Not every great adventure involves bush-bashing. Melbourne is just as wild and unpredictable.
Located in the state of Victoria, this coastal capital appears on the surface as another buzzing concrete jungle. Yet if you wander long enough and lose yourself in the streets, you will inevitably stumble upon captivating and quirky sights in every lane. If you’re after an exploration of a different kind, check out these 5 under-the-radar spots, that even locals pass by, in and around the CBD. (The best part? They won’t cost you a cent!)
- The Dirty Dozen
Without a doubt, Melbourne boasts a unique array of artist expression throughout the city.
The Campbell Arcade is no exception. It is a reasonably popular scene and has a large number of people pass through daily. But what many probably don’t realise, is if you head a little toward the side of the arcade you’ll discover a set of stairs leading down to a subway underpass. This extends between Flinders Street and Degraves Street.
Here lies The Dirty Dozen, a creative space for artists to display their work of various forms. The exhibition is run by City of Melbourne’s Creative Space Program. It publically showcases works of particular artists, which fall under a theme, with a new theme chosen every few months. In the last two years alone, The Dirty Dozen has held nine exhibits, displaying art from over 80 different creative professionals. The most common medium you will find in the Dirty Dozen is three-dimensional pieces and sculptures.
- Fitzroy Gardens
The grass is greener in Fitzroy Gardens. The 26 hectares of lush, well-maintained lawns, flower beds and ancient trees make this the perfect spot to sit down and relax or take a leisurely stroll along the wide paths that cross the gardens. While the gardens themselves are quite well-known, there are features within them which are lesser known. The highlights are:
- The Rotunda – with its elegant pillars.
- Captain Cook’s Cottage – with its intriguing history.
- The Conservatory – housing beautiful and vibrant flora.
- The Miniature Village – and its unique story.
Brighton Beach
Just eleven kilometres outside the Melbourne Business District, Brighton Beach in Port Phillip Bay is a sight to behold. You simply cannot miss the 82 brightly coloured wooden bathing boxes which line the shore. Each has been painted with a unique design by the individual owners of the boxes. Apart from this, the bathing boxes have remained almost the same since they were first built over a century ago in response to Victorian morals. In addition to the bathing boxes, the beach itself is very calm and still. Great for taking a dip!
- Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Bunjilaka is a museum of various exhibitions which all tell the story of Indigenous people and the land. Exhibitions include Indigenous artwork and displays of hunting weapons, tools and clothes. There is also a series of video-audio exhibitions called Deep Listening Space where visitors are invited to watch and listen to the stories and experiences of Indigenous people in the series In Many Nations and First Peoples.
The Bunjilaka museum offers a unique and intimate opportunity to learn of Indigenous culture and history in Victoria and Koorie community.
- Victoria Night Market
The Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere, at seven hectares. The Night Market first began less than two decades ago and so has a lower attendance compared to the Queen Victoria Market which has been active since 1868. The Night Market is open every Wednesday night 5:00pm – 10:00pm and is host to a wide range of stalls for clothes, homewares and knick-knacks. There are a variety of delicious international food and drink options available including traditional Spanish and Greek cuisine and classic American desserts. High quality music performances also take place throughout the night on various stages, adding to the upbeat and fun atmosphere. No matter your age or interests, with all the Night Market has to offer, you are sure to be entertained.
Melbourne is a unique and trendy city that never fails to disappoint and always keeps you on your toes. There is always something just waiting to be discovered unexpectedly. Everyone needs to experience the element of surprise Melbourne breathes, at least once!
Emily Cooper is a first-year Arts student of Avondale College studying Marketing, Communication and Graphic Design.When she’s not busy doing assessments, she can often be found exploring bush and beach tracks around her hometown on the Central Coast. She enjoys sharing her travels through photography and you can keep up-to-date on her adventures via her Instagram page @emsadventures.