It was when I was 12 years old that I had made the decision that one day I would pickup my life of living in the Sydney suburbs, and move down to Melbourne. Now 19 years old aaaanndd I still live in Sydney. On the upside I'm still only a short flight away from Melbourne, (literally it's so short that getting to the airport takes longer) so that does give me the opportunity to spend time in one of my favourite cities, and that is what I did, I spent a week in Melbourne and I thought I'd share a few small spots that I feel are worthy of a visit.
Be prepared for photos of avo. You have been warned.
Melbourne CBD
The general vibe I get in the CBD is a far more casual one than what Sydney has to it, as though it has nothing to prove for itself. There are plenty of must do's for a first time in Melbourne, including the city loop tram (which like any trams within the CBD grid are free), the gorgeous Royal Exhibition Building, State Library and the gardens including Fitzroy and Carlton gardens.
I don't think I would've done some of these myself had I been alone but being with other people visiting Melbourne for the first time it was good to visit a few local favourite spots.
The Kettle Black
50 Albert Rd, South Melbourne VIC 3205
I know it's a super popular destination, but it also happens to be one of my favourites. A culmination of contemporary design infused onto an old Melbourne terrace house, great food (and coffee) as well as the staff that work here have all helped this cafe become an institution of Melbourne.
During my trip I visited twice, and it did not disappoint, lovely food only coupled with the staff that recognised me on my return visit (probably just cause I was the guy with a camera trying to get the right angle of my food) helped to create a rather positive atmosphere. Coupled with the soft interior tones, large amounts of plants and big "Yes" painted onto the window, and you get the sense you feel welcomed.
Now I am no food blogger, nor am I the world's biggest expert on all things food or coffee related, but they make a damn fine coffee, coupled together with their avo on toast, a simple yet always awesome meal, and this place has enough reason for a millennial not to save up for a house deposit.
*also they get extra brownie points cause they put Aesop products in the bathroom*
Dutton Garage
41 Madden Grove, Richmond VIC 3121
Many car nuts across Australia will recognise Dutton Garage as the Mecca of all things automotive, and with good reason have they received this title. Operating from Melbourne since 1911, the Dutton Group have a rich history for selling and servicing motor vehicles, as well as specialising in race preparation. Only since about 2015 have they been in the current location, and since they opened up I have been dying to visit and it does not disappoint.
The front of the building is a warehouse renovated and attached to a modern state of the art building, timelessly designed with plenty of automotive themed artwork and bits and pieces. The building itself houses tens of millions of dollars worth of some of the best cars ever made. During my visit they had a selection of super rare examples including: the classic and oh so gorgeous Ferrari 275 GTB, sweet yet absolutely mad LaFerrari, crazy Porsche 930 Turbo, screaming Lexus LFA, the timeless Jaguar E-Type, Maserati MC12, and what is rumoured to be one of only 20-30 gated manual Ferrari 599 GTB's ever produced.
As a bit of a Ferrari die hard, it feels strange to say this gorgeous 930 Turbo captured my attention over the two prancing horses in the front window
Even if you aren't one of those car bores that has enough stats to send a real person to sleep, Dutton Garage is definitely still worth checking out, being able to appreciate one of the world's greatest collections of cars is an experience alone.
Grab a coffee from the cafe and have a chat to one of the awesome staff members. (I must say huge thanks to Shaun and Marco for spending the time to have a chat, these guys are legends)
Warburton Redwoods Forest
Only about 1-2 hours drive from Melbourne CBD is the stunningly quiet and serene Warburton redwoods forest. I was invited with along with a few friends to go out on a shoot here and that was certainly not worth turning down. This little spot tucked away is no secret, but made us feel secluded as we were the only ones their during our visit.
I'll let the photos do the talking.
It had me at mind of one of my favourite spots in Australia, the gorgeous Laurel Hill, although a little bit cooler in feeling.
Some Random Carpark
I must say as weird as it sounds, this random carpark nearby the Yarra River (courtesy of Jess for showing us) was one of my favourite spots, maybe because portraits on concrete in front of city lights can be moody and aesthetic af or maybe because I was with an awesome group of people wandering across the city.
Who'd have thought travel to another city and meet a few locals, Saree and Jimmy down from Sydney for the weekend, along with Melbourne locals Mario, Jess, Natalia and Adam
There are a few places that I didn't happen to have my camera with me but would definitely recommend a visit, 400 Gradi on Lygon Street, Brunswick does a properly amazing authentic Italian wood fired pizza, the Afghan Gallery on Brunswick Street Fizroy is a Middle Eastern experience, and even though it is a little bit of a tourist hotspot, breakfast on one of the many cafes down Degreaves Street or the opposite Centre Place is a must.
So, as for moving to Melbourne, well I'm working on it, but a week was enough of a taster for the future.
@borneon.lad
@chaicheese
@dominic.tuazon
@jiminyjimi
@justknowingyou
@natalianaa
@saasaahree