Guidebook for South Yarra
Food Scene
Tivoli Road Bakery
3 Tivoli RdThe best almond croissants this side of the river!
Melbourne has some wonderful markets. Prahran market has all the vibrance and variety and specialities of the larger markets - from organics to specialty cheeses to splendid florists - but it's more compact in size!
On the weekends, live music plays in the dining courtyard.
338 locals recommend
Prahran Market station
Melbourne has some wonderful markets. Prahran market has all the vibrance and variety and specialities of the larger markets - from organics to specialty cheeses to splendid florists - but it's more compact in size!
On the weekends, live music plays in the dining courtyard.
Try a 'vodka flight' or tell the vodka sommelier the kind of mood you're in and they'll prescribe your drink! Great atmosphere, hearty and authentic Polish food.
Why not meander along Chapel Street from South Yarra through to Windsor.
- Chapel St South Yarra (the end where you'll be staying), famous for it's designer label stores, and fashionable eateries,
- Chapel St Prahran (artists/ independent designers, the market, hip eateries,
- Chapel St Windsor where the authentic Melbourne grungy edge can still be found and celebrated. Borsch Vodka and Tears is a Perfect way to end a day of strolling/shopping/exploring Chapel Street!
For dessert: Messina's ice cream just next door to BV&T!
81 locals recommend
Borsch Vodka & Tears
173 Chapel StTry a 'vodka flight' or tell the vodka sommelier the kind of mood you're in and they'll prescribe your drink! Great atmosphere, hearty and authentic Polish food.
Why not meander along Chapel Street from South Yarra through to Windsor.
- Chapel St South Yarra (the end where you'll be staying), famous for it's designer label stores, and fashionable eateries,
- Chapel St Prahran (artists/ independent designers, the market, hip eateries,
- Chapel St Windsor where the authentic Melbourne grungy edge can still be found and celebrated. Borsch Vodka and Tears is a Perfect way to end a day of strolling/shopping/exploring Chapel Street!
For dessert: Messina's ice cream just next door to BV&T!
Not the full selection of Messina's Gelato (for that, you can make a pilgrimage to Smith Street - and people often do), but still wonderful!
50 locals recommend
Gelato Messina Windsor
171 Chapel StNot the full selection of Messina's Gelato (for that, you can make a pilgrimage to Smith Street - and people often do), but still wonderful!
In my early twenties, I lived in an artists warehouse on Brunswick Street. In those days (last century), they abounded in Fitzroy and Collingwood. These days, the artists have had to move further afield to find affordable studio spaces, but the alternative/ creative/ hip scene can still be found hidden away and tucked around the corners of Fitzroy and C'Wood. Grub Food Van is my favourite hidden place anytime of the year! Spacious, quirky and green, with lovely service, coffee, food and drinks list.
75 locals recommend
Grub Fitzroy (grub food van)
87-89 Moor StIn my early twenties, I lived in an artists warehouse on Brunswick Street. In those days (last century), they abounded in Fitzroy and Collingwood. These days, the artists have had to move further afield to find affordable studio spaces, but the alternative/ creative/ hip scene can still be found hidden away and tucked around the corners of Fitzroy and C'Wood. Grub Food Van is my favourite hidden place anytime of the year! Spacious, quirky and green, with lovely service, coffee, food and drinks list.
The number 58 Tram at the end of road will take you straight to QueenVic Market: a Melbourne institution. An open-air Market packed with stallholders who are passionate about fresh produce. It's popular with locals as their go-to for fresh fruit, veggies, meat and an outstanding variety of dairy and small goods, and has also become something of a 'must visit' for tourists. With a huge number of stalls selling clothes, accessories and other bric-a-brac the market has evolved into more than just the place to get your weekly shop. In summer and winter, be sure to visit the Night Markets, held every Wednesday.
957 locals recommend
Queen Victoria Market
Queen StreetThe number 58 Tram at the end of road will take you straight to QueenVic Market: a Melbourne institution. An open-air Market packed with stallholders who are passionate about fresh produce. It's popular with locals as their go-to for fresh fruit, veggies, meat and an outstanding variety of dairy and small goods, and has also become something of a 'must visit' for tourists. With a huge number of stalls selling clothes, accessories and other bric-a-brac the market has evolved into more than just the place to get your weekly shop. In summer and winter, be sure to visit the Night Markets, held every Wednesday.
Arts & Culture
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Russell StreetThe domed reading room is an inspiration and haven. Quiet working/reading space and spectacular photo ops!
568 locals recommend
State Library Victoria
328 Swanston StThe domed reading room is an inspiration and haven. Quiet working/reading space and spectacular photo ops!
Fascinating interactive history of the moving image displays. And ACMI is on the doorstep of Federation Square, which can often present some free cultural surprises ... Right across the road from Flinders Street station so very convenient.
258 locals recommend
ACMI
Flinders StreetFascinating interactive history of the moving image displays. And ACMI is on the doorstep of Federation Square, which can often present some free cultural surprises ... Right across the road from Flinders Street station so very convenient.
Essentials
Woolworths South Yarra
670 Chapel StEntertainment & Activities
Palace Cinema Como
Chapel Street My local cinema. Tickets are cheaper on Tuesdays!
Classic deco cinema with classic reruns. They also sometimes project in 70mm. I try to always have their calendar listing poster available. An easy tram ride along Chapel Street to get there.
145 locals recommend
The Astor Theatre
1 Chapel StClassic deco cinema with classic reruns. They also sometimes project in 70mm. I try to always have their calendar listing poster available. An easy tram ride along Chapel Street to get there.
Parks & Nature
The farmers market that is held here on the second Saturday of each month was the first ever founded in Melbourne. Fantastic produce and variety, plus the feeling of being in the countryside without having left Melbourne'e inner suburbs. The River Yarra and towering gum trees frame the backdrop.
181 locals recommend
Collingwood Children's Farm
18 St Heliers St The farmers market that is held here on the second Saturday of each month was the first ever founded in Melbourne. Fantastic produce and variety, plus the feeling of being in the countryside without having left Melbourne'e inner suburbs. The River Yarra and towering gum trees frame the backdrop.
I love the childrens garden! It's up the top of the gardens near the observatory cafe. And the rest of the gardens have such a variety of botanical diversity and delights. In the summer, outdoor cinema or plays are an old favourite activity of mine. And if you fancy a long walk, the walking/running/cycling trail along the river (which is accessible from the stairway at the end of my street) is a great way to grab some scenic exercise. Or simply take the number 58 tram at the end of my street and get off 6 or 7 stops later (then walk 5 - 12 min!)
1262 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
I love the childrens garden! It's up the top of the gardens near the observatory cafe. And the rest of the gardens have such a variety of botanical diversity and delights. In the summer, outdoor cinema or plays are an old favourite activity of mine. And if you fancy a long walk, the walking/running/cycling trail along the river (which is accessible from the stairway at the end of my street) is a great way to grab some scenic exercise. Or simply take the number 58 tram at the end of my street and get off 6 or 7 stops later (then walk 5 - 12 min!)
Getting Around
Only two train stops then you're in the city.
Coming back to South Yarra from the city, take any of the following train lines: Packenham, Cranbourne, Dandenong or Frankston. Also where you can top up your MYKI card.
141 locals recommend
South Yarra Station
Only two train stops then you're in the city.
Coming back to South Yarra from the city, take any of the following train lines: Packenham, Cranbourne, Dandenong or Frankston. Also where you can top up your MYKI card.