Five Lunch Break Adventures in Melbourne
Get creative with your lunch hour.
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Part of the appeal of this big, buzzing, wonderful city of ours comes from the constant parade of activities, restaurant openings, festivals and cultural fun it's got on offer. But with only 24 hours in a day, how are we supposed to cram it all in and keep the #fomo to a minimum?
No, the answer is not to stop sleeping. You can get out there and enjoy this fine city while still maintaining the routines of everyday life (like, y'know, sleeping eight hours a night and rocking up to work in the morning). Melbourne life can be pretty hectic, which is why we're here to help you harness the power of a coffee break — be it in the morning, at lunchtime of when you knock off work. Take the break you, as a hardworking human being, deserve.
GET A MASSAGE (ON THE CHEAP)
Suffering from that classic desk-hunch stiffness, but can't afford to shell out for a visit to some fancy-pants day spa? Victoria University's King Street Student Clinic will help relieve your tension, without relieving you of too much cash. Sessions are run by massage students, supervised by qualified therapists. An hour massage will cost you just $25 and you can rest easy knowing your tight muscles are in capable hands. Squeeze one into your lunch break and head back to the office feeling super fresh.
BOOK A SESSION AT THE YOGA SOCIAL
Avoid the after work peak hour at your yoga studio and get bendy in your lunch break instead. The Yoga Social is a sweet little space on King Street, with a class to suit every skill level and timetable options to fit even the most hectic of schedules. City workers will especially love their Express Flow Align classes — short and sweet 45-minute sessions, which kick off at either 12.15pm or 12.45pm. They've even got the equipment side of things covered, which means no lugging that awkward yoga mat around on your morning commute. Jump on the website to book your spot in advance.
FIND YOUR INNER CALM WITH A FREE MEDITATION CLASS
Amidst all of Melbourne's hustle, bustle and background noise, a little slice of peace can do you wonders. Especially if you've got the skills to conjure it up whenever you need. Learn all the tips and tricks of meditation, at Sahaja Yoga Victoria's free weekly lunchtime classes. From 1pm every Thursday, the Sue Healy Room at Ross House is transformed into an oasis of solitude, as experienced teachers guide you through an hour-long meditation session. They'll share simple techniques and load you up with take-home wisdom, so that you can learn to revisit that peaceful bubble of calm, any time you like.
TAKE YOURSELF ON A STREET ART TOUR
Melbourne's colourful, street art-laden laneways are right up there with its biggest tourist attractions, but you don't need to be a visitor to appreciate some kick-ass artwork. How about grabbing lunch to go and setting out on your own DIY midday art adventure? The folks at Walking Maps have created a four-kilometre Melbourne city street art tour which will guide you around 20 of the best street art hot-spots in town.
GET CULTURED AT FORTYFIVEDOWNSTAIRS
Art-lovers, there's no need to block out a whole Saturday to go gallery hopping. Embrace the art-spaces and exhibitions hidden in the city and squeeze a quick cultural fix into your lunch break. Whether you're a photography fan, a modern art aficionado or you dig a bit of thought-provoking sculpture, Melbourne will surely have an exhibition to float your boat. Throw your support behind some talented independent artists and spend a lunch hour soaking up some culture at fortyfivedownstairs. The not-for-profit theatre and gallery boasts a cracking program, with upcoming exhibitions including Marco Luccio's aerial glimpse of New York City, and a powerful series of interpretive portraits by Lisa Minogue.
