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Melbourne Virtual Guide
Melbourne is a vibrant and diverse city that is known for its rich culture, world-class food and wine, and beautiful natural surroundings. With a wide range of virtual experiences and tours available, you can explore all the has to offer from the comfort of your own home. From virtual tours of iconic landmarks and museums to virtual cooking classes and concerts. So, whether you’re a fan of art, food, or history, a virtual trip to Melbourne is the perfect way to experience all the city has to offer.
Best place for a coffee
There is good reason Melbourne is deemed the coffee capital of the world. The city’s espresso culture harks back more than half a century, powered by a wave of Italian immigrants and the city’s entrepreneurial culture. Today, Melbourne's roasters and baristas are some of the most accomplished, inventive, and technical on earth and the city is veritably oozing with cafes. Demonstrating both this inventiveness and the city’s demand for beans, Melbourne’s top coffee shops were quick to move online amidst strict Covid-19 lockdowns.
Carlton’s cult specialty roaster Seven Seeds still has your weekend brunch sorted, with waffle benedict kits and cold brew delivered city-wide. Freshly roasted beans (their Golden Gate blend fuels many of the city’s cafes) Chai and even wearable merch is available for the home.
Market Lane coffee is another roasting powerhouse servicing the city in keeping caffeinated at home. Their Carlton outpost is a brilliant stop-off for an espresso spritz (the caffeinated beverage you never realised you were missing) and a window shop at Melbourne’s most beloved bookstore Readings.
On the south side of the city, ST ALi is internationally celebrated for its visionary focus on experience, accessible customer education, and high-end coffee. The go-to destination has put both the customer and community at the centre of its Covid-19 pivot, expanding its retail presence into a “General Store.” Described as “Thoughtful provisions curated by ST. ALi,” the platform stocks a buzzing cross-section of Melbourne’s finest makers and provedores.
Carlton’s cult specialty roaster Seven Seeds still has your weekend brunch sorted, with waffle benedict kits and cold brew delivered city-wide. Freshly roasted beans (their Golden Gate blend fuels many of the city’s cafes) Chai and even wearable merch is available for the home.
Market Lane coffee is another roasting powerhouse servicing the city in keeping caffeinated at home. Their Carlton outpost is a brilliant stop-off for an espresso spritz (the caffeinated beverage you never realised you were missing) and a window shop at Melbourne’s most beloved bookstore Readings.
On the south side of the city, ST ALi is internationally celebrated for its visionary focus on experience, accessible customer education, and high-end coffee. The go-to destination has put both the customer and community at the centre of its Covid-19 pivot, expanding its retail presence into a “General Store.” Described as “Thoughtful provisions curated by ST. ALi,” the platform stocks a buzzing cross-section of Melbourne’s finest makers and provedores.
Best place for a cheap eat
The City of Melbourne is home to one of the world's most culturally diverse communities. Teamed with Victoria’s rich regional bounty of produce, you’ve got a foodie haven for all budgets. Juicy Dumplings, Crispy Banh Mi, or Korean Fried Chicken (note: Melbourne LOVES Korean fried Chicken and beer,) can all be easily accessed with an A+ Google Review and on a $10-20 AUD Budget.
To sample the best in local produce and even the opportunity to assemble your own snack, take a trip to the iconic Queen Victoria Market. From lauded chocolatier Koko Black to a truffle toastie from an Australian-only cheese store ripe, there are specialized treats to delight any palette and pocket. For a luxe treat without the tax on overheads, head to the seafood department for a tray of fresh Tasmania oysters and a slice of lemon. Eat outside in the sunshine and watch the passersby do their weekly shopping.
To sample the best in local produce and even the opportunity to assemble your own snack, take a trip to the iconic Queen Victoria Market. From lauded chocolatier Koko Black to a truffle toastie from an Australian-only cheese store ripe, there are specialized treats to delight any palette and pocket. For a luxe treat without the tax on overheads, head to the seafood department for a tray of fresh Tasmania oysters and a slice of lemon. Eat outside in the sunshine and watch the passersby do their weekly shopping.
