Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific)
FOUR HOURS IN MELBOURNE
Alex Andersson strolls through the hip laneways and historic buildings of this Southern Australian city
THIS roughly 200-year-old Australian city has always had an intense rivalry with its more glamorous counterpart to the North – Sydney. But what Melbourne lacks in harbour-front views drenched in perpetual sunshine it more than makes up for in quirky character and culture. Hence the Aussie saying: “Melbourne is like the girl you take home to your mother, while Sydney’s the one you take home for the night.”
This modern city is a manageable size and is mapped out on a grid system, making it very easy to navigate on foot. There is also the iconic No 35 city circle tram, which is free and loops the CBD throughout the day, and a bike share scheme with stations throughout the city. To rent these you pay as little as A$2.50 (US$2.25) using your Visa card at the stations. Read more at melbournebikeshare.com.au
1 IAN POTTER CENTRE: NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA, FEDERATION SQUARE
The first stop is at Federation Square in the centre of the city, next to Flinders Street train station – the hub of Melbourne’s underground metro. You can store your luggage at Travellers Aid in the station, and afterwards cross the street to the square where you will find the Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Australia. This is part of Australia’s oldest public art gallery, the National Gallery of Victoria, which was founded in 1861. In a city of over 100 galleries, this is an excellent choice because of its comprehensive indigenous art collection, with over 3,000 original pieces of artwork. The vibrantly decorated shields on display are particularly intriguing. Open 10am-5pm, closed Mondays. Free entry. Tel: +61 3 8620 2222.
www.ngv.vic.gov.au
2 ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
Cross the street from Federation Square and you will be at St Paul’s Cathedral. Also free of charge, this tranquil respite features Venetian glass mosaic, marble floors and Gothic Transitional architecture. Opened in 1891, natural light pours into this calm, quiet oasis – and allows for some shelter from Melbourne’s erratic weather. Outside horses with carriages depart continuously, so
you could hop on those for a city tour if you so desire. Open 8am6pm on weekdays, 9am-4pm on Saturdays and 730am-730pm on Sundays. www.stpaulscathedral.org.au
3 SEA SALT, DEGRAVES STREET
Walk westward along Flinders Street and turn down your second right on to Degraves Street for a sample of Melbourne’s renowned, bustling laneways. Surprisingly void of pretentiousness, this hip street is lined with independent shops and cafes interspersed with splashes of vivid street art. The alfresco seating makes for the perfect place to indulge in a cup of coffee – let’s just hope there are seats available! Trendy Melbournians flock here and the atmosphere is positively abuzz. Try Sea Salt for a taste of the famously fresh seafood fare. An enormous serving of catch of the day with chips and salad is A$13.9 (US$12.54), comes out piping hot and the fish is so tender it falls of your fork. Located on 31 Degraves Street, open 10am-830pm every day. Tel: +61 3 9654 2095.
www.sea-salt.com.au
4 FLINDERS LANE
At the top of Degraves Street you’ll find Flinders Lane – the mecca of Melbourne- born fashion and product design. This creative city has bred some serious style – and everybody who’s anybody is showcasing their wares and items in shops along this street. To pick up some limited edition, uniquely designed jewellery, textiles, glass, ceramic and timber works, walk eastward down Flinders Lane to the Craft boutique, at no 31. Open Monday-Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Tel: +61 3 9650 7775.
www.craft.org.au/buy/shop/
5 BLOCK ARCADE
Where Flinders Lane intersects with the larger Elizabeth Street, turn northward onto it and walk until you hit the corner of Collins Street. This is the more “upmarket” shopping area, and nothing is greater testament to this than Block Arcade – a Melbourne icon of colonial high society. The magnificent building carries a National Trust classification, and epitomises lavish Victorian architecture and elegance. The structure that stands today was first built in 1892, and was modeled on the Milano Galleria Vittorio Emmanuel arcade in Italy. Its charming character and historical design touches are a joy to experience, as well as the 29 upmarket retailers it houses, including the Hopetoun Tea Rooms which have remained operational since the very first day the mall opened. For more information on this fascinating café, visit hopetountearooms.com.au. Block Arcade is located on 282 Collins Street, and is open 8am-6pm from Monday-Wednesday, 8am-9pm on Thursday and Friday, 8am-5pm on Saturday and 9am-5pm on Sunday. Tel: +61 3 9654 5244.