Exploring Melbourne

On the city end side of Brunswick street is the new Little Creatures Dining Hall. A massive warehouse space converted into a new resturant/bar featuring, you guessed it, Little Creatures beer on tap.
The space is pretty massive inside. There is no airconditioning so on most summer days and sticky nights you might be a bit hot. Although, unless it's one of the 40deg days you won't be uncomfortable. Large wooden tables encourage family style dining where you might be seated with another party. However it is good for those wanting to share a meal with a big group.
Food is tapas style and some pizzas. Dishes range from $6 for a garden salad to $10 for marinated octopus (which is tasty and great value for money). Other dishes are marinated olives, dips and breads, calamari, etc. Most hover around the $8 to $14 dollar mark. You can order at the bar or there is table service (although this can be a bit slow).
Beer on tap is $4 for a half and $8 for a pint. Recommended on a hot day is the cider. Very refreshing and surprisingly strong.
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Rooftop Cinema is, well, on the roof. Connected to Cookie and the Toff in Town, Rooftop joins the collection of growing Melbourne balcony and rooftop bars. Primarily a bar during the summer staff set up 185 beach lounge seats to face a smaller cinema screen. Fake green astroturf at your feet and a glass of bubbly or bottle of beer in your hand and your ready to watch the nightly viewing.
Most movies shown are not first run, new out movies. Most are older and you can find some great classics and great cult classics being shown here. The night we went we saw the directors cut of Donnie Darko. We arrived an hour early and were glad we did as the show sold out. Ticket prices area bit more than regular cinema full rates at $18 a ticket. Concession is $15 and you can buy your tickets online.
The night was a bit cool so we rented a velour blanket for $5 and that luckily covered the two of us.
The venue is also a bar and they are licenced until 1am. Doors open at 8pm and the flick usually starts when it gets dark. The view is down onto Swanston street and of the surrounding buildings is spectacular. I would encourge you to stay around after the film and share a drink on the bar side oposite the cinema side. They have gas burners lit if it's a cool night and you can smoke on the bar side. They have a range of beers, wines and cocktails. Prices are starting on the sightly more expensive side with a bottle of beer ranging around $8 and cocktails are averagely priced at around $15 to $20. Staff is slightly up themselves but the atmosphere and views are good enough to excuse that.
Movies shown Tues-Sundays, Nov-March.

Melbourne has a reputation as being one of "the most livable cities in the world." As one of Australia's big cities, Melbourne has a surprising smaller feeling to it. One of their biggest assets is the fact that whatever you are in the mood for, Melbourne can provide, and chances are you won't have to travel too far to get it. From the funky Brunswick Street in Fitzroy to the posh designer shops on Chapel Street, there is a little bit of something for everyone.

For a bird's eye view of the city, head up to the Realto Towers observation deck. I suggest going just before sunset. Afterwards, you can take a stroll across to the Crown Casino, where outside each hour there is a fire-shooting show.

Just take care to bring an umbrella, even if the day is sunny. Residents often joke about Melbourne weather, seeing all four seasons in one day. What starts out as a sunny day could quickly have cold, pouring rain.
However it does start to pour there are various "hidden" bars and clubs in the CBD to duck into. Talk to a local cause sometimes finding these places is a mission. Down little laneways and behind other buildings you can find some great hidden gems of the city.

Quick Tips:

Melbourne is great for live music. St Kilda is host to Melbourne's largest street festival in February. On the sandy shore of the Pacific you can listen to local and national music bands perform live. Cat Empire is a returning favorite. From Wednesday to Sunday you can find a range of live music in bars and pubs all around Melbourne. Check out the free magazine in the city for some listings and the Sunday Age newspaper, or just pop round to Fitzroy Street (in St Kilda) or Brunswick Street (in Fitzroy).

Melbourne is also a great place to pick up some bargains. Get down to Queen Victoria market to get deals on clothing, souvenirs, and live birds. Get there after 1pm for extra bargains on fruit and veggie items.

For deals on meals, check out the blackboards outside the pubs. Many do deals Tuesday to Thursday, such as parma and a pot for .

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around is either by bike or by tram. It depends on what the Melbourne weather is doing. The tram system is excellent, stretching from south St Kilda by the waters edge to up past Preston on the way north. Once you are in the city, it's super-easy to walk, and if a tram doesn't go there, a bus will. There is a city circle tram that is free and comes round every 15 min. There is also a free bus that travels out down Lygon Street.
There are deals for car renters, but they are usually linked to longer rental deals. Melbourne as an international airport and you can find great deals at virginblue.com and webjet.com.

If you are looking for excellent Thai food in Melbourne, look no farther. Thaila Thai is the authentic deal. It's one of Melbourne's best-kept secrets. It's tucked away on Lygon St., about a 15-minute drive or 30-hour tram ride from the city. The restaurant is always busy, so be prepared to wait. However, they do set out watermelon for you to munch on to ease your hunger from the fantastic aromas. From the outside, Thailand Thai doesn't look like much. The kitchen is at the front of the restaurant, so you can watch as the masterful chefs create your dish. The atmosphere is very laid-back. Smoke from curry dishes fill the air, the tables and chairs are white plastic lawn furniture, and it's B.Y.O. beer or wine.

They have recently opened up their upstairs to accommodate the ever steady stream of patrons and in summer they have tables outside. I suggest starting out with the chicken satay sticks. The peanut sauce is lovely and thick. Satays run about $5 for 4-5 sticks. For a main we always go with the pad Thai guy (chicken) and usually a fish curry dish. With the curries you get your choice of green (hot!), red (not too hot), or yellow (not so hot) curry and a choice of meat (or tofu).

The portions are huge, so it’s more than likely you'll have lunch for tomorrow. Prices are on the cheap side. Around $10 for a large plate. I recommend going in a group, ordering several dishes and passing those around to share. When split our individual bills have never been over $15. Thaila Thai is open Tuesday to Sunday after 5pm for dine-in and takeaway. They are so busy the rest of the year they can get away with being shut for most of Jan.

During the cold Melbourne winter months this Malaysian restaurant is the perfect place to warm up. Cosy and warm, Blue Chillies has a small dining area on the first floor and further seating upstairs. To start there is a wide range of wines to choose from; each chosen to enhance your eating experience. The wine, like the main menu and chef's specials, are not cheap in price. However, upon first sip or bite you realize it's worth the money.

