Overview
Through an outsider's eye, Melbourne might be known for its stunning museums, the historic Flinders Street Station, delicious coffee and killer nightlife. And while all that is true, there's more to this diverse city than you might think.
International tourists and out-of-towners typically gravitate towards exploring the CBD, where most of our city's big-ticket attractions are conveniently located. With that being said, the inner south is where the action is at.
If you want to go beyond the free-tram zone, we've partnered with the City of Port Phillip to curate a guide to the city's breathtaking inner south.
7AM: MORNING SWIM AT ST KILDA SEA BATHS
Beat the summer heat by taking a morning dip at St Kilda Sea Baths. Filled with natural seawater — which provides healing properties like relieving muscle soreness, injuries and skin ailments, as well as restoring energy — the 25-metre pool is an ideal place get your laps in as well as your cardio kick for the day.
For something more laidback, the beachside establishment also features a hydrotherapy spa pool, a unisex aromatherapy steam room and a lounge area that boasts stunning views of the bay.
Simon Shiff
9AM: BRUNCH AT LENNY, ALBERT PARK
After getting your morning endorphins, head on over to Lenny in Albert Park and refuel with a hearty brunch. You obviously can't go wrong with a classic smashed avo toast or eggs benedict; however, if you're feeling adventurous, do try out the banoffee pie french toast or the prawn omelette. For a boozy brunch experience, opt for a mimosa, Aperol spritz or a gin and orange Mediterranean-style tonic. Keeping it low key? Lenny's list of coffee, tea and smoothie offerings are a fab way to complete your meal.
Simon Shiff
10AM: EXPLORE ARTISAN WARES AT SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET
Tourists might flock to the Queen Victoria Market, but Melbourne locals know that the South Melbourne Market is where it's really at. Open from 8am every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the expansive indoor market boasts a slew of stalls housing everything from butchers, fishmongers and fresh produce to secondhand books, delis and homewares. The artisan wares in particular are worthy of attention and come in different shapes, forms and colours.
While you're here, don't miss out on one of the city's best croissants from Agathé. A recent favourite has been the pandan croissant, which sells out pretty quickly. Be warned, there can be quite a queue — but it is certainly worth the wait.
12PM: HAVE LUNCH AT THE LEFT-HANDED CHEF
The Left-Handed Chef is just a short stroll from South Melbourne Market and a great spot to try out Jerusalem-style street food. You can dine al fresco or enjoy the rustic interior of the restaurant as you devour popular dishes like lamb cigars served with tahini, harissa and schug, the mushroom kibbeh, chatzilim hummus served with fried eggplant slices and chraime and barramundi fillets cooked in Moroccan red sauce. Don't forget dessert — the Nutella malawach comes with a flaky fried pastry topped with Nutella and icing sugar.
3PM: REFUEL WITH AN ARVO COFFEE AT ST ALI
At this time of the day you're probably feeling a little worn out. So, now's your chance to refuel and grab a cup of coffee from the legendary St Ali. You can play it safe and order a flat white, batch brew or pourover. But you could also try the café's signature creations such as the Espresso Shake, made of St Ali espresso, Jock's vanilla ice cream and milk, or the Tonic Sunrise, a mix of Strangelove tonic and Feels Good double espresso served over ice.
5:30PM: HAVE A PRE-DINNER TIPPLE AT STARWARD
The time is now drink-o-clock, so head to Port Melbourne's award-winning Starward Whisky Distillery. The Tasting Flights section of the menu includes five options, each of which allows to try either try some of Starward's house-distilled whiskeys or classic cocktails. You could also try one of the inventive cocktails like the Rosella Spritz (featuring Starward's Two-Fold Double Grain Whiskey, mint, amaro, soda and red wine) or Trinity Sour (a mix of Starward's Fortis single malt, bitters, sour orange, clove and cardamom orgeat). Pair your drink with bites like a cheese board, pulled pork toastie or beetroot-cure salmon.
7PM: TAKE A SUNSET STROLL FROM PORT MELBOURNE TO ST KILDA
Soak up the last rays of the day with a beachside stroll from Port Melbourne to St Kilda. It might be a bit of a walk, but the views of Port Phillip Bay more than make up for it. Once you get to St Kilda, pay Pink Flake a visit and treat yourself to some of the city's best fish and chips.
Kristoffer Paulsen
9PM: DRINKS AT THE PRINCE PUBLIC BAR
End your day with a stylish nightcap at The Prince Public Bar. This legendary Fitzroy Street spot offers 30 beers on tap as well as a fine selection of wine and classic cocktails. If you're still looking for some grub, bar snacks are served all day — the woodfired pumpkin hummus, chicken liver parfait, grass-fed beef tartare and mozzarella and spring onion croquettes are perfect pairings for your drink.
To discover more ways to experience the southside, head to What's On: St Kilda and Surrounds.