Melbourne Secrets

Unless you know someone who lives in Melbourne, and can unearth some of its underground secrets, then it’s difficult to avoid just skimming the surface of this magnificent city.

Lucky you have us to show you where to find those boutique fashion houses, the cosmopolitan laneways and the cheap eats that everybody is keeping to themselves. We’ll even tell you a little bit of history about Melbourne that will have you on the edge of your seat, and just a little bit terrified. Now ssshhhhh. Follow us.

The Yarra River

The Yarra River is one of Victoria’s natural treasures. In fact, gold diggers used to divert its majestic waters through tunnels, attempting to reach the riches hidden below. These days there’s still a wealth of adventure to be had on the Yarra – swimming, fishing, kayaking or simply lazing along the banks.

Melbourne’s great river winds its way through the Yarra Valley, and is at its pristine best near Warburton, where you can explore it by bridge, stepping stones and 14 kms of walking track.
It was the Yarra River that built many of the great structures in Melbourne’s CBD, after gold was discovered at its watery depths. Some of Melbourne’s finest public buildings like Parliament House, the State Library, the GPO and the Town Hall were built on gold wealth – all thanks to the Yarra’s rivers of gold.

The first publicised gold find was in a tiny tributary of the Yarra River at Warrandyte.
Gold mining soon turned Melbourne into a thriving metropolis. By 1860, the city had a resident population of 500,000 people, with 25 million ounces of gold discovered in the state, the equivalent of $10 billion today.

You can cruise along the Yarra River – downstream to the port, or upstream to the gardens – and take in the sights, like the Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct, Westgate Bridge, Polly Woodside, the Botanic Gardens and the National Tennis Centre.

Laneways and arcades

Leave behind the maddening crowds, fighting for bargains under bright lights, to enter a shopping domain of charm and distinction. Melbourne boasts seven city arcades, housing some of the CBD’s most eclectic products; like Russian dolls, handmade chocolates and rare perfumes.

Block Arcade, which stretches between Collins and Elizabeth streets, is the crowning glory of the secret seven, built in 1891 with iron-lace architecture, elaborate Italian mosaic floors and an impressive glass dome ceiling. It’s here you’ll find collectable currency at Downies Block Arcade Coins, Victorian and Edwardian treasures at The French Jewel Box and the famous Tapping Man in the window at Haigh’s, calling attention to the signature Australian chocolates inside, made with Wattle Seed, Macadamia Nuts and Lemon Scented Myrtle.

Cathedral Arcade is home to obscure Japanese accessories at Genki and 50s inspired rock fashion at Route 66. Music buffs can find vintage blues and jazz at Basement Discs in Block Place. And for those who just want to sit and watch the locals go by, or gaze at the leadlight windows, try high tea at the Block Arcade’s historic Hopetoun Tea Rooms or a panini and coffee down the cosy Degraves Street laneway.

Black Rock Beaches

While Brighton beach attracts tourists to its charming row of brightly coloured bathing boxes, a little further afield is the beach paradise of Black Rock. You’ll find it nestled between Sandringham and Beaumaris about 18 kilometres from the city. Seaside highlights include Half Moon Bay, with its gourmet fish and chippery and the wreck of the HMVS Cerberus, which divers can explore. Just south of the yacht club, you’ll find a pristine beach that is a sunbaker’s delight – a wide stretch of clean white sand and enough privacy to go nude if you don’t mind clifftop walkers taking a peek.

Walk this way

To discover more of Melbourne’s magic join a Hidden Secrets Tour, which takes small groups on a guided walking tour of Melbourne’s undiscovered hot spots like independent retailers, hidden cafes and amazing architecture.

Other walking tours including foodie adventures like the Chocoholic tour, which lets you savour Melbourne’s finest chocolate makers, concocting decadent delights from their charming little arcade shops. Beer lovers will enjoy the Foster’s Australia Brewing Tours, famous for favourite brews like Vic Bitter, Carlton Draught and Crown Lager. The tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the past, present and future of beer brewing in Australia through interactive displays and a guided tour of Australia’s largest brewery. There are a few stairs to climb on the way, but you’ll be rewarded with a free tasting bar at the end.

For the truly adventurous, there’s also the Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour, run by local ghostbuster Drew Sinton, who will introduce you to the 50 ghosts he believes live in the city.
Melbourne’s resident ghostbuster will reveal fascinating secrets from the city's past; like the 9,000-odd bodies still buried beneath the Queen Victoria Market, the red light district of Little Collins Street, and botched public hangings. Venture if you dare.