Melbourne is on trend for Gappies in Australia
Planning a Gap Year in Australia? Maybe you’re already here or maybe you just don’t need an excuse at all… regardless, if you’re visiting Australia you best make time for a trip to Melbourne – Australia’s vibing cultural hub, shopping epicentre and a favourite city of the team at Letz Live.
If you are a gappie, exploring Melbourne during one of the school holiday periods is a definite must do, it’s multicultural vibe and friendly locals will make you feel welcome while discovering one of Australia’s most exciting cities. The cosmopolitan city is packed with a heap of attractions and hidden gems that must be experienced.
Here are our top 10 picks
1. Drink good coffee
Melbourne locals pride themselves on their coffee. It’s even been declared to have the best coffee in the world. You’ll have no trouble finding a great cup but a favourite of ours is Market lane coffee on Therry Street.
Grub Food Van, Captains of Industry & Market Lane Coffee
2. Drop into Queen Victoria Market
The historic landmark is open everyday where you’ll find everything from domestic produce and gourmet imports to clothing and souvenirs. You have to experience the shopping mecca for yourself to understand why it’s a Melbourne institution. Locals tip – try the bratwurst sausages.
3. Discover the laneways
Melbourne is famous for it’s fantastic laneways filled with boutiques, cafes and bars. Just viewing the street art that decorates the arcade walls makes any visit worthy. Whilst each has it’s own individual appeal and allure visiting Hardware Lane, between Bourke Street and Little Lonsdale Street, is a must when in the concrete jungle.
4. See a movie outside
One of the best things about a Melbourne summer is the return of open air cinemas. You’re spoilt for choice but you can’t go wrong with the much loved Rooftop Cinema, located in the middle of the CBD.
5. Visit St Kilda
An absolute Melbourne must is to consume your weight in baked goods from the cake stores that line Acland Street. Situated beachside and near Luna Park there ain’t no sweeter place. A favorite is Europa Cake Shop with it’s classic cheesecake.
6. Visit a museum
When Melbourne rains, it pours, sometimes for days and Melbourne’s Museums make for an excellent rainy day activity. However, rain or shine they are well and truly worth checking out. They are constantly changing their exhibitions and there is always something new to see. You could spend a whole day them!
7. Royal Botanical gardens
You’d be crazy not to, they’re so beautiful and they’re huge so you’ll feel like you have them all to yourselves. Perfect spot for a picnic, taking photos, having a stroll or just to admire the beautiful place that is kept in tip top shape.
8. Find Fitzroy
Escape the city crazies and make your way to Fitzroy where you’ll find an abundance of vintage shops, pop up galleries, bookshops and creative hubs. As a much younger, cooler crowd you’ll be sure to find something interesting. Head to: Brunswick St.
9. Bar hop
What kind of bar isn’t there in Melbourne? I mean, seriously there’s one on every corner. From classic pubs, rooftop bars to the high end fancy pants cocktail bars and everything else in between, the bars in Melbourne promise you’ll never get thirsty. Some of our favourites are Naked for Satan (rooftop bar), Gin Palace & The Carlton Club
10. Explore
Often you’ll find the best things in a big city by wandering the streets without any guidance. Melbourne is full of little crannies and always has something new opening or something exciting to find. So make sure you leave the to do list at home for a day and see if you can find something special for someone else’s.