We tucked in a lovely bottle of Six by Six Pinot and some satay chicken to start. The peanut sauce, of course, contained chilli. Not so much that it knocked you back but enough to give it a small kick. If the wine was good before the appetizer, it was superb after. The chilli brought out the flavour in the wine.

For mains I chose the fried Pepper Okra. Vegetarians take note. There is a whole page just for you. Curry, noodle, and vegetable dishes are reasonably priced at under $20 a dish. Rice is $2 extra.

The chef's specials are yet another page and are featured heavily with fish dish. (And a bit more on the high price side. Mainly $20-30 a dish) My partner chose the whole snapper. It was gorgeous, done with a raspberry coriander and chilli sauce.

My okra was fried with more batter than I was expecting but was still very tasty. My serving was perfect to fill me up, while the snapper was more than enough to feed both my partner and myself and still have bits left over.

After spying the dessert menu before ordering the mains I made sure to save some room. My partner ordered the sticky date pudding while I ordered the chilli chocolate mousse with coconut/lime ice-cream. The pudding was on a bit of the dry side but lovely when submerged in the sauce and vanilla ice-cream. My mousse had a bit too much chilli kick and I had to give up half way through.

Service was top notch. Water classes were constantly filled and although they were never on top of us the waiters were there in a matter of seconds should we need something.

I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the mood for something special. It's not an everyday sort of place, but it's just right to try if you have the cash and are looking for a nice meal out. Oh, and it doesn't hurt to like chillies as well.

Red Olive has a range of tempting dishes that will have you coming back for more. Situated on St. George's road, The Red Olive is right next to the 112 tram stop and a quiet wine bar next door, which is very handy if Red Olive is holding a function and you need to kill some time.
They have tables set up outside in the summer and a big firepit inside for the winter. It's tastefully decorated with tiles and has an open-air space feel to it.
Their friendly staff are well versed in the menu and can offer suggestions if you get stuck on what to order.
They have a nice-sized wine list with most glasses costing around A$5-A$7. You can bring your own bottle, but there is around a A$10 corkage fee. It's also a fully licenced establishment, so beers and hard alcohol are available.
As for starters, I recommend the warm olives. Most starters vary around the A$8 mark.
As for mains, like much of the trend of the time, Red Olive boasts wood-fired pizzas. We did get a take away pizza and it was, well, unfortunately pretty average. However, their mains have never failed to disapoint me. The Zucca e ricotta pasta (A$18) is amazing  and the Risotto pollo (A$17) is constantly a winner. Most of your mains will cost around A$15-A$20 range with sides costing a few dollars more to add.
The portions are large and filling, but I would recommend trying to save some room for dessert. Their tiramisu is pretty darn good, as are their profiteroles. Desserts are around A$10, and best shared!
A relaxed restaurant to take friend's from out of town or just a nice way to un-wind.
They do take large group bookings for a A$10 fee and they are open most nights from 4pm.

The Tin Pot was made for late Saturday and Sunday mornings. This busy corner restaurant is bursting with people, and for good reason. Service is always with a smile and the service staff all have their own personal style.
You can get your standard big brekkie for a reasonable price of AU$14. Coffees are strong and well-made at around $3.20 for a standard size. They also do fresh juices (around $4) and milkshakes.
If you are a breakfast fan, there is the standard big breakfast, or the veggie alternative. The menu includes muesli and the usual range of toasts, spreads, etc., and specials on the board usually include a hotcakes type dish. Breakfast is unfortunately not served all day.
Just recently, Tin Pot has extended their hours to include weeknights. On weekends they will still close at 6pm but on weeknights they are now open to closer to 8pm.
Their lunch (and now dinner) menu is a mix of Thai curries, burgers (with the lot), soups, salads, and the daily specials of sandwiches and wraps.
Lunchtime mains will range within the $10 to $20 bracket.
The Tin Pot does have outside seating when the weather isn't cold and rainy. Otherwise, they have single stools near the front window, perfect for a coffee and a flick through the paper.
Not too busy on weekdays but on those weekend mornings you'll need to either get in early or be prepared to wait.
Just opposite the 112 Tram stop in front of Piedermontes in N Fitzroy.
Cash, Eft, and credit cards accepted.

Victoria Street is just east of downtown Melbourne and the mecca of Vietnamese eateries, known for its large number of cheaply priced and tasty Asian restaurants. We have a rule in my house that we only eat in those restaurants where the name repeats itself. Therefore Minh Minh originally fit the criteria perfectly.

Surprisingly it's also one of the best places we have tried on this half-mile long strip. It's a little more upscale than its neighbouring competition, with softer lighting, two floors and bottles of tap water served in old Grolsh beer bottles. It's also slightly more expensive, however, almost nothing is overpriced when it comes Victoria Street. Appetisers are around $3-$5. Recommended are the spring rolls (8 in a serve), satay sticks (2 in a serve) and the prawn n pork toast (2 slices - an acquired taste). They have a full list of mains starting at around $7 and running up to double at $14 for some seafood dishes. Recommended is the red chicken curry (heavenly and about $10 for a huge bowl), the honey chicken (this can get a bit too sweet but is great to share $10) and the crispy chicken (comes with rice $7). Of course they do have pork, veggie and seafood options - we just seemed to be stuck on the chicken that night.

Service is fast once you order and you can take your time. Wait staff usually only come over when signalled, which can be tricky when your water runs out. This restaurant is licensed for you to bring your own wine, $1.50 corkage per person, but they do not serve alcohol. They do accept credit cards and eftpos. It tends to be a loud place.

Open hours are: Tues 4pm-10pm
Wed-Thu 11.30am-10.30pm
Sat 11.30-11pm
Sun 11.30am-10pm

Canary Club restaurant/bar is one of the newer additions to Melbourne's hidden laneway bars. Tucked into Melbourne Place, just off Russell (near the corner of Russell and Bourke) with not much signage to let you know you've arrived is the sister to Melbourne's Hairy Canary bar. This Spanish tapas influenced bar has two levels. The top level is filled with tables and posh booth seating, a DJ, and a bar.  The first level also has a bar and more table seating.

They serve yummy sangria by the glass or the jug. By the glass is $5.5. The website price for a jug is $25, however when we got our bill they had charged us $28. Either way, not too pricey a drink when shared. Although, while tasty, I'm not sure how strong the mix was. They also serve a range of cocktails and martinis for $15 and wine by the glass (most between $6-8).

