South of the Yarra
Explore the National Gallery of Victoria and surrounds and you’ll find plenty of great spots to eat, drink, shop and play: these are our top picks
GALLERY 01 NGV International
You could spend a whole afternoon here. Start by pondering life under the world’s largest stained glass ceiling in the Great Hall, explore the stellar permanent art collection, visit the new (slightly unnerving) exhibition Pleasure and Reality ( Sep 18-Feb 16), then take high tea in the Tea Room. 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3006. 03 8620 2222. www.ngv.vic.gov.au. General admission is free. Daily 10am-5pm.
THEATRE 02 Melbourne Theatre Company
Hit the city’s main stage for world-class theatre offerings. September boasts a production of Harold Pinter’s classic told-in-reverse drama Betrayal, starring Alison Bell, as well as The Weir by awardwinning Irish playwright Conor McPherson. Arrive early for a drink at Blondie Bar next door and you might spot one of the actors. 140 Southbank Blvd, Southbank 3006. 03 8688 0800. www.mtc.com.au.
BAR 03 Waterslide Bar
Thirsty? You won’t be short of options at Waterslide Bar. Enjoy beautiful views of the Yarra and Melbourne’s skyline while you test out signature cocktails and the hefty line-up of whiskeys that purists and novice drinkers will appreciate. Take in the stylish, old-world Melbourne interior over bar snacks like deep fried gnocchi and pork Cuban sandwiches. 26 Southgate Ave, Southbank 3006. www.waterslidebar.com.au. Daily 4pm-late.
CAFÉ 04 Bibelot
You’re in a candy store for adults, so treat yourself. Equal parts café, gelateria, pâtisserie and chocolate shop, Bibelot’s main offering of high-end teacakes look almost too beautiful to eat. Sit and watch treats being made in the laboratory-like interior, and nab a bag of gourmet bonbons – or éclairs, tarts, biscuits or tuiles – to take home. 285-287 Coventry St, South Melbourne 3205. 03 9690 2688. www.bibelot.com.au. Sun-Thu 10am-6pm; Fri, Sat 10am-10pm.
PUB 05 The Palace Hotel
Victorian craft beers such as Hawker’s IPA and 3 Ravens Dark Ale are on heavy rotation on the taps at this South Melbourne pub. They go amazingly well with pub favourites like the bangers and mash and daily pie with a mountain of mash and mushy peas. Say hello to Billy the in-house pooch while you’re there. 505 City Rd, South Melbourne 3205. 03 9682 3177. www.thepalacehotel.net.au. Daily noon-1am.
SHOP 06 American Rag
This slice of vintage heaven stocks high quality pre-loved gear sourced from around the world. Restocking once a week, it’s got everything from wasp-waisted ’40s and ’50s dresses through to flares. The store’s as good for the on-trend set as the dedicated vintage hound. Shop M24, Southgate Arts and Leisure Centre, 3 Southgate Ave, Southbank 3006. 03 9699 2978. americanragmelbourne.com.au. Mon, Tue 10am-6pm; Wed-Sat 10.30am-7pm; Sun 11am-5.30pm.
MARKET 07 South Melbourne Market
Butchers, bakers, grocers and fishmongers make this one of Melbourne’s best fresh markets. Get an iced chai latte at Tea Drop while doing the fruit and veggie rounds, go nuts with three pastries for a tenner at La Lapa and grab locally made homewares at the SuperCool. 322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne 3205. 03 9209 6295. southmelbournemarket.com.au. Wed, Sat & Sun 8am-4pm; Fri 8am-5pm.
RESTAURANT 08 Jardin Tan
The Botanic Gardens are a verdant haven in the heart of town. Work up an appetite strolling through the manicured gardens (the Californian Garden and the hothouse are musts), then enjoy lunch at Shannon Bennett and the Vue De Monde team’s latest outing: a French-Vietnamese eatery right in the middle of the Gardens that’s also a coffee-and-cake kind of place. Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra 3141. 03 9021 2111. jardintan.com.au. Daily 8am-4pm.
CAFÉ 09 Dead Man Espresso
A wide expanse of honey-toned polished wood sets the scene for coffee blends by North Melbourne’s Seven Seeds. Food-wise the focus is on quality local produce (on the roof there’s a herb and veggie garden plus a beehive). Think avocado with chevre, blood orange and radish on organic sourdough or a Reuben sandwich plump with pastrami, sauerkraut and pickles. 35 Market St, South Melbourne 3205. 03 9686 2255. www.deadmanespresso.com.au. Mon-Thu 7am-4pm; Fri 7am-10pm; Sat, Sun: 8am-4pm.