Where to blow the budget
From the low to high end of the scale, Melbourne is best experienced via plate, bowl, and glass. Fine dining and drinking is a cultural institution for many a Melbourner and some of the city’s most agenda-setting restaurants have banded together to keep the industry alive in lockdown. Providoor - a new generation delivery service, was developed by celebrity chef Shane Delia to bring Melbourne’s hospitality jewel’s into people's homes during the lockdown. From Instagram's famous Tipo OO and Supernormal to Melbourne’s most famed cantonese restaurant Flower Drum (for the first time in history doing takeaway,) the best of Melbourne’s culinary landscape has been empowered to pivot their menu to travel and be finished off in the peoples homes (some packages even offer a chef to do that finishing!) Apertivo hour in Bar Margaux’s moody underground haunt can now be experienced at home.
Additionally, Ben Shewry’s Attica is regularly awarded the best restaurant in Australia. Since March, Shewry has spun his world-famous fine diner off in several different directions. He turned the restaurant into a bakery, started a soup project for unemployed hospitality workers on temporary visas, and partnered with a range of artists to put out a line of merch. Throughout it all, takeaway and delivery service Attica at Home has been selling tasting menus starring classic dishes from the restaurant’s past.
Additionally, Ben Shewry’s Attica is regularly awarded the best restaurant in Australia. Since March, Shewry has spun his world-famous fine diner off in several different directions. He turned the restaurant into a bakery, started a soup project for unemployed hospitality workers on temporary visas, and partnered with a range of artists to put out a line of merch. Throughout it all, takeaway and delivery service Attica at Home has been selling tasting menus starring classic dishes from the restaurant’s past.
Best place for a selfie
Hosier Lane showcases the street art that has made the Melbourne urban art scene known across the globe. With a dizzying array of colours, characters and shapes created by local and international artists alike, the blue stone alley has endless opportunities for content to make your feed pop. The lane also provides inspiration for great debate on art vs vandalism.
Museums
The National Gallery of Victoria is a treasured cultural icon. The nation’s home of international art, the gallery houses an extensive permanent collection from Europe, Asia, America, and Oceania. NGV’s sister gallery, The Ian Potter Centre is the home of Australian art, presenting Indigenous and non-Indigenous art from the colonial period to the present day. The pair are must-visits for art, fashion, architecture, or history buffs alike.
NGV has ensured the community stays connected and inspired with virtual exhibition tours, short courses, intimate social media engagement, and more. The NGV Collection contains approximately 75,000 works of art and approximately 90% of its records are available for viewing online. NGV Design store also stocks an artisanally curated range of local and international items to keep inspired in lockdown such as puzzle editions of iconic Australian works.
NGV has ensured the community stays connected and inspired with virtual exhibition tours, short courses, intimate social media engagement, and more. The NGV Collection contains approximately 75,000 works of art and approximately 90% of its records are available for viewing online. NGV Design store also stocks an artisanally curated range of local and international items to keep inspired in lockdown such as puzzle editions of iconic Australian works.
What to buy mum
While South Korea’s K-Beauty trend has captivated the global beauty market of recent years, A-Beauty (yep that's Aus-beauty) is now in the spotlight. Sharing a love for simple yet effective formulas, naturally and locally derived botanics and ingredients (from Kakadu plum, pink clay to lanolin) and an eco-conscious sensibility.
Mecca is your one-stop shop for the most hyped local and international beauty brands. Mecca’s emphasis on education, customer service, and curation, alongside its iconic fizzy pink branding, has rendered the retailer Australia’s leading beauty brand. Stocking local labels like Go-to, Sand, Sky, and Frank Body you’ll be sure to find a treat for Mum.
Melbourne is also the birthplace of the cult, indie skin-care brand Aesop. There's a reason they've maintained popularity since 1987, the plant-based formulas are effective, the story-telling is inspired and the luxe experience is incomparable. That experiential luxury is perfectly demonstrated in retail stores. The sensorial pleasure and wellness of customers is central to all retail operations. From the fragrance the store emits, and the emphasis on hydration, to the educational customer service, Aesop is an unparalleled retail experience.