Food is tapas style with most of the dishes costing between $10-$18. And, being tapas, they are small. So unless you have the cash to spend I wouldn't recommend coming in too hungry. However, what you do get are portions big enough for a table of 5 to all get a mouth full. While all six of our choices were extremely flavourful there were three that I would recommend as a must. The macadamia crusted chicken skewers with mango and chilli jam, roasted portabello mushrooms with garlic & goats cheese, and blue cheese tartlet with rocket. They also serve salads for those who are feeling a bit hungrier and don't wish to share and they also have a few desserts to choose from.

Service wasn't the best. We had an 8:30 reservation because they girl on the phone advised me they were "pretty busy" that night. However, when we got in, there were plenty of empty seats suggesting we could have had the original 8pm time we wanted. There were plenty of wait staff running past our table through the night, catching one's attention was hit or miss. And don't be in a hurry for the food. Once you order it might take a while to appear. (Though it is worth waiting for.)

It was a bit loud due to the party at the far end of the second floor. I would recommend this place for a cosy drink with friends before a night out in the town.

Open 4pm till late Monday to Wednesday
4pm till 3am Thursday
11am till 3am Friday
6pm till 3am Saturday

It used to be that Trampoline, the specialty ice cream shop down the road, had the only chocolate fountain in the area. Not so anymore. San Churro has three.

The Spanish chocolateer on Brunswick Street has fast become a local favourite. Who can walk by a chocolate fountain (or three) and not stop to stare? Usually packed at night time, this small specialty café spills out onto sidewalk seating. Though do be prepared to wait for a seat between 5pm-8pm on certain nights.

Their treats come in a variety of ways. The Spanish hot chocolate is their signature drink. Made with chilli powder, it's dark chocolate with a kick. Also note worthwhile is the Spanish latte made with sweet condensed milk. Perfect for the coffee with sugar junky. They also offer a range of cold chocolate drinks. Most drinks are around $5. San Churro also offers a plethora of handmade truffles (for something like $3 a piece). If you prefer something a bit larger the churros with chocolate are for you; they come with your choice of dark, white, or milk chocolate dipping sauce. This is enough for two to share or for one divine chocoholic.

Note: a full plate of the churros plus a hot chocolate can be overwhelmingly sweet. However, sharing a plate and getting a hot chocolate each seems to work just fine. Churros will cost around $5.

Other desserts include chocolate ice-cream (with chocolate sauce of course!) and chocolate brownies among others. You can even get your churros and hot chocolate to go.

Highly recommended for any chocolate lover.

Open: Mon-Thu 10am-11pm
Fri,Sat 10am-Midnight
Sun 10am-11pm
Payment accepted: MasterCard, Visa and EFTPOS

The Fitz Cafe offers a range of tempting dishes for you to dine on. They are open from 7am, which means they offer three meals a day. However I've only ever been there for dinner, and they do a lovely dinner spread.
With inside and outside dining you can pick depending on the weather or your mood...or now-a-days if you want to smoke during your meal you'll be outside.
Inside is a cosy one level dining area with a fire in the back and cushioned bench seating along with regular chairs.
The inside is modestly decorated with bamboo light shades and red gauze fabric over the door and windows. The bar is simple dark wood.
Service is friendly and pretty quick, you won't go waiting for your wine glass to be refilled.
But it's the food that shines at this establishment. The cheese platter featuring three different cheeses (a few local) is a great nibbler if you just want to share a bottle of wine (bottle starting around $35). If you are seafood fan don't go past the seafood fettuccine. With chili it's a bit hot but you can ask them to go easy. Chock full of muscles, tiger prawns, white fish and more this is a crowd pleaser. You'll find it on the specials menu, cost around $30.
The baked chicken dinner ($26) is another winner. Made with apricots it's just the right amount of food for dinner.
For starters I can recommend the brushetta. Entrees vary around $8-$13.
Whatever you order leave room for dessert. My partner loves his Sticky Date pudding and he wasn't disappointed. Even not being a big fan, I have to say this wowed me. A thick slice of warm cake, chocolate syrup drizzled on top and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I had the wild berry cheesecake. It was nice but compared to the sticky date, well there was no competition. Desserts run around $8.
An enjoyable experience for a date, with friends or just bring a book and dine away.

Daily
7:00am 11:00pm
all major credit cards and eftpos accepted. fully licenced. bookings accepted for inside tables for dinner only.

Taco Bill is not Australia's answer to America's Taco Bell.
Yes, Taco Bill's is a chain restaurant, but in a city where finding a Mexican Restaurant is slim I chose to give it a go. The restaurant is properly decorated in a tacky overly Mexican theme; pastel colours, sombreros on the wall, that sort of thing.
Food is properly explained in the menu so you know the difference between a burrito and fajita. The food its self, I thought, was over priced. $15-$26 for a main and when most Mexican food consists of beans and rice, I'd like to know where my money's going. Several people at the table got the combination for $19.55. With choice of beef or chicken you get a taco, enchilada, and taquito with rice and beans. They say it's good for those who aren't familiar with Mexican. This way you get to have a samples of many. Everyone finished their plates, even the guy who ordered the veggie fajitas.
I ordered the entree size flautas for $8.95. I don't recommend an entree for a main unless you really aren't that hungry. They are tiny. And I wasn't too keen on the mixed sour cream and salsa combination. What is wrong with each on it's own?
As for desserts. Mexican food never really was made for desserts. Don't have the mousse. It was packet made and leaves a slick filmy taste on the roof of your mouth. Not recommended.
The city location is tiny, so a reservation at lunch is highly recommended. The suburb locations look large so I think you'd be okay with a walk in.
Over all I would say this is a good back up Mexican food place. I would encourage those wanting real Mexican food to search out the (possibly only 3) other independently owned Mexican restaurants in, and around, Melbourne. However if you are in the mood for a good margarita (half price at certain locations on certain nights) and decent Mexican food then Taco Bill's is the right place.
Lunch: Monday to Friday from 11:30 am
Dinner : 7 Nights from 5:00 pm

Ah, markets: the haggling, the bargains, the choice, and the crowds. Well, two out of four isn't too bad.

