyagi fried chicken and the wagyu beef cheek curry. You’ll definitely be back for more.
All photos, except where indicated, by Corinna Lagerberg