Buy your Mum a decadent hand cream - the minimalist tubes have become a status symbol to any handbag they occupy.
Mecca is your one-stop shop for the most hyped local and international beauty brands. Mecca’s emphasis on education, customer service, and curation, alongside its iconic fizzy pink branding, has rendered the retailer Australia’s leading beauty brand. Stocking local labels like Go-to, Sand, Sky, and Frank Body you’ll be sure to find a treat for Mum.
Melbourne is also the birthplace of the cult, indie skin-care brand Aesop. There's a reason they've maintained popularity since 1987, the plant-based formulas are effective, the story-telling is inspired and the luxe experience is incomparable. That experiential luxury is perfectly demonstrated in retail stores. The sensorial pleasure and wellness of customers is central to all retail operations. From the fragrance the store emits, and the emphasis on hydration, to the educational customer service, Aesop is an unparalleled retail experience.
Buy your Mum a decadent hand cream - the minimalist tubes have become a status symbol to any handbag they occupy.
The Taste-Makers of Melbourne
Zoe Foster Blake
Former beauty editor, Zoë Foster Blake used her 15 years of experience to create Go-To skin care. She is an author, social commentator, and Melbourne-style icon.
Broadsheet
The definitive guide to all things food and drink in Melbourne. Most would say if it doesn’t make it to Broadsheet it didn’t happen. The digital platform is the first place for news on new openings, dishes, and events. They have been pivotal in communicating all the updates to Melbourne’s food and drink scene during the lockdown period.
Broadsheet has also published a book filled with 80 recipes for Melbourne’s best breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks, and desserts from the city’s most loved venues. Each recipe is more than just a dish, it’s part of the fabric of Melbourne’s diverse dining scene.
Former beauty editor, Zoë Foster Blake used her 15 years of experience to create Go-To skin care. She is an author, social commentator, and Melbourne-style icon.
Broadsheet
The definitive guide to all things food and drink in Melbourne. Most would say if it doesn’t make it to Broadsheet it didn’t happen. The digital platform is the first place for news on new openings, dishes, and events. They have been pivotal in communicating all the updates to Melbourne’s food and drink scene during the lockdown period.
Broadsheet has also published a book filled with 80 recipes for Melbourne’s best breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks, and desserts from the city’s most loved venues. Each recipe is more than just a dish, it’s part of the fabric of Melbourne’s diverse dining scene.
Melbourne virtual guide
ART & MUSEUMS
An extension of the gallery to a virtual space, art projects Australia virtual exhibitions offer a place to connect with APA artists from home.
Visit The Ian Potter Museum of Art of The University of Melbourne for events and exhibitions online.
Not only is The National Gallery of Victoria’s 75,000 works of art and approximately 90% of its records available for viewing online, but the gallery also provides virtual self-guided tours. Peruse this edit of Highlight works for some great founding insights into the state and city and read this essay for a glimpse into the art of Indigenous Australia, from ancient times until now.
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is Australia’s national museum of film, TV, video games, digital culture, and art. In response to the lockdowns, ACMI has developed a program of virtual screenings, online resources, skills workshops led by industry professionals, talks, and retrospectives all from the comfort of your home! Go behind the scenes with some of Australia’s top Gamemakers or take a trip around Victoria via film!
CULTURAL & HISTORICAL VENUES OF INTEREST
Find your favorite culture virtual venue and even more here!
Wander through the levels of the Old Melbourne Gaol and poke around former cells, via a virtual 3D tour. Learn about the gaol's history and the infamous felons and criminals that were housed there.
Made in Belfast, this iron-hulled Barque now resides on the Yarra river. Take a 3D virtual tour of this floating museum from the comfort of your home.
ENTERTAINMENT VENUES
The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music hosts a series of online concerts by students and staff, as well as high-profile Australian and international guests. You can also watch on-demand recordings.
Join the Melbourne Symphony orchestra online for regular free-streamed concerts.
