10 Hidden Gems in Melbourne That Will Make You Want to Visit It Again

Featured image source: Glen Holdaway (left) & Mimsy (right)

We all know about the Land Down Under, where we visit to see real life kangaroos, koalas, penguins and that oh-so-adorable quokka, but did you know that there are so many more things that you can do and see in Australia? Especially one of the country’s most popular city, Melbourne, which has so much for tourists to see and explore. And if you are thinking, “Meh, been there, done that,” then you couldn’t be more mistaken, because there are soooo many hidden gems around the city that you haven’t discovered.

Plus, with budget airlines like AirAsia X, rest assured that you’d definitely have the chance to visit the amazing city anytime!

So, here are some of those places you probably didn’t know existed and if you haven’t been there, you should include it in your itinerary the next time you travel to Melbourne!

1. Easey’s

Source: Mel365

Malaysians love to cafe hop and so do Melbournians! Easey’s isn’t your typical cafe, instead it offers a wonderfully unique experience. I mean, a cafe made out of a few unused train carriages located right at the rooftop of a building! Nothing can sound crazier than that.

The place allows visitors to enjoy the gorgeous view of Collingwood, Fitzroy and the city’s CBD.

Source: blogqpot

Their delectable burgers, crispy fish and chips all washed down with a selection from their cocktail and drinks lists will leave you wanting more too. The cafe is usually packed on the weekends so you may want to consider making a reservation on their website.

Source: the city lane

Source: concreteplayground

2. Chuckle Park

Source: the artful lodger

The good people of Melbourne flock here for the best pulled pork roll that you can get this side of Australia at this little hidden laneway cafe.

Spend some time just chilling outdoors here with a jug of sangria, aperitifs and some of the best droolworthy sandwiches all served out of a bona fide caravan. Yes, we’re not joking!

Source: States of Style

Source: the urban ma

Pro tip: Look for New Guernica’s Entrance, and its white illuminated sign that is easily missable. It looks like an abandoned back alley but don’t be fooled!

3. Bar Americano

Source: harpersbazaar

Furnished in the style of an antique Italian bar, stepping into it brings you back in time to the 1930s! It is one of Melbourne’s most hidden bars and one of the smallest too!). This secluded bar can only accommodate 10 people at one time and the select list of cocktails will quench your thirst, after you tried finding it at the corner of a dark alley lane.

Source: world’s best bars

Source: sidewalkhustle

Source: mel365

Pro tip: Look for the quirky arrangement of art pieces on Presgrave Place and spot the blue tabacchi sign for the bar’s entrance. Presgrave Place is also perfect for your #ootd photos!

4. Rutledge Lane

Source: comptoir

Melbourne is also one of the best places to go to discover its colourful street art and many people have heard of the famous Hosier Lane but did you know Rutledge Lane has its fair share of creative graffiti too? Now, that’s a spot where your Instagram images will definitely get your friends envious.

Source: mel365

Source: jarrodhydephotograph

5. Barbarella

Source: Broadsheet

The historical Block Arcade is definitely on the list of many Melbourne tourists but now there’s another reason for you to visit here even if you have seen it before – Barbarella! Barbarella is said to be the perfect go-to place regardless of the time of day.

Weary shoppers can take a breather or even just to chill at this cosy spot with a sandwich, glass of wine, a cup of fragrant coffee or sample one of their tempting HANDMADE gelati.

6. Eau De Vie

Another of Melbourne’s best kept secrets, this bar has won TimeOut Melbourne’s 2016 Bar of the year award so, you know you are in good hands.

It is the sister to Sydney’s bar of the same name, and this establishment takes some seeking to locate it.

Pro tip: Head down Malthouse Lane and look for the door without any signs you will easily mistake for a service entrance. And their Whisky Room is hidden behind one of their large book cases! Secretive or what?

Source: Hidden City Secrets

7. Welcome to Thornbury Bar and Food Truck Stop

Source: Welcome to Thornbury FB

Want to indulge in all of Melbourne’s finest street food in one place? Then head over to Welcome to Thornbury, which is Melbourne’s first permanent Bar and Food Truck Stop! You will always find something new in the park, as their food trucks are there on a rotating basis so you know you’ll never be bored.

In addition, they also have a whole variety of beers on tap, refreshing jugs of cocktails and wines for you to indulge in a little tipple with your mouthwatering meal.

Source: Welcome to Thornbury FB
Source: Welcome to Thornbury FB

8. Naughty Boy Cafe

This isn’t your ordinary milkshake you can see everywhere, this unbelievable concoction will blow your mind when you see it. Loaded with all sorts of sweet goodies as toppings, this ultra-rich drink racks in a whopping 1,500 calories but we say it’s all worth it for that envy-inducing photo and the out-of-this-world taste. I mean, just look at the beauties, some even have delicious cakes on it!

Pro tip: Ask the owners for their selfie stick to snap those photos at any angle you want.

Source: naughty boy cafe

9. The Nicholas Building

Source: The Design Files

Built in the 1920s, this heritage building houses countless specialty stores such as studios, start-ups, boutiques and galleries. Inside, you will uncover the secretive home of Melbourne’s Arts and Crafts culture which offers shoppers a truly unique experience.

Get some intricate haberdashery, rare buttons, elaborare handcrafted jewellery and vintage clothing all in one space. If nothing else, the impressive facade makes for a good place to snap some photos!

Source: hide & seek

Source: the nicholas building

Pro tip: Head to the corner of Flinders Lane and Swanston Street then get lift access through Cathedral Arcade

10. Warburton Redwood Forest

Source: Thompsonfilm

The magical forest boasts more than 200 Californian Redwood trees, all toweringly tall and majestic.

The mystical trees make one feel like one of the Hobbits on the journey to Mordor and is a place of calm and peace. So, let loose and forget about the fast paced city life for an hour or two among the exquisitely serene greenery.

Source: polka dot bride

While you’re in the area, try to see if you can spot the whimsical and magical Warburton’s tree house made by artist Boinga Bob.

Source: Mamma Knows East

Melbourne is truly a city where there are wonderful hidden gems to uncover at every nook and cranny. We bet that you haven’t heard of half of them on this list even if you’ve been there before!

So even if you’ve been there, know that this is a city that anyone should revisit. Eat, do, see, shop, repeat! If nothing else, those cocktails and milkshakes are worth the visit alone!

And thanks to our Malaysian budget airlines, flying to Melbourne couldn’t be anymore convenient!

Travel via affordable flights for you to explore Melbourne anytime you want to go there. Now, everyone can fly to Melbourne!

Best of all, AirAsia X is having a promotion for flights to Melbourne now, where it only costs RM549 for a one way ticket there. Okay, packing my bags now!

Booking Period: 1 May till 21 May 2017
Travel Period: 1 May till 30 Sep 2017

Start planning your trip now and don’t forget to invite us along, okay? 😛

You can check it out here for more info on AirAsia X flights to Melbourne.