Scape at University of Sydney
Twin in Shared Apartment
6-8 Person - 3-4 Bathroom
Your student guide to Melbourne
WELCOME TO MELBOURNE CITY GUIDE
Hey everyone! I'm Jolie, a resident at Scape Franklin, a student from RMIT University and a coffee-matcha girl who loves to uncover every corner of Melbourne.
I've done the exploring (and plenty of taste-testing) so you don't have to! Here's a collection of my favourite spots that are definitely worth checking out, from Melbournian go-to to hidden gems and pretty nature spots that you don’t want to miss out on. Whether it’s a day or night out, or a little fun thing to do on a weekend, Google can't tell you all of them.
Hope you find a new favourite too!
I've done the exploring (and plenty of taste-testing) so you don't have to! Here's a collection of my favourite spots that are definitely worth checking out, from Melbournian go-to to hidden gems and pretty nature spots that you don’t want to miss out on. Whether it’s a day or night out, or a little fun thing to do on a weekend, Google can't tell you all of them.
Hope you find a new favourite too!
Hey everyone! I'm Jolie, a resident at Scape Franklin, a student from RMIT University and a coffee-matcha girl who loves to uncover every corner of Melbourne.
I've done the exploring (and plenty of taste-testing) so you don't have to! Here's a collection of my favourite spots that are definitely worth checking out, from Melbournian go-to to hidden gems and pretty nature spots that you don’t want to miss out on. Whether it’s a day or night out, or a little fun thing to do on a weekend, Google can't tell you all of them.
Hope you find a new favourite too!
I've done the exploring (and plenty of taste-testing) so you don't have to! Here's a collection of my favourite spots that are definitely worth checking out, from Melbournian go-to to hidden gems and pretty nature spots that you don’t want to miss out on. Whether it’s a day or night out, or a little fun thing to do on a weekend, Google can't tell you all of them.
Hope you find a new favourite too!
Nights out
Best Nightlife Spots in Melbourne
Melbourne is known for its nightlife, bar scene, and beautiful food spots. I've found a few that I thought were worth sharing, so if you are after a nice night with friends, please see below!
Hijinx
Hotel
Think escape rooms mixed with arcade games. The Hijinx Hotel is so much fun with a group and way more interactive than just going out for dinner. I love their Unlimited play deal with $19 on Mondays.
QV Melbourne Level 3 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
QV Melbourne Level 3 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Don's
Prahran
Dons Prahran is a good wine, good food, good people place that's a bit tucked away. The staff are very friendly, and it feels cozy here. It’s great when I’m after somewhere that feels a little more local and homely and less chaotic than the CBD.
202 Commercial Rd, Prahran VIC 3181
202 Commercial Rd, Prahran VIC 3181
Palette. &
Palette.atnight
Palette. & Palette.atnight is a cozy Korean cafe and its open late, so extend your nights with friends and definitely try some of their special desserts, baked treats, lattes and tea. I was so happy when I finally found a cafe that opens after 3pm in Melbourne!
610 Queensberry St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
610 Queensberry St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
weekend getaways
Ballarat
Ballarat is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly day trips from Melbourne, with regular V/Line trains from Southern Cross Station, taking around 1.5 hours. I spent the day exploring the historic streets, visiting Sovereign Hill to experience the Gold Rush, browsing art galleries and vintage shops, and stopping by one of the many cafés and local eateries. I definitely recommend a day trip to Ballarat.
Train: Around 1.5 Hours from Southern Cross Station
Getting there
Daylesford
If you're looking for a relaxing escape from Melbourne, Daylesford is the perfect weekend trip. It's about 1.5 hours by car, or you can catch a V/Line train to Woodend or Ballarat and connect by bus/coach. Known for its mineral springs, cozy cafés, beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere, it's the kind of place where you can slow down, wander through local shops and spend the day recharging.
- Drive: Around 1.5 hours from CBD
- Coach: Around 2.5 hours from the CBD
If you're looking for a relaxing escape from Melbourne, Daylesford is the perfect weekend trip. It's about 1.5 hours by car, or you can catch a V/Line train to Woodend or Ballarat and connect by bus/coach. Known for its mineral springs, cozy cafés, beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere, it's the kind of place where you can slow down, wander through local shops and spend the day recharging.
- Drive: Around 1.5 hours from CBD
- Coach: Around 2.5 hours from the CBD
Getting there
Fitzroy & Brunswick
Honestly, this is one of my favourite weekend plans. You don’t need to travel far and just a few bus stops from the CBD. Spending the day exploring these cool suburbs, café hopping, thrift shopping and walking around is already more than enough for a great day out.
- Public Transport Travel from Melbourne City, 20 mins on the bus or tram.
Honestly, this is one of my favourite weekend plans. You don’t need to travel far and just a few bus stops from the CBD. Spending the day exploring these cool suburbs, café hopping, thrift shopping and walking around is already more than enough for a great day out.
- Public Transport Travel from Melbourne City, 20 mins on the bus or tram.