Enjoy Australian Digital Concert Hall (ADCH) events and see the variety of Australian talents.
Admire an array of flora, both native and Victorian-era exotica, while you stroll along the winding pathways and wide sweeping lawns.
Browse e-books to read at home, research your family tree or listen to a podcast with State Library Victoria.
Bring the LEGOLAND magic to your home with hours of free activities to keep your kids occupied!
Soju Gang is a designer, DJ, and indigenous rights activist, watch her play a Live Set at NGV’s Friday night series.
For another spin on nightlife, Zoos Victoria is Bringing the zoo to life from anywhere around the world with live cams, keeper talks, and other virtual updates.
Tune into Shameless Podcast for an insight into the 20-something-year-old Melbournian girl. This episode with Jessica Nguyen is a brilliant glimpse into bouncing back from a mid-pandemic redundancy and a classic story of Melbourne’s entrepreneurial spirit.
WEB CAMS PEOPLE CAN ACCESS TO UNDERSTAND THE LOCAL CULTURE
Enjoy Melbourne anytime with webcams. Watch live broadcasts from online cameras in Melbourne.
Join Melbourne Virtual Aquarium for live streams of Bird Keepers, Aquarists, and our star sea creatures.
FOODIE TOURS AND ONLINE MASTERCLASSES
For great context on the city’s taste for cut-above caffeine, check out this CNBC report on why the global chain Starbucks failed to make it in Australia.
Following up, peruse the craft and community-centric Instagram of St Ali, with profiles on Makers, cult menu items, and behind-the-scenes cafe and delivery moments, that make Melbourne’s coffee scene a fabric of the city.
Take a walk through the vibrant pulse of Queen Victoria Market with Erwan Heussaff. Donuts and Oysters before 10 am? The breakfast of champions!
On the other end of the dining spectrum, Ben Shewry’s seminal fine-diner Attica is profiled on Season One of Netflix’s Chef’s Table. Tune in for a glimpse into the best of Melbourne’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Shewry innovates with Australian indigenous ingredients and gives a beautiful lens on a native forage.
For another glimpse into the gourmet, watch the Jolly boys sample the hit list at critically acclaimed Lune Croissanterie. There is peak Australian sunshine, tram action, and in true Melbourne style, a hype-induced queue.
Be inspired by the chef's passion for exotic Asian and international cuisines, and get Melbourne's greatest cooking experience virtually here.
VIRTUAL GUIDES
Spend virtually one day across Melbourne or explore the world through Google Street View.
Enjoy the suite of virtual experiences compelling history, and rich culture of Melbourne here.
This audio tour will take you to 10 locations around the CBD of Melbourne, all of which played an important role during the war and still remain to tell the tale.
SOCIAL INFLUENCERS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Local tips, Lifestyle, Inspiration & What to see in Melbourne
Look through unexpected Melbourne moments and the beauty of this city with visitmelbourne.
Visit timeoutmelbourne to get acquainted with the culture, lifestyle, nightlife, and dining in Melbourne.
Come across Melbourne habitat page samarajosephine, to see how she explores her favorite city, thrifts, and chooses dining facilities.
Lifestyle&Food, Deals&Restaurants reviews
Want to get a fun experience and enjoy unusual food? Go to inspiration with melbfoodbaby and simmyeats.melb.
An extension of the gallery to a virtual space, art projects Australia virtual exhibitions offer a place to connect with APA artists from home.
Visit The Ian Potter Museum of Art of The University of Melbourne for events and exhibitions online.
Not only is The National Gallery of Victoria’s 75,000 works of art and approximately 90% of its records available for viewing online, but the gallery also provides virtual self-guided tours. Peruse this edit of Highlight works for some great founding insights into the state and city and read this essay for a glimpse into the art of Indigenous Australia, from ancient times until now.
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is Australia’s national museum of film, TV, video games, digital culture, and art. In response to the lockdowns, ACMI has developed a program of virtual screenings, online resources, skills workshops led by industry professionals, talks, and retrospectives all from the comfort of your home! Go behind the scenes with some of Australia’s top Gamemakers or take a trip around Victoria via film!
