With its combination of street art, great coffee and people watching, Melbourne’s Fitzroy neighbourhood is worth a visit beyond the usual city spots. The best part is to go without a plan to discover independent boutiques, cafes and bars but if you need a rough guide, try hitting these spots in-between your wandering.
Visit: Lune Croissanterie
119 Rose St
At this industrial-style bakery, the line often snakes out the door with those desperate for one, or more, of their world famous croissants. The space is minimal, with the focus on their variety of fluffy but crispy-on-the-outside pastries from traditional French croissants to danishes and cruffins which often sell out.
Shop: Third Drawer Down
93 George St
This delightful boutique offers fun and unique homewares from the Melbourne-based design studio as well as other brands great for arty gifts or things you didn't know you needed, such as an indoor ceramic pot plant cast from an actual hat or giant Shnoodle Marker inflatable pool noodle. They collaborate with artists from around the world, including David Shrigley, Alex Katz and Yayoi Kusama, featuring their works on everything from tea towels to eye masks you've likely spotted them in other museum or gallery stores, but their Fitzroy flagship is worth a visit.
Discover: Nobody Denim
396-398 Brunswick St
Established in the neighbourhood in 1999, this denim brand worn by Miranda Kerr and Kristen Stewart is a proud Fitzroy local. Their factory is just around the corner from their industrial-style Brunswick St store, which offers a full selection of jeans and more. The staff will help find you the perfect pair.
Drink: The Shady Lady
36 Johnston St
Fitzroy is home to countless hip bars, and your best bet is to simply wander and stumble across a treasure. The Shady Lady dive bar is one of the latest, with fun iced cocktails and a relaxed, homely atmosphere (there's no food for now, but that's to come). It looks relatively low key from the outside look for the neon light in the window with kitsch vintage furniture and touches inside.
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Dine: Cutler & Co.
55-57 Gertrude St
Described by Gourmet Traveller as a "definitive Melbourne dining experience", this beautiful restaurant is housed in a former metal works factory on one of Fitzroy's hippest streets. Chef Andrew McConnell transformed the space with leather booths and granite walls and tables, touches of luxury that reflect the fine dining menu. A bar up front offers a more casual but just as elegant take, with a dedicated bar menu.
Fossick: The Rose Street Market
60 Rose St
This charming weekend market has become a stalwart of Fitzroy's creative scene, with indoor and outdoor stalls offering handmade art and design. Art, ceramics, stationery, fashion and more, there are often lots of local jewellers here too including the fun Haus of Dizzy, known for their resin versions of bamboo hoops. After shopping, pop into market eatery Young Bloods Diner with its rooftop bar.
• Qantas flies direct daily to Melbourne out of Auckland and Wellington, as well as offering flights out of Christchurch. Every seat comes with food, drinks, a generous luggage allowance and entertainment. For flight information, visit Qantas.com