Open 5 days a week, the Victoria Market has pretty much whatever you are looking for and a lot of stuff you aren't. The outdoor portion of the market has two sides, the clothing and gifts side and the fruit and veggie side. Across the street you'll find an indoor market filled with meats, fish, breads and specialty and organic food.

Much of the clothing is what you might expect in a market. It's not the best quality and the vendors don't really like to haggle. Many of the items don't have price tags, but when asked, the price quoted becomes a "fixed price." Best buys on this side of the market are the gifts and souvenirs. Winter hats with Australia logos can be found for $5. If you are looking for something a bit nicer, there is a stall that sells black-and-white pictures from around Melbourne. There are a range of sizes, and they are not terribly overpriced for an framed photo.

The reason for my highly recommended is based on the fruit and veggie side. Here is where you find the real deals: a dozen free range eggs for $3and 10 kiwifruit for $2, and if you hit the stalls around midday or 1pm, chances are you can get even better deals, like whole trays of tomatoes for $4. In my experience, since I don't need a whole tray, I just tell them what I do need and most times I get one or two of what I need for free.

This is a great alternative to the grocery stores, where produce seems to be marked up sky-high. Also, check out the market across the street for deals on meats and fresh fish. There are also a few bread stalls, but I've found that these aren't that much of a bargain.

One last suggestion: Bring a backpack. Before I got wise, I always left weighed down by heavy plastic bags. With a backpack, it's much easier to get back home on your bike.

On Brunswick Street, coffee bars and night lounges are a dime a dozen. With so much choice, a place really needs to stand out to grab the customer's attention. The Black Cat, however, sits tucked in a corner and waits to be discovered. For more than 15 years the Black Cat has watched other businesses last only 1 or 2 years.
So, what is their secret to lasting success? A reputation for being one of the most laid back venues in Fitzroy—a place where everyone knows the name "Black Cat" and, in a short time, everyone inside knows yours.
Their outdoor seating is perfect for a lazy summer day, sitting along the sidewalk, enjoy a local pot, while people-watching in eccentric Fitzroy. At night, you can choose to enjoy the evening air outside in the beer garden (heat lamps provided in winter), or you can cozy up on a couch inside, and watch lights and random scenes projected onto the front wall of windows.

DJ's spin alternative and funky beats and new artist works are displayed on the walls. They have a wide range of wines to offer with a glass of house running about $4. They offer several different types of bottle beers, plus a few on tap. Worth mentioning are New Zealand's Monteith beers and a full range of coffee drinks served (alcohol included at request).

Staff is friendly with a Fitzroy flair. The one downside to this bar is space, there is not a lot of it. This either works to your advantage by getting close on a couch (utilizing arm rests or your neighbors lap), or gets annoying when you're pressed up against Mister I don't shower.

A full bar is available, generally no cover charge and it's open till 1am or 2am. There are only two toilets.

It is what it says it is...a small local market on Rose street. Every Saturday, starting around 9am, people set up stalls and sell handmade jewelry, handmade clothing, paintings, photography, trinkets and more. There is usually a local band playing and you can get your self a coffee to walk around with. This is one of my favorite markets in Melbourne because of it's size and products. The pieces you'll find here are unique and not too pricey. You will also find a massage stand where seated massages are $30 for 30 minutes.

Some of my favorite stalls include: The guy who makes lounge chairs and rocking chairs from planks of weathered wood. The girl who sells hand-made skirts that are reversible. $40 each, double your value. The mini-cactus magnet stall. You'll also find friendly people who would just as happily share a chat with you. If you are in the area I would recommend checking it out. The market runs until about 4pm.

This pub has been closed.
(we still have hopes someone will buy and reopen it!)

The Lord Newry hotel has a bit of a feel of an old man's pub but on a Friday/Saturday night this pub is anything but old. Located on Brunswick street just before it curves into St George's Road this pub doesn't look much from the outside corner. Walk in the front and you'll be facing a pool table and the bar in, most likely, a smokey room. The crowd is diverse, ranging from 20-somethings to an older crowd of past 50.

Beer on tap is king in this pub and drinks will run under $5 for a pot. They do drink specials each day. There is a dining room connected with the pub which is non-smoking and a lot quieter. (You can get meals in the pub as well, order from the bar in both cases). The pub serves some great food...the lamb shanks being one of the best items to order. They do a chicken parma on a Sunday for $8. It's not the best but it is only $8 and comes with chips and salad.

Both rooms have fireplaces to warm your toes and the pub has one of the best old jukeboxes in Melbourne with classes like "Livin on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi. It's pretty standard to see someone playing a pool que as a guitar on any given weekend night.

A great place to meet up with friends for a drink in the pub or a quiet meal to warm you up on a cold Melbourne winter.

Rumour is the Pinnacle pub is haunted, but the only spirits I've ever seen have been those in my drinks. This is a great local club with a very relaxed atmosphere. A very thin building (shaped like a triangle from the road) the inside is surprisingly bigger than you might expect. There is only one bar...it's not big enough for another and one pool table inside. However, there is a large back garden that has another pool table and tons of comfy couches and chairs to kick back in.

The pub does parma and pot deals for $12 on Monday through Tuesday. They do food most nights til 8:30pm (9:30pm in summer) and are open until 1 to 2am on a weekend night.

You can get a Carlton on tap for about $3.50 and there's an open fire place to sit by or just pull up a stood at the bar. Staff is always friendly and willing to help.

It can get bit smokey inside and the only thing that seems to be missing is a live music night.

Highly recommended to share a drink with friends indoors by the fire in winter and outdoors in the beer garden in summer.

Deco Wine Bar has a laid back feel to it. It's a cozy little venue set among a row of shops. During warm nights there are tables set up outside but most of the ambiance is retained in the small darkly lit inside. A long bench and tall chairs are set up along the window facing the street for those who want to people watch. Further in are comfy couches to lounge on and a few tables and chairs. On a weekend night space can be an issue and finding a seat might be a tad hard between 8-midnight. Their wine list is expansive, it would have to be for a Wine Bar. But don't worry..their friendly staff can navigate you through it and get you onto wine that suites your pallet and desires. Mid-priced bottles range from $20 to $30, with some going over my daily pay! They also serve some dreamy cocktails (about $8 to $11 a drink) and some great Belgium beers (about $8 to $12 depending on the beer). The staff are quick to get you new glasses if you switch wines and the low lighting is much appreciated after a few glasses.