CULTURAL & HISTORICAL VENUES OF INTEREST
Find your favorite culture virtual venue and even more here!
Wander through the levels of the Old Melbourne Gaol and poke around former cells, via a virtual 3D tour. Learn about the gaol's history and the infamous felons and criminals that were housed there.
Made in Belfast, this iron-hulled Barque now resides on the Yarra river. Take a 3D virtual tour of this floating museum from the comfort of your home.
ENTERTAINMENT VENUES
The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music hosts a series of online concerts by students and staff, as well as high-profile Australian and international guests. You can also watch on-demand recordings.
Join the Melbourne Symphony orchestra online for regular free-streamed concerts.
Enjoy Australian Digital Concert Hall (ADCH) events and see the variety of Australian talents.
Admire an array of flora, both native and Victorian-era exotica, while you stroll along the winding pathways and wide sweeping lawns.
Browse e-books to read at home, research your family tree or listen to a podcast with State Library Victoria.
Bring the LEGOLAND magic to your home with hours of free activities to keep your kids occupied!
Soju Gang is a designer, DJ, and indigenous rights activist, watch her play a Live Set at NGV’s Friday night series.
For another spin on nightlife, Zoos Victoria is Bringing the zoo to life from anywhere around the world with live cams, keeper talks, and other virtual updates.
Tune into Shameless Podcast for an insight into the 20-something-year-old Melbournian girl. This episode with Jessica Nguyen is a brilliant glimpse into bouncing back from a mid-pandemic redundancy and a classic story of Melbourne’s entrepreneurial spirit.
WEB CAMS PEOPLE CAN ACCESS TO UNDERSTAND THE LOCAL CULTURE
Enjoy Melbourne anytime with webcams. Watch live broadcasts from online cameras in Melbourne.
Join Melbourne Virtual Aquarium for live streams of Bird Keepers, Aquarists, and our star sea creatures.
FOODIE TOURS AND ONLINE MASTERCLASSES
For great context on the city’s taste for cut-above caffeine, check out this CNBC report on why the global chain Starbucks failed to make it in Australia.
Following up, peruse the craft and community-centric Instagram of St Ali, with profiles on Makers, cult menu items, and behind-the-scenes cafe and delivery moments, that make Melbourne’s coffee scene a fabric of the city.
Take a walk through the vibrant pulse of Queen Victoria Market with Erwan Heussaff. Donuts and Oysters before 10 am? The breakfast of champions!
On the other end of the dining spectrum, Ben Shewry’s seminal fine-diner Attica is profiled on Season One of Netflix’s Chef’s Table. Tune in for a glimpse into the best of Melbourne’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Shewry innovates with Australian indigenous ingredients and gives a beautiful lens on a native forage.
For another glimpse into the gourmet, watch the Jolly boys sample the hit list at critically acclaimed Lune Croissanterie. There is peak Australian sunshine, tram action, and in true Melbourne style, a hype-induced queue.
Be inspired by the chef's passion for exotic Asian and international cuisines, and get Melbourne's greatest cooking experience virtually here.
VIRTUAL GUIDES
Spend virtually one day across Melbourne or explore the world through Google Street View.
Enjoy the suite of virtual experiences compelling history, and rich culture of Melbourne here.
This audio tour will take you to 10 locations around the CBD of Melbourne, all of which played an important role during the war and still remain to tell the tale.
SOCIAL INFLUENCERS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Local tips, Lifestyle, Inspiration & What to see in Melbourne
Look through unexpected Melbourne moments and the beauty of this city with visitmelbourne.
Visit timeoutmelbourne to get acquainted with the culture, lifestyle, nightlife, and dining in Melbourne.
Come across Melbourne habitat page samarajosephine, to see how she explores her favorite city, thrifts, and chooses dining facilities.
Lifestyle&Food, Deals&Restaurants reviews
Want to get a fun experience and enjoy unusual food? Go to inspiration with melbfoodbaby and simmyeats.melb.
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