The Hornet Guide to Gay Melbourne
Some say it’s one of the most livable cities in the world. Melbourne is home to a vibrant scene with fantastic murals and impressive museums. There are also excellent restaurants boasting dishes from all stretches of the globe. Though not quite as famous as its sister city, Sydney, the vibes here are chill and the sprawl is just as beautiful. Like any other urban city, there’s always something exciting happening in gay Melbourne.
Eccentric Melbourne Tours
Melbourne is a melting pot and the cultural capital of Australia. From world-famous street art to sidewalk cafes, there are plenty of local gems to discover. The Melbourne Street Art Tour is the best way to kick off your Australian journey. Guided by local artists, this unique tour takes you through the streets of Melbourne and shows you exciting street art as well as art galleries in the neighborhood.
For java Joes, Melbourne is the coffee center. Everyone here enjoys sipping a cup in arty cafes. The Cafe Culture Walk is one of the unique tours that take you on an adventure of Melbourne’s local food and cafe scene — including places you wouldn’t be able to find on your own!
Wine tours are another great way to explore Melbourne. The Mornington Peninsula, about 45 minutes away, is home to more 40 wineries. There are several day trips also available to the Yarra Valley. There are tours where guides take you to different wineries so you can sample the different versions of the region’s signature drink: Chardonnay.
Must-Visit Melbourne Attractions
The Queen Victoria Market is a significant landmark in Melbourne and also the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Queen Victoria Market is spread over two city blocks. You can shop for everything — from delicious foods like Australian fruits and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, to non-edibles like cosmetics, clothing and souvenirs.
Melbourne has a substantial Chinese population. In fact, Chinese immigrants have come to Melbourne since the 1850s, establishing a big community. Today, Melbourne’s Chinatown is a major tourist attraction. Stretching from the corners of Swanston and Spring Streets, this place has magnificent architecture. There are also annual festivals devoted to celebrating Chinese culture.
Luna Park is a historic amusement park in Melbourne. This park celebrates over 100 years of fun-filled adventure with a mix of heritage attractions and new rides. The Great Scenic Railway, the most famous attraction here, is the oldest continually operating wooden roller coaster in the world.
Flinders Railway Station is another local attraction you don’t want to miss. The central station building, completed in 1909, is a cultural icon of Melbourne. With its prominent dome, arched entrance, tower and clocks, this station is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Must-Visit Melbourne Museums
Melbourne prides itself on diversity. So the Immigration Museum is a great place to learn about Melbourne’s multicultural history. This museum offers two floors of exhibition galleries that house temporary and permanent exhibits. This site also hosts different cultural events celebrating diversity.
The Shrine of Remembrance is a famous monument in Melbourne. It was built to meet the needs of a grieving community after the extensive loss of lives in the First World War. Today, it hosts different exhibitions and special events about the social and cultural aspects of Australian military history.
For sports fans, the National Sports Museum is a must-see. Located on two levels of the Olympic Stand (Gate 3), the National Sports Museum features more than 2500 items, from Olympics memorabilia to items commemorating historical sporting moments.
The Centre for the Moving Image is Australia’s national museum of film, videogames, digital culture, and art. This museum has two cinemas playing different genres of movies. Visitors also get to learn about various topics relating to moving images from special exhibitions.
Gay Melbourne Nightlife
Whether you’re in the mood for some Kylie or Britney, you’ll find what you’re looking for in one of gay Melbourne’s bars and clubs. Hang out with the locals at the inclusive club Poof Doof and dance with locals every Saturday night. The Peel is another fun club that regularly hosts big dance events. If you are thirsty for go-go boys, Paris Friday at the Peel is a fun event where you can dance to pop music next to hunky guys.
Sircuit Bar offers a local gay Melbourne experience with its famous drag shows. In this intimate space, guests get to mingle with local drag performers at events like Drag Roulette and Drag Bingo.
The Laird is another gay Melbourne institution you won’t want to miss. Serving the community since the 1980s, this bar is the home of many events including VicBears and Melbourne Leather Men. The Laird is open seven nights a week. This historical building has three bars and a massive garden downstairs. It also has unique accommodations upstairs for discreet fun.
Feature image by xavierarnau via iStockphoto.com