If you live in the North Fitzroy/Fitzroy area this is a must to visit. Otherwise, if you don't mind the travel time, Tram #112 towards Preswick stops just outside, this is a great place to catch up with a mate and have a pre-going out drink or a nice Night Cap.

The Cape Lounge is hard to miss. It sits on the corner of Johnston and Brunswick opposite from the 7-11. A giant poster of their name is on the Johnston side. And the Cape Lounge is a BIG building. Which is a good thing come Friday and Saturday nights. With live music Wednesday and Sunday, a quiz night on Sundays and tasty meal deals, this bar welcomes a lot of people through the doors.

Upstairs plays host to local bands banging out any range of musical talents. The times I've been there the music has been on the harder/louder side, but I believe they do have a range of live acts play.

Downstairs is where the Sunday night pub quiz is held (although it takes a break during winter for a few weeks). Fix yourself up with a cheap but delicious Cape pizza for only $10 and grab yourself a beer on tap. Quiz nights are always good for a laugh...and you might even win some free stuff (including free drink).

Their menu includes pizzas (regularly $13 to $17 dollars) and a range of chef's specials to pub grub (anything fried, price range $6 to $8) to the seafood rice paella (around $18 to $22, to be shared).

There are comfortable couches spread through both levels and tables ranging in size. They are able to accommodate large group parties. There is an ATM inside the pub and they have credit/eftpos facilities behind the bar.

The Elephant and Wheelbarrow is an English style pub filled with mostly English backpackers getting pissed and trying to pick up. That being said...don't let that initially put you off. This pub is a classic example of "take it for what it is" kind of pub and night.

The night we went we were in the mood for a dance. What we found was a packed, large pub, no cover charge and a cheesy cover band called Play-Doh! However it was fit the need of the night. The band played cover of recent and past chart toppers and with their over the top enthusiasm they gave the crowd some much needed energy.
We found we could bounce around the dance floor, looking like spazzes and fit right in. It was a little hard not to bounce into people but most were either too pissed to notice or gave you room to bounce.

During times when the band took a break and after they were finished playing the bar put on R&B and top 20 type music.

It's a large enough place. I counted at least three bars and four separate rooms (one filled with just pool tables). Two separate toilet areas for men and women. An ATM inside and lots of security figures standing around.

There were also a few Hen parties that night and girl's night out...which means lots of drunk, annoying girls.

The E&W seems like the type of place that if you're a backpacker you have to go at least once and if you're not...well, you go to get pissed, have a boogie and write the night off to alcohol.

They show all the major sports games and have entertainment and drink specials daily, such as $5 select beer pints and free finger food. Food served daily too with most items around the $14-15 price range.

This bar is most famous for it's Neighbors' night. $35 dollars will get you in the door to meet (and take pictures with) the stars (and you won't know which stars til you're in the door). That's on a Monday night (and Thurs Jan-April) and they say bookings are a must.

Open daily at 11am. Til 1am Tues-Thurs and 3am Fri-Mon.

It's the bar with the giant baby on the building... most nights this bar is dark and loud from DJ's spinning. So perhaps those not into that scene should avoid on weekend nights. However, Bimbos has a few perks that the locals know about...

First:
For those looking for a quick and cheap mid-week meal look no further than Bimbo's on Brunswick St., Fitzroy. Monday through Friday from 12-4pm and Sunday through Thursday nights from 7-11pm Bimbos does a $4 pizza deal. You read that right, $4 for any pizza on their menu. Even if the pizza was just so-so in taste you'd be getting a bargain, but these pizzas are lovely. About 10 to 12-inch in size, so big enough to fill you up. They even have a few dessert pizzas for you sweet tooth’s-again $4. Normally (and on Friday and Saturday nights) these pizzas are around $12. They have a few beers on tap, including one of their own special brews- pots cost around $4. They also have a range of flavored vodkas on demand.

And Second:
They have an amazing roof top beer garden during the summer. What better way to get a jump start on your lazy Melbourne summer night than taking in a few beers high above the bustle of Brunswick? Bimbos have now added tin walls to block the strong day sun and, I suppose, make it a bit more exclusive.

I didn’t notice an ATM inside but there are plenty on the street. All off street parking (pay if you're on Brunswick). Open from about 11am till late (about 1am weekday nights, 3am weekends). non-smoking. Order at the bar.

A FIRE DESTROYED MUCH OF THE BUILDING CHERRY BAR IS IN! HOWEVER THE BAR ONLY SUSTAINED WATER DAMAGE AND WILL BE CLOSED FOR A SHORT TIME
keep your fingers crossed for a fast clean up!

It's late on a Saturday night and you want to dance. And not just move your head back and forth to an R&B beat but REALLY DANCE! The answer to your problem comes in the form of Cherry, one of Melbourne's best dance bars. Tucked down one of the little side alleys just off of Flinders Lane, you can hear Cherry before you see it. Weekend nights you'll pay about $5 to $15, depending on if they have a band or not. Thursdays Cherry is known for its groovy funk and '70s-style music. Saturday you'll find a mix of anything goes. Either way, Cherry breeds an atmosphere of fun. It doesn't matter how crazy you're dancing; the guy next to you is going just as mental.

Entering Cherry, you'll be greeted by usually two bouncers and a girl at the front desk (to take your entrance fee and check your coat if need be). It's not a big bar, just one large room with one bar, a dance floor two steps down, and a stage (for those of you who want to be seen dancing). It's usually pretty dark and grungy, but there's a certain rocker charm about the place. There is plenty of sitting room with cushioned seating around the dance floor and by the bar. Drinks aren't too pricey. A bottle of Crown will set you back $5, while most other bottles are around $6. Mixed are around $6 to $7. It's a pretty basic beer-and-spirits bar, but if you want the odd cocktail I'm sure the friendly bar staff will look after you.

I would highly recommend Cherry to anyone seeking a night out where they want to dance and don't want to deal with the usual "poser" pretense at other clubs. Open til 2am Sun-Thurs and 5am Fri-Sat.

Champagne Lounge is a place where the people I call posers go to. It's small, swank, overpriced, and filled with people dressed in their best wanting to be seen by others. The dance floor is small...really small. And it's not really the type of place you can dance in the aisles in, although you'll always find people that do. It's just one room and seating is not really a problem. The night we went, it was crowded, but we were still able to get a couch. Drinks are expensive and there is usually a cover charge and a long line. I've heard of grumbles about about the bouncers, and the night we went, they tried to scam an entry fee off us even though we were on a guest list.

