Explore Melbourne’s vibrant arts and culture

Carrying on from our previous blog posts I now found myself in what I was looking forward to the most on my journeys – Melbourne!

After living in Australia for a year visiting Melbourne made me feel like I was back in Europe, this extraordinary city offers delicious dining experience from all over the world, an array of shops and markets from vintage to high-end fashion and a real cultured yet very quirky vibe.

It’s one of my favourite cities to get lost in with small narrow laneways connecting the different parts of the city you can simply wander all day and keep occupied by the hidden gems you will find on your way. The cities CBD offers a vibrant atmosphere created by the young contemporary crowds you will find here all meeting for after work drinks in a number of more upmarket bars in this area some providing river views and amazing live music.

Now it’s no wonder Melbourne has been voted the best city on the planet to live so many times with a bit of everything for everyone you can tell the residents of the city live a good life creating a relaxed happy vibe nearly everywhere you go.

Melbourne’s creative personality

It’s a city in which allows people to express themselves, this is shown by the number of art galleries and the famous street art found all around the city. There are a number of galleries and areas in which you must visit if you have an artistic side or simply admire the works of others, first of all, the National Gallery of Victoria in which hosts more than 70,000 pieces for you to work your way through from artists coming from all over Victoria and Australia alike with different styles and meanings.

Keep an eye out for the Heide Museum of Modern Art in which offers an inspiring experience of art, architecture, gardens & social history which offers an insight into some of the crazy artist’s minds. If your still looking for an extra fix of art then head over to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and engross yourself into the world of film and television over the years.

If it is street art your after then have a wander down Hoiser Lane a very popular spot among tourists with it being very central and a 2 minute walk from Flinders Street Station andFederation Square, and runs between Flinders St and Collins St. After this head on to Degraves Street and explore the city’s arcades as well as more street art including a piece from famous graffiti artist Banksy – grab a coffee at one of the many cafes in which this area is famous for. There are a number of tours available if you haven’t yet got your fix of street art in which one of our team will be more than willing to help out finding you the perfect one, they shouldn’t last more than half a day.

The outskirts of Melbourne’s centre

Heading further out of the city you will find yourself among the more affluent South Yarra, home to the vibrant Chapel Street full of cafes, bars and restaurants all well regarded as some of the best Melbourne has to offer. One of the many things Melbourne is famous for is it’s coffee, and Chapel Street has this in abundance such as the Two Birds One Stone as well as Journey Manboth sampling some of the best breakfasts washed down with a delicious coffee or two to set you up for your day.

Chapel Street also boasts a number of boutique stores for you to get some retail therapy in. Just to the south of Yarra, you have Prahan Markets positioned on the edge of the oh-so-trendy suburb, this market stocks a delicious range of deli produce and fresh fruit and veg. Be sure to visit Swords Select Wines while you’re there and check out the thirst-educing range of micro-brewed beers and ciders.

A short journey north you will find yourself in the suburb of Richmondan area you certainly won’t go hungry in. Influenced by its cultural heritage you can find food from all over the world – there is a big Asian influence in this area with a number of Vietnamese eateries such as Hochi Mama serving the very best Banh Mi and Pho you can get. Or if it’s sushi you want, look out for Takeya Sushi a favourite of mine from my time in Melbourne. If Asian food doesn’t take your fancy there’s also a number of fine dining experiences around Richmond the most popular being Noirlocated on Swan Street serving up French dishes all for a great value.

Australia’s sports capital

Now shopping, eating and drinking is done with you should take advantage of Australia’s sports capital. Experience some of the passion the locals are famous for at one of the many sport calendar events that take place throughout the year.

Most notably the Melbourne Cup Carnival and get involved in the party as the entire city comes alive with a huge seven-day carnival attracting over a hundred thousand race fans. Dressed in their very best outfits heading to Flemington Racecourse between the 3rd of November to the 10th.

Try catch one of the biggest events of the year in the AFL Grand Final which takes place at Melbourne Cricket Ground one of the biggest stadia in Australia. Also, home to a number of cricket teams so keep an eye out for fixtures during your stay. Or head over to the Aussie Rules to experience the hectic sport famous to this country, just think of rugby for nut cases and you can get an idea of what to expect.

Here at Low Cost Deals we pride ourselves with our ‘Aussie Expert’ status and are here to help organise your trip down under, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries or questions you have about Australia tours or package deals we can organise for you.