Sunday dreaming in Melbourne

There is quite possibly no better place, in the entire known universe, to spend a Sunday than in lovely old Melbs. Melbourne already cheekily lays claim to being the hub of Australia’s best food, coffee and culture. So all you have to do is add in a pinch of Sunday loafing and idle indulgence, and a weekend in any other place will be spoilt for you. So don’t say you weren’t warned.

To start the day off you might want to drive around sampling the swathe of markets on in the inner suburbs. Head out early to the corner of York and Cecil streets to get a trolley- full of cheap good greenery at the South Melbourne markets. Or run rampant at the markets in Prahran with all their delis and scrumptious bits and pieces. The Queen Victorian Markets are probably the best known, and if you’re up for a few elbow- jostling moments in the crowds that descend on the place, you’ll be sure to grab some bargains. On Sunday’s the food stalls are closed, and it tends to be more bric-a-brac, in addition to a wine market. The ‘Vic’ markets are at the top of the city between Queen and Peel streets.

Lunch might be on the cards next, and one of the most popular areas is Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. Trendy, dodgy, delicious, alternative – depends on your personal point of view, but this street owns a unique vibe in a city that’s already bursting with personality. Street- seating is perfect for enjoying your lunch and passing Sunday crowds. Or if you want a slightly more classy, and very Italian experience, just a small walk away is Lygon street.

But don’t linger too long, otherwise you’ll have the sun setting on you before you manage to make your way over the other side of town to St Kilda. Summertime is when this suburb comes into its own, and living here feels like a beachside town rather than a suburb of a city. Sunday is when St Kilda puts on her best frock to flirt with the weekend crowds.

Have a wander along the promenade, there are more markets, but this time arty- crafty stuff which can be very dangerous to your wallet. Or pop over the road to the St Kilda Sea Baths for a slice of cake that’s delicious enough to propose marriage to. Wander along the seafront and pier, and, when you hear the screaming, you’ll know you’ve reached Luna Park (above).

There are so many Melbournian landmarks crammed into this suburb but Luna Park is indisputably the Lord and Master of them all. It’s free to get in, but you pay per ride (which can get very expensive very quickly, so make sure you buy a day pass). The park heralds the beginning of Acland street – another den of gourmet delights.

To finish off the afternoon, it would be a criminal offence not to take advantage of some of the Sunday entertainment on offer by St Kilda institutions like the Espy Hotel (on the promenade) or the George Public Bar (on Fitzroy street).

The George will be packed out a little later on in the evening – there’s an amusing cover band entertaining the crowd with old Beatles hits. Cue the raucous singing amongst patrons and bar staff alike.

If you’re not up for a rowdy finish to your lazy Melbourne Sunday, and in the market for something a little more transcendental, why not seek out the king of all views in Melbourne and buy a ticket for the top of the Rialto Towers? Costs $11.80 for an adult, and you can go up and down as many times as you like.

If you feel the need for further inspiration, check out Visit Melbourne for all sorts of tidbits.

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