Before arriving in Australia, I had my sights set on Melbourne. Despite Mike having had two sub-par experiences there previously, I knew it was the city for me. So many other travelers and bloggers rave about the city, I figured that Mike’s visits were just flukes. I mean, you can’t look at Kristina’s Instagram feed and not fall in love with Melbourne!
So what did I think of it?
It was pretty great… but it just wasn’t the place for me at that time.
We took the train into the city a few times while staying in Mornington, and explored a bit more while staying with Alli in the city. Even though we hoped to spend a few months in Melbourne, it just felt like it was time to move on.
And funnily enough, even though I was really excited to be in Melbourne, I hardly took any photos. (Although I do have vague memories of taking photos I can’t find.)
So here are the highlights:
1. Meeting Alli and Rob. – A few weeks before we arrived in Melbourne, Alli got in touch and invited us to stay with her and her husband for a night or two. She seemed nice (from her blog) and Australia is expensive… so we went for it. I figured she could either be weird and we’d have an awkward few days, or she’d be really great and I’d make a new friend. You guys, she’s really weird. Totally kidding. I’m so glad we took Alli up on her offer. Both she and Rob were friendly, welcoming, hospitable, and interesting. It was so nice to enjoy good conversations, good food, and a cozy bed. And now I have my very own Aussie friend that I can email with random Australia related questions! Thanks again for having us Alli and Rob!
2. Australian Center for the Moving Image – This museum was so fun, we went twice! I keep failing at trying to describe it, so let me quote their website: “The centrepiece is a new, free entry, permanent exhibition charting the journey of the moving image and, in particular, Australia’s engagement with screen culture as consumer and creator. Screen Worlds: The Story of Film, Television, and Digital Culture is a unique, interactive and immersive exhibition that dynamically illustrates how each of the forms of the moving image have emerged and evolved as a powerful creative medium.” If you’ve ever wanted to create your own Matrix-like scene in bullet time, this is the place. There’s also an amazing exhibit on right now featuring Hollywood costumes. I’m sad I missed it!
3. The Astor Theatre – One night Mike and I took the train into the city to catch an Audrey Hepburn double feature at the Astor Theatre. We watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s and then snuck out after the first twenty minutes of Roman Holiday. It pained me to leave (I love that movie) but we had to get back to attend to the cat. The theatre itself is absolutely gorgeous. I loved the 1930s art-deco atmosphere. I just wish I had been better dressed for the evening.
4. Lentil As Anything – In every new city I look up vegetarian restaurants to try out. I was really excited about this one. Lentil As Anything operates as a “pay what you feel” restaurant. This means you pay what you feel the food and the experience is worth to you. It’s a business model that doesn’t seem like it would work, but it does. Lentil As Anything has been going strong for over 13 years with three locations. We ate at the St. Kilda restaurant and the food was delicious.
5. State Library of Victoria – I love libraries in general and reading rooms in particular. The State Library of Victoria is no exception. There’s something about housing over 2 million books in the same building that creates an enchanting atmosphere. In addition to the books, you can also visit a variety of exhibitions including the homemade armor of the infamous Ned Kelly. (And who doesn’t want to see that?)
It’s funny how what you predict to be true, isn’t always the case. I still think that Melbourne as a city suits me (much more so than Sydney), I just didn’t feel compelled to stick around for too long. Maybe next time. The road was calling.
xo, jill
I also suspect that Melbourne is *my* Australian city, but I guess there’s only one way to find out. Also, sometimes I think that there are cities that are good for every day life but not so great for when you are playing tourist/traveler. For instance, my hometown of Toronto is an excellent place to live in many respects, but I can never understand why people visit it on extended vacations. I mean, what do you do in Toronto if you’re not going about the business of every day life?!? I wonder if maybe Melbourne is a little bit like that?
Mike says the same thing about Toronto. When I visited last summer there weren’t very many things to do… but it did seem like a nice place in general. I think Melbourne has more to do for visitors, but the rain set in and nothing was coming easily… so we took off!
I’ve heard the same thing about Melbourne before. It looks like fun to visit, but maybe not the best place for long-term?
It was SUCH a pleasure meeting you two, you are welcome any time! I’m sorry we were such distracted hosts, but I am so glad you got to lentil as anything. And full disclosure: we are a little weird. And I love your commitment to Melbourne. It will get under your skin, eventually. But that may just be my bias! x
I think you’re right, timing is everything and if you’re not feeling it, you can’t force it. I was totally in love with Melbourne and in truth, still am. However it was exactly what i was looking for at that particular time. Great night life, lots of trams to ride and yummy coffee and food (I pretty much lived off caffeine and sushi). But then I did leave this city completely broke and banished to the outback.
so glad the library made it on to your list, it was one of my favorite places – thank god for free internet!