Day off
Moonlight Cinema
One of the best things to do during the warmer months is grab a picnic blanket, pack some snacks and watch a movie under the stars at the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s such a fun way to spend an evening with friends, and it can be a really affordable night out if you take advantage of their discounts!
Central Lawn Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3141
Market Lane Coffee
You can go wrong with their coffee beans here. They have multiple locations in the city where you can enjoy the best cup of coffee with a slightly different vibe from different stores.
8 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tofu Shoten
Even if you don't normally like tofu, give Tofu Shoten a go as they handcraft fresh, silky tofu from scratch. This little, cute shop sells take-home items such as fresh house-made tofu, tofu donuts, soymilk, a wide range of Japanese desserts and more! They somehow make tofu exciting.
6b Saxon St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Best Chill Night
FED SQUARE EVENTS
Fed Square regularly have outdoor movie screenings, free concerts, festivals, and events. It's always worth checking their website because there's usually something happening. I loved it when they were showing ‘La La Land’ on the big screen for everyone to enjoy together (for free!).
Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Fed Square regularly have outdoor movie screenings, free concerts, festivals, and events. It's always worth checking their website because there's usually something happening. I loved it when they were showing ‘La La Land’ on the big screen for everyone to enjoy together (for free!).
Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Best Steak Night
OPPEN
Oppen's Thursday steak on carbonara special is honestly one of the best value dinners I've found, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it after the first visit. Anyone who loves pasta and steak at the same time like me would appreciate this place so much!
Unit 20/2 Maddock St, Windsor VIC 3181
Unit 20/2 Maddock St, Windsor VIC 3181
Oppen's Thursday steak on carbonara special is honestly one of the best value dinners I've found, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it after the first visit. Anyone who loves pasta and steak at the same time like me would appreciate this place so much!
Unit 20/2 Maddock St, Windsor VIC 3181
Unit 20/2 Maddock St, Windsor VIC 3181
Freebies
BEST PICNIC SPOT
Picnic at Royal Botanic Gardens
Take a stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens and grab a coffee, bring a picnic rug or a book. You'll easily spend a whole afternoon here as it offers a variety of huge aesthetic natural areas. Sometimes it's a takeaway, sometimes a home-cooked meal, all that matters is enjoying the fresh air with my friends in this green space.
Melbourne VIC 3004
Melbourne VIC 3004
Take a stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens and grab a coffee, bring a picnic rug or a book. You'll easily spend a whole afternoon here as it offers a variety of huge aesthetic natural areas. Sometimes it's a takeaway, sometimes a home-cooked meal, all that matters is enjoying the fresh air with my friends in this green space.
Melbourne VIC 3004
Melbourne VIC 3004
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
It’s free, it’s air-conditioned, and there’s always something interesting on, honestly, one of my favourite ways to spend a free afternoon. Even if you’re not really into art, it’s worth wandering through the exhibitions; there really is something for everyone. It’s a great way to spend a wholesome afternoon with your friends (plus, the Instagram opportunities are endless).
Melbourne Hidden Gems
Top student-friendly spots in Melbourne: Asian groceries at KT Mart, finds at Queen Victoria Market, and city skyline viewpoints.
Northern Soul
Chip Shop
If you’re looking for fabulous chips and huge, juicy fish, save this wonderful place now! Northern Soul Chip Shop's famous British-style fish and chips are elite and it's a great comfort food spot if you make a visit to St Kilda beach. This is my non-negotiable go-to on a beach day.
6 Inkerman St, St Kilda VIC 3182
6 Inkerman St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Good Daze
Canteen
The idea of Good Daze Canteen is making ice cream inspired by different countries and sweets from around the world. Every flavour is a unique surprise, and I've never been disappointed when trying a new one. I can’t wait to visit next time until I explore all of their flavours.
316 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
316 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Times New Roman
Bar
The famous $6 pasta at Times New Roman Bar is exactly what every uni student needs. It's cheap, filling and they even have good vegan options. The restaurant has a great vibe, very warm and welcoming for a cozy, affordable dinner out with friends.
66 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3075
66 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3075
Active Bunch
Point Ormond Lookout
Everyone coming to Melbourne knows about this gorgeous lookout, but I definitely get why it’s famous! It would be the best sunset walk, especially in summer, when the sky is clear and I enjoy a picnic waiting for the sun to set. It’s also a really popular running spot if you’re an active peep.
Best Walk
Burke's
Lookout
Lookout
If you want a break from the city without driving for hours, Burke's Lookout is a really underrated place with beautiful views (maybe only the locals know!). It is a top viewpoint in the Dandenong Ranges and used to be a place that I would gatekeep. I love the walking tracks here, quite easy, and I love taking in the spectacular views of the valleys and Melbourne’s skyline.
Osprey Road, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767
Osprey Road, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767
If you want a break from the city without driving for hours, Burke's Lookout is a really underrated place with beautiful views (maybe only the locals know!). It is a top viewpoint in the Dandenong Ranges and used to be a place that I would gatekeep. I love the walking tracks here, quite easy, and I love taking in the spectacular views of the valleys and Melbourne’s skyline.
Osprey Road, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767
Osprey Road, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767