MELBOURNE THE CULTURAL CITY
Melbourne’s Precincts
The City of Melbourne has 15 distinct ‘Precincts’, small pockets of the city with their own unique character and charm. Some are small, just a lane or two, while others will transport you to another world in just a few streets. You’ll find public art where you least expect it, café society reminiscent of Europe and a treasure trove of surprises awaiting your discovery.
Bars & Nightlife
Wander the city’s broad boulevards and narrow lanes and discover a wealth of places in which to drink, catch-up with friends or dance until dawn. Once-forgotten warehouses and obscure laneways have emerged as designer-cool caves for patrons’ drinking pleasure. You can dance the night away to upbeat acid jazz, recline on an old couch in a retro kitsch lounge room, or just have a pot in a pub. And of course the city doesn’t stop – Melbourne is the ultimate party town!
Dining
This is a city where there are as many styles as there are chefs, with a culinary diversity as rich as anywhere around the globe. Many of Melbourne’s precincts have a culinary character all of their own, from the Greek atmosphere of Lonsdale Street or Carlton’s ‘Little Italy’, to the wide choice of Chinatown, there is a wide variety of culture and food to suit any taste. Take a stroll over the Yarra River to the Southgate complex or a quick tram ride to Docklands, where you can enjoy striking views of the city and spectacular waterfront while you dine.
Shopping
Melbourne has long been recognised as Australia’s shopping and fashion capital. The city’s funky laneways and tree-lined streets are a haven for small boutiques specialising in Australian designers, jewellery, accessories and international fashion labels. For a wide range of designers and retailers under one roof you can’t go past retail centres such as GPO Melbourne, Melbourne Central, QV and Australia on Collins. The city is also a great place for buying fresh food. Queen Victoria Market is the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere and considered a mecca for foodies.
Arts and Culture
Melbourne is a city where people see, breathe and live the arts. It hosts one of the premier cultural calendars in the nation and plays host to a diverse collection of galleries; visit NGV International for an outstanding collection of international artworks or NGV Australia, home to Australian art. Wander down Flinders Lane and pop into one of the independent galleries, or take time out to explore the plethora of public art.
For more information please visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
