For part 3 of our guide of Melbourne we let Studio Manager, Eloise take us around to her favourite parts of Melbourne. 

Eloise is a country girl through and through but has always loved the unique culture of Melbourne- the classy sophistication blended with a multi-cultural vibrancy balanced against the laid back Australian lifestyle. Here are some of the places you'll find her on the weekends! 

COASTLANDS

One of my favourite slow things to do on the weekends is to explore the many coastlines around Melbourne and the nearby peninsulas. I love to spend the day surfing, exploring historic ruins or having a picnic with my family & friends. I often find myself at Flinders beach & the surf spots around there (shh, a local secret!) as I love the rugged environment and the pine trees.

My recommendation: there’s a really amazing local grocery in Flinders township with handcrafted wares & artisan delicacies. Sometimes I’ll pick up a bouquet of flowers to take home or a loaf of freshly baked sourdough to share. Mmm, so good!

CAFES

I’m a bit of a coffee snob (aren’t we all in Melbourne?!) and therefore am pretty choosy about where to get the perfect blend. I love my local café & sustainable bulk whole foods store, The Full Pantry in Croydon - an environmentally conscious, family-run establishment with some of the most delicious meals & coffee you’ll ever taste (with amazing vegan & allergy-friendly options!). After you’re done brunching in the beautiful plant-filled café, pop over to the whole foods store and pick out some incredible Australian grown produce and organic products to stock your own pantry with.

My recommendation: bring your own keep cup for your coffee or purchase one in store - they don't supply harmful single-use plastics like throwaway cups or plastic straws.

CITY

After the recent travel restrictions, I (like many of my fellow Victorians) have been forced to get creative and rediscover parts of our local area. One of my current loves is spending time exploring some of the beautiful hidden parts of Melbourne city. I love to wander, read up on the history behind the European-inspired architecture and capture them on my camera. It’s a unique way to immerse yourself in the culture of a city - whether you’re local or visiting Melbourne for the first time.

My recommendation: Check out the state library and some of the stunning fashion buildings in the CBD, like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci.

I hope you enjoyed reading about some of my favourite spots in Melbourne and that our mini series has been enjoyable to read! Look forward to lots of exciting new things coming in 2021!

Eloise xx