Perhaps it's better on a weekday if you want some expensive bubbly. Open Thursday till late and till 3am Fri-Sat.

Dangerfield screams out with all of its own style. Best known for clothes that coincide with "Fitzroy fashion", these threads prove that clothes don’t have to be pretentious to be cool and don't have to cost a fortune.

With several stores around Melbourne (such as one on Flinders Street, one on Brunswick and several more tucked in corners throughout the city) you're sure to find one near you. It also has a sister store called Revival and many of the clothes you'll find in Dangerfield you can find here.

Clothing items range from Levis jeans (the run around $150) to T-shirts with old 80's cartoon characters on them (around $30-40). They like plaids, stripes and bold colours. Recently there have been some very cute dresses in a 60's airline stewardess style in the window. Most dresses will run $78.

They do have a men's section as well as a lady's. (Men's hoodies run around $80). They also sell undies, hats, belts and accessories.

The staff members are very friendly and pretty good judges of what looks good. If it doesn't, generally they'll tell you, bluntly. If you've just moved over to the N side of Melbourne check them out. If you are just passing through Melbourne and want to take home some genuine made in Melbourne clothes Dangerfield has some great picks and won't make you go broke.

Store hours vary but most open after 10am and are open til 5-7pm (or later). They take major credit cards.

Lounge is one of those places that is a cafe during the day, a bar in the evening and a nightclub at night. We chose Lounge because Boogs was DJing on a Saturday night before he went to Revolver to bring in the Sunday morning.

Lounge is several levels. Each only accessible from the street and not accessible from each other. The main street level area closes late afternoon. During the day Lounge has seating outside on the street and inside, serving coffees and light lunches. You can still head upstairs and get a pot during the day and sit on their 'outdoor balcony' which is heated in the winter and always wrapped with plastic, even in the summer.

The bar area has a bit of a grungy look to it. The bar itself is pretty nice. There is only 1 bar but the club is small, and the bar stretches... you won't wait long for a drink. Friday and Saturday night expect a cover of at least $5 if not $10. (But if Boogs is on you know you're getting your money's worth). Music on a Saturday night are house and breaks and the crowd is right into all of it.

There are three toilets for each sex so you might have to wait a while, and don't be surprised to see a little puke while in there. Seating is limited in peak hours. There are three large booths on the far wall near to the dance floor... a fairly large dance floor with a stage area. Other smaller tables and chairs are scattered throughout the club, including a pool table. The balcony is always busy, even in winter. Finding a seat may be a challenge and the bouncers frown on those sitting on the steps. The bar area does serve food (I think until about 9pm) and it's pretty decent for bar food. A meal will run between $10-$15 and a pot of draft beer will cost around $4.

If you are looking for a low-key place to have a beer on a Friday night or dance your socks off on a Saturday night this is your place.

Sitting next to the movie theater ticket queue, this pub extends back farther than I had originally thought. Based on an "original English Pub" this establishment has "outside seating" which means there a benches and tables out the front of the inside of the pub (but with fencing around and a rather beefy bouncer at the entrance point).
The happy hours and the amount of space inside are the best parts of this place. Happy hour starts at 5pm and runs until 7pm. AU$2.50 for house wine and champers and 2-for-1 on all the house spirits, which usually cost about $6.50 for one. Unlike some places, they will also let your 2-for-1 be a double.
For after-work folks and those wanting to have a drink or two before a 7pm movie, this is the place to be. Staff are, well, they could be friendlier. But given that it is a pub within a shopping center, and it was happy hour, I suppose smiles might slide a bit.
We found a few tables tucked all the way in the back and stayed put for hours. As we did, the pub gradually became busier and busier. There are two bars, one in the front bar and one in the back. Near the back bar is also a piano and live music on this particular Friday night. The front bar has several TVs on which they play different sporting events from around the world. I can only recall seeing one pool table and there are a few video-type games in the back bar.
The Lion does standard pub food: chips, wedges, burgers, nachos, etc. (All around $8-$12 with mains reaching up into the $20s). Two gals at our table ordered. One received their food within 15 minutes. For the other, it took well over an hour with still no wedge in sight. After complaining, we did receive two bowls. Another gal ordered a steak for over $16 and was unimpressed by the size. She complained and was compensated by another plate of steak, chips, and salad.
I have been in other times and it is a nice place to wait out the time before a movie. The music is cheesy and if you happen to wander in on a Friday night happy hour, expect to see a lot of happily inebriated people.
Open from 11am til late. Food served after noon.

The Sunday Market at the Art Centre features many homemade and handcrafted products. Starting at street level there are about ten tables including a clairvoyant and a few handcrafted jewellery stalls. There is one man who handcrafts silver jewellery into different Australian animals. I have a lovely kangaroo pendant and some wombat earrings from this man. His products, like many other of the stalls you will find here, are unique and not outrageously priced. Most of the stalls are down at the riverside level. You will find about 3-4 stalls selling photography from around Australia (this count doesn't include the various other stalls selling paintings). A few stalls that have caught my eye are:

1) Magnetic healing stall - selling magnets to ease back pain and increase energy.
2) A jewellery stall selling items made from old computer chips (a bargain at $16 per necklace).
3) Soaps in shapes of cupcakes, donuts and other non-edible creations.
4) The sweet corn booth - $3.50 per ear - yum.
5) The mini-pancake booth - selling mini profiterole shaped pancakes with your choice of sweet toppings. $5 for 19 small pancakes.

This open air market is on every Sunday and most of the stalls have a regular table. Best to go on a sunny day but the part below is covered so you won't get wet if raining. And if you get bored of shopping there are usually street performers on the west end of the market.
Market is open until about 4-5pm.

Where else can you lounge around on white lawn chairs sat on fake grass indoors while being served martinis and cocktails by a staff dressed like workers from a posh American country club? Madame Brussels, one of the many hidden bars in Melbourne, offers all of this plus blankets to keep the winter chill out while you sit on the open air rooftop section. True to Melbourne's hidden bar culture Madame Brussels is a bit hard to find. On the top floor of a three story building there is a small sign at the entrance noting the bar; however, the doors make reference to a Chinese restaurant or club, making for confusion the first time we went. You can walk the three flights up...or you can take the lift.

