Melbourne musicians Kim Salmon, Rich and Jake of Aarght Records, Parsnip, and the Shifters share the best places to go in the live music capital of the world, including record shops, bars, restaurants, clubs, and more. Map should appear at the end of the page but can also be accessed here.
DO
- Step back in time at the Old Melbourne Gaol (pronounced “jail”), built in the mid-1800s to hold and execute dangerous criminals.
- Delve into stacks of books, intriguing exhibitions, and impressive architecture at the State Library of Victoria, the oldest library in Australia and one of the world’s first free libraries.
- Explore the art-filled alleys along Flinders Lane, including Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane.
- Hang out with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and other antipodean animals at Healesville Sanctuary.
- Unwind with tea, scones, and a boat ride at Fairfield Park Boathouse & Tea Gardens.
- Escape the din of the city at CERES Community Environment Park, where bike paths, friendly chickens, and organic produce await.
EAT
- Classic Chinese fare at Supper Inn Chinese Restaurant
- Steamy noodle soups at Pho Bang Bang
- A bevy of burgers at Tramway Hotel
- Burgers with city views served in subway cars atop a building at Easey’s
- Tasty Neapolitan pizzas at Il Pizzaiolo
- Authentic Lebanese food at Tiba’s Lebanese Restaurant
- Savory Spanish tapas at MoVida Next Door
- Moroccan specialties (but typically no soup!) at Moroccan Soup Bar
- All-you-can-eat vegetarian/vegan Indian food at Crossways
- Egyptian-style falafel (especially the cauliflower colibaba) at Half Moon Cafe
- Classic Italian dishes and coffee at Mario’s
- Hefty sandwiches, empanadas, and Portuguese tarts at Casa Iberica Deli
- Grandma-style Italian pasta and coffee at old-timey Pelligrini’s Espresso Bar
- Coffee at Tom Thumb, New Day Rising, Alimentari, and Stagger Lee’s
- Monster milkshakes with a side of snooker at Red Triangle Snooker Room
- Decadent baked goods at Monarch Cakes (then head to the end of St. Kilda Pier at sunset to see the fairy penguins return home after a long day at sea)
- Too many sweet treats (including cakes, tarts, pastries, and gelato) at Brunetti
- Time-honored gelato at Gelobar and Gelateria Primavera at Spring Street Grocer
SHOP
- Round and Round Records
- Polyester Records
- Licorie Pie Records
- Northside Records
- The Searchers Records
- Lulu’s records (behind A Fan’s Notes cafe)
- Smith Street between Johnston and Gertrude/Langridge streets for secondhand clothing as well as new and used records and books
- Brotherhood of St. Laurence Op Shop (109 Brunswick Road)
- Dejour Jeans (free tailoring with purchase)
ROCK
DRINK
- Hells Kitchen
- The Old Bar
- Nighthawks
- Crazy Arms (inside Polyester Records)
FEATURED BAND PERFORMANCES (in order of appearance)
Parsnip at The Tote
Kim Salmon Power Pop Trio at Swampland
Parsnip at Northcote Social Club
The Shifters at The Tote
Together Pangea at Northcote Social Club
School Damage at Post Office
Eat-Man at Northcote Social Club
Eyesores at The Old Bar
Delicados at Swampland
Pappy at Northcote Social Club
Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird at Polyester Records
Voiid at Northcote Social Club
Bleeding Knees Club at Northcote Social Club
AT THE TOTE
Marty Frawley
Sons of Rico
AT LABOUR IN VAIN
Mick Daley’s Corporate Raiders
Matty Whittle & Melwayholics Anonymous
Kim Salmon Power Pop Trio (courtesy of Barry C. Douglas)
The Devours
AT THE OLD BAR
Fleshed Out
Club Med
Kim Salmon (courtesy of Barry C. Douglas)
