Autumn magic in Melbourne
I interviewed my sea changer friend Keith the other day. He moved from Melbourne to Palm Cove in Queensland a few years ago. Guess what he said?
‘I love it. I get to walk on the beach here every day. It sure beats walking on a footpath in Melbourne’.
Really???
I laughed when he said it, but only because I don’t feel any need to be competitive about Melbourne. With my hometown glowing as we reach peak autumn colour, there’s really nowhere else I’d rather be.
What makes it so good? It’s difficult to define, but as days get cooler and nights become longer, locals start to turn inwards for their entertainment, cultural pursuits and socialising. This doesn’t mean we fail to embrace our stunning gardens and parks, but come April and May we’re even more likely to frequent local markets, cosy pubs and well-stocked bookshops. And then there are the special museum and gallery displays and events which capture our autumnal mood.
Melbourne Autumn Inspiration
Here are the five activities that top my list for a marvellous Melbourne autumn.
1. Melbourne Markets
It’s hard to go past our excellent permanent markets including South Melbourne, Prahran and the ‘grand old lady’, Victoria Market, which is more like a village than a mere market.
Here you will find each and every ingredient you ever wanted to use, in season, and stunningly displayed. A walk around the deli section, the fish market or the veggie halls is akin to a quick trip around the globe with vendors from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the far East, as well as some of the islands in between. There is also a fun range of entertainment for children.
But don’t overlook our local farmers markets either. My favourite is Boroondara Market, held the first, third and fifth Saturday in the month between 8am-12.30 pm at Patterson’s Reserve in Hawthorn. It’s a great outing for all ages, with excellent barista coffee, fresh fruit, veggies, meats and lots of other specialty produce.
2. Gardens and Parks
Thanks to our visionary forefathers such as Ferdinand von Mueller, the inner suburbs of Melbourne have vast tracts of land which provide inspirational ‘green lungs’ for our busy city.
Such gardens and parks include the Treasury Gardens in Fitzroy, Edinburgh Gardens and Princes Park in Carlton, Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park in South Yarra.
And, of course, the Melbourne Botanical Gardens on the banks of the Yarra River.
There are also smaller stretches of parkland where you can enjoy the change of season, with many tiny pocket parks in the backstreets of Fitzroy, North Melbourne, Cremorne and Abbotsford.
3. The Immigration Museum is showing off!
Not one, but two exhibitions currently showing at the Immigration Museum deserve a visit. The higher profile event is the Notre Dame de Paris immersive exhibition (until 18 May) which relives the spectacular history (in 3D) of this grand cathedral in an augmented takeover of the Long Room.
But the ‘Joy’ exhibition is also a winner, where creativity, colour and storytelling collide in installations by Victorian-based creatives with supporting videos of the artists behind these works. It runs until 29 August, so you have even more time to get there.
4. Winter’s coming, grab a book
Melbourne is the second city in the world to be designated a UNESCO City of Literature, (the first being Edinburgh).
The honour was bestowed by UNESCO for many reasons, one of which is that Melburnians consume more books, magazines and newspapers per capita than residents of any other city in Australia.
Melbourne is also said to have the highest concentration of community book clubs in Australia. We live up to this name with a plethora of readings, author talks, book groups and public discussions. Last week’s Fitzroy Writers Festival is an example with sold-out events at the historic Fitzroy Town Hall.
And then there are our bookshops. Everyone will have a favourite, here are a few more to add to your list:
- Avenue Bookstore, Albert Park
- Readings, Carlton
- Paperback, Bourke Street, Melbourne
- Jeffreys, Malvern
- Hill of Content, Bourke Street, Melbourne.
5. Pubs and Bars
Is there anything more delightful than a Sunday roast in front of a log fire with a bundle of newspapers to browse? Nothing I can think of – and this was our Sunday habit back in the day when we were living in London.
Happily you can still indulge in modern Melbourne and the onset of autumn and winter means the fires will be crackling and the roast is in the oven.
Great local pubs to visit are:
- The Lincoln, Carlton
- The Napier, Fitzroy
- The Orrong, Prahran and
- ‘Bobbie’ Peels in North Melbourne.
And to return to the ‘footpath’ comment from my friend Keith. Is there anywhere more magical on a balmy autumn evening than an outdoor table at the Botanical in Domain Road South Yarra? The Botanical Gardens are just visible at dusk past the centuries old elms and Moreton Bay Fig trees. As the sun descends, the lights begin to twinkle and my glass of vino arrives, I’m reminded not all footpaths are equal!
These a just a handful of magical moments in Melbourne in April and May. Which others are on your list?
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