It's not a big place, so it can get crowded. However, most nights that I've been there it has been full but not packed to the point where you can't move. The only mood lighting you will find is out on the deck, inside is brightly lit which accentuates the white pressed club outfits worn by the staff.

As for drinks, this isn't really a beer drinker’s venue. Cocktails and martinis have the right of way, as does the odd glass of vino. Jugs of cocktails for 2 will cost around $25, while a jug for 4 is around $45. We got a jug of the espresso martinis, which filled each of our glasses twice (and was extremely tasty!).

You won't break the bank coming here: most single cocktails average $16, which is pretty standard in Melbourne. However, it's the novelty of the bar that attracts the crowds. The view down onto Bourke and towards Spring Street is lovely in the street light glow at night, and the added comfort of fuzzy pastel blankets makes sharing that view with your friends possible. If you are in the area, this is definitely worth at least for one drink, if only to say you've been!

In need of a stiff cocktail? How about one made by staff who have been awarded time and time again for their cocktail making (and inventing) skills? Ginger is the place for you.

Bathed in soft orange (ginger) lights the bartenders swirl, shake, mix, and make-up various concoctions in view of the windows to Brunswick street and wide eyed drinkers inside. Behind the bar are several shelves lined with liqueur, which makes sense once you see the size of the menu. You can order at the bar, but it's mostly table service where, when you are first seated, you get a jug of water in a tequila bottle and a cocktail menu about 7 pages long. Settle in, because it's gonna take you at least ten minutes to ready through all the different drink descriptions.

Luckily they break the drinks up into sections so you can flick through to the area you think you might enjoy best. Since I'm a fan of creamy drinks the chocolate martinis and white chocolate brulee mixes usually top my list. However, fans of fruity drinks can find a range of temping combinations to satisfy their drinking desires. Most cocktails run between $15-$18 dollars. They also have a selection of beers and a range of wines by the bottle or the glass.

Ginger has two levels, with a function room (and toilets) upstairs. They do light snacks and sweets, but while the bar is open til 3am, the kitchen is not. Kitchen shuts around 10pm or 11pm.

Do note that these cocktails are STRONG and two will have you well into a start of a messy night. Some of the bartenders can cop an attitude but the ladies doing table service are lovely and well informed. So grab yourself a window front table to watch the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night on Brunswick Street, or sneak into a corner and forget the rest of the world exists.

For those that love live music and love to boogie, The Night Cat is the place for you. From jazz, to funk, to Latin beats Night Cat delivers night after night. This iconic Fitzroy club has been running for 13 years. Entry is almost always free. You'll find salsa classes on Sunday nights from 7pm and live music after that at 10pm. It's free entry to watch the class, and after 10pm when the band starts, or $15 to participate.

Only open Thursday through Sunday nights, those that are in the know head there early on a Saturday to avoid the queue and get a spot on the crowded dance floor. A regular band which features on Saturday nights (every few months) is Relax with Max, turning out three sets of good time funk from 10pm until 1pm. With new smoke free laws now in effect you can actually see in the club and you don't come out smelling of smoke (usually just sweat).

The crowd varies (this is Fitzroy so expect some unusual characters), but mostly they are friendly folk. The bouncers are quick to jump in at any trouble (and to point out your attire mistakes). Seats and tables available around the dance floor but get in early or enjoy them after the crowd thins at 1am. House beer from $3.50, house wine from $4 per glass, cocktails from around $12.

Opening hours: Thur-Sun 8pm-1am
Coat check $3. Off street parking offered. Get off tram 112 at Johnston Street.

One of the newer bar additions to Brunswick street is Palookaville. This large open area bar's biggest draw is the live music. They offer a mix of open mic nights and local bands.
Palookaville has managed to make a large space feel cozy. You can be the middle of the music scene and sit by the bar or stage or choose to remove yourself by grabbing a beer and heading to the pool table or comfy large chairs near the front.
The decor is relaxed and easy on the eyes, much like the bar staff.
Fully licenced with standard beer Carlton on tap and plenty of chilled bottle choices a beer will run you about $5 a pot to $7 a bottle. A nice selection of wines by the bottle or glass. Bottles around $22 and up.
Meal deals during the week are $10. This just includes the meal, not an accompanying drink, but well worth the special price.
At last visit we had the moroccian lamb with cous cous and salt/pepper squid. The lamb was perfect, falling off the bone. And for dessert I highly recommend the Dirty Chocolate Cake - $8 (do share).
They do have a second level, where the toliets are and a gallery space for funtions.
A great place to enjoy a drink, some great music and good food.
Free Entry most nights.

Tue-Fri 3pm-10pm
Sat-Sun 10am-11pm

Entree: $7-$10
Mains: $15-$19 (meal deals for $10)
Dessert: $5-$7
Payment accepted: MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club, American Express and EFTPOS

Just a 2 hour drive from Melbourne is Phillip Island, home to the famous little penguins (once called fairy penguins). One of the main tourist attractions in Victoria it is highly popular and therefore extremely crowded.
You'll most likely want to book your accomodation on Phillip Island (by the time the "show" is over near 11pm in summer you might not want the long drive home.) A walk along the coast boardwalk just past the Penguin welcome centre is suggested for the late afternoon. You can sometimes see a few little penguins who have come in before the sun has set.
Plan to get to the welcome centre about an hour before sunset to secure your seat on either the beach or the concrete stadium stands. Much of this seems pretty contrived and schoolish. You have a ranger who tells you what to expect "the penguins come in from the water and up the dunes" and then enforces the no photography, no loud noises, no standing rules. People are packed onto roped off sand areas or squeezed into already packed stands.
The penguins are small and it's dark so getting a good glimps of them is hard. My suggestion is to wait out the first few penguins coming in..then at about 30 minutes into it the crowds start leaving and you can make your way onto the side of the beach where the penguins come up. Marvel at this for a while then start your walk back along the boardwalk.
Here you can see upclose the penguins as they walk up their regular paths to their nests. We went in Feb and were treated to a bunch of baby penguins waiting for their parents to come home to feed them.
The first half of this experience I was unimpressed by. But the second, seeing the penguins and babies up close made my general entry fee of $17.90 well worth the money paid.

Alternatively if you want to doll out the extra cash you can get a ticket to the penguins plus viewing area which has limited numbers of people and better viewing. I don't think paying the extra is really necessary as you can see the penguins along the boardwalk as you head back up.

A nice experience for kids who have the patience to sit and wait for a while.

Penguin Parade & Visitor Centre
adult$17.90 kids$9.00
Penguins Plus Viewing Platform
adult$30.00 kids$15.00
Penguins Sky Box (adults only) $44.00 Ultimate Penguin Experience (Adults only)$65.00

Close to Falls Creek Ski hill sits Mt Bogong, Victoria's highest mountain. Spanning 2K high this hike can be easily be done as a day hike or with huts at the top an overnight adventure.
We opted for a girls hiking overnight adventure trip. The weekend in March we went the temps in Melbourne rested just above the 40degree mark. Our in the alpine area temps were a bit nicer around 27 degrees. In the local aboriginal language Bogong means bigfella.
We started out at noon with our backpacks packed and at least 2 liters of water each. (There are fresh water tanks at two of the huts at the top).
The first 20minutes into the forest you cross small creeks and climb over bridges. The track up the 8k staircase spur (the most common route up) is clearly marked. The incline starts almost at once and only increases as you continue. With our massive packs on and the heat we struggled with this first part.
Half way will find you at a small emergency hut, Bivouac Hut. There is no good water at this hut. We stopped here for lunch.
Wildlife was pretty scarce but the views were already good. The further up you get the alpine ash trees give way to white/silver bark snow gum trees with no leaves, and as the trees thin the view gets less obstructed.
Just past Bivouac Hut there is another steep incline. This zig-zags up. Luckily there are big rocks, nice for resting on. You will eventually reach a point where you are above the tree line. The views are stunning on a clear day, which we had, and you can see for miles in any direction. We only passed about 4 people the whole day, and they were coming down. However during the summer and more specifically, during the holidays human traffic on the trail is pretty high. A fit person doing the walk without a large pack is expected to summit with-in about 4 hrs. We made it in 6.
The last section going up including climbing rock like stairs for a bit, then, as the trail does get thinner, we broke away from the track and just went up the grass towards the rock pile marking the summit. (I would suggest keeping to the track). At the top you are greeted to 360 panoramic view of the Alpine region. You can see neighbouring Falls Creek, the valleys and if you get up there at the right time, and plan on spending the night, the beginning of a gorgeous sunset.
At the top you have a choice of huts, the Cleve Cole hut, about a 30min walk south of the summit or Mitchell Hut, which was just rebuilt, down the Eskdale Spur. We descended the Eskdale Spur opted for the newer hut.
The new hut is particularly nice, with a new outhouse and large fresh-water tank. This is an emergency hut and they discourage people from spending multiple nights.
No fires are allowed outdoors up the Mt in the summer dry season, however in the huts fire is allowed. You can either build your own in the fireplace or use a trans stove if brought one along. Oh, and like most nature walks, there are no rubbish bins. What you take in, you take out with you.
Now then, a word to those who don't like spiders (such as myself). There are big ones that live in the huts. They are big, hairy and pretty harmless, they won't kill you. The alpine spider looks much like a huntsman and likes to live on the walls. This forced me into my tent (shamefully set up inside the hut).
The walk down was much easier and uneventful. The walk down via the Eskdale Spur is longer but its easier on the knees during the decent. The extra length comes not from the decent but brings you out further into the forest and therefore takes a few Ks more to get back to the car park.
Be wary in the wet season for leeches in the bush.
Don't forget to sign in (and out).
A very physically tough track but well worth the effort. Enjoy!

The yacht club in Lygon street is a gem among a mass of Italian eateries. There is a small cosy in-door area and tables outdoors with umbrellas for when the Melbourne skies decide to open unannounced.
There are plenty of restaurants but not too many bar options on Lygon street. This funky bar has a slight nautical feel to it, as suggested by the name. But they haven't gone overboard (please excuse the pun). Simply decorated and low lit, it's a nice date bar or a relaxed atmosphere for a post dinner or cinema Nova drink. The tunes are refreshingly mostly NZ dub music and the cocktail list is long. There is a coffee machine and liquor cocktails are on offer.
Wine and beer are reasonably priced at around the $6-7 dollar mark. Cocktails average around $15. There is a small nibbles menu with breads and dips.
Friendly bar staff and it's never been too crowded when I've gone, although you might just have to try your luck with the outdoor tables on a nice night.
Open 7 days a week: Sun – Weds 5pm – 1am
Thurs – Sat 5pm – 3am and every day of the year.

In travel sometimes choices are driven purely on choice. This can work out incredibly well or backfire by way of poor service or a shotty product.
Recently I took a trip to Tasmania. We booked the flight a week in advance and celebrated our luck on getting extremely cheap flights from Melbourne to Launceston. Looked like the flights there and back would be under $100AUS. This was great not only for a week before but in general a great deal.
Departing on a Friday afternoon we struggled through post-working week traffic but made it to the airport with over an hour til the flight.
However upon checking in we were told we were too late. Check in had closed. This was 60 minutes before a domestic flight. According to their website check in closed 45 minutes before the flight. Outraged we asked if there was anything that could be done. The flat answer "no". After being pushed the check in attendant seemed to waver, suggesting there was something could be done. Not just for myself and two travel partners but for the other couple who had arrived same time as us for the same flight.
But again, after the slight waver, "no".
Being that it was the last flight through Tiger for the night, if we wanted to get to Tas that night our only choice was to go to Jetstar across the airport floor and book a one-way flight with them. Our story wasn't new to them. The check-in attendant told us they get several people a day searching for a flight after being turned away from Tiger flights.
Upon our return flight we arranged for plenty of check-in time. However this time my partner had trouble checking in his fishing rod, safely stored in a cardboard tube. They wanted an extra fee to check in the tube because it was an "odd-shape", after much back and forth between my partner and staff, he found that by strapping the tube to his pack this was sufficient and would not occur a fee. Why staff didn't suggest this in the first place baffled us.
Over all it was a horrible (and pricey) flying experience. It also reinforced the saying 'you get what you pay for'.
In today's paper they have announced that Tiger will be charging for checked luggage. $5 if you check on the box while booking online, $20 if you wait til you get to the airport (and that's if you make it 'in time').
This is one airline I would suggest avoiding. Based on my experience I won't be using them again.
And if you do decide to take the cheap option and go with them...do get there 2 hours ahead of time!