A Multi Sensory Journey Through the Heart of Melbourne

Melbourne is a city that caters to every sense. From beautiful skylines to incredible eats, the city is abuzz with experiences waiting to be discovered. So, here is your guide to experiencing Melbourne through all five senses, and a dive into what makes this city truly special. 

Sight

Melbourne is a city of contrasts, and they can’t be missed by the eye. Home to thirty shiny skyscrapers, the city is impressive to behold just by looking up. However, bring your eyes back down and something green will likely catch your eye. Melbourne’s inner city is also home to eight major gardens, including the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens, which houses 370 native plants.

The city's neighbourhoods are also beautiful to behold, with homes drawing on a range of architectural styles such as Victorian, Art Deco, and Federation. This melting pot of designs results in charming streets where no two houses look the same.

No trip to Melbourne would be complete without watching the sunset, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your spot. My personal favourite is St Kilda Pier, and if you’re lucky, the penguins may pop by to say hello too! Other great places to end the day include Brighton Beach, Point Ormond, and City Sunset View.

Melbourne’s weather is famously unpredictable, one moment it’s sunny, the next it’s cool and drizzly. A waterproof jacket is recommended, especially one with seam sealed construction, so you can stay dry and comfortable as you explore the city’s parks, laneways and beaches. Discover our Women's Raincoats and Men's Raincoats.

Sound

The first sound you’ll become accustomed to when you walk through Melbourne is the ‘ding’ of the tram. Melbourne is home to the largest urban tram network in the world, and with 1,770 tram stops dotted across the city, it couldn’t be easier to make your way around.

Another sound you’re sure to notice as you spend time in this wonderful city is the multitude of different languages being spoken — 251 in fact! There are more languages spoken in Melbourne than there are countries in the world, with Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish among the most popular.

Whether you're hopping between tram stops or exploring vibrant neighbourhoods on foot, it’s always handy to carry a lightweight jacket — Melbourne’s weather can change in an instant.

Taste

It’s a well known fact, Melbourne’s food scene is tough to beat. From acai bowls to sushi, frozen yogurt to pizza, the city has you covered whatever you’re craving. 

Baker Bleu is the top of the food chain (literally) for pastries. Whether you want a classic croissant made to perfection, or one of their more unique inventions (sour cherry and dark chocolate hot cross buns!), this is your place. They have two branches located in Caulfield North and Hawkesburn and they’ve just opened another store in Sydney!

For a variety of dishes which reflect Melbourne’s multicultural character, visit Queen Victoria Food Market. You’ll be spoilt for choice by fresh produce and gourmet dishes as you wander through the isles, which house over 600 stalls. Choose from oysters, pasta, pancakes and pies, (to name a few) and wash your meal down with my personal favourite, a sugarcane juice. 

No taste guide to Melbourne would be complete without paying homage to their coffee culture. Melbournians are serious about their coffee, and the standards in the city are high. Opinions are divided, but the front runners in the caffeine game are Patricia, Proud Mary and Good Measure, with self proclaimed ‘coffee snobs’ praising their quality brews. 

Smell

Whilst you won’t be able to miss the delicious smell of world-class cuisine in Melbourne, you may also be able to smell the minty tones of the Eucalyptus trees, found both in and around the city. Eucalyptus is native to Australia, and around 900 different types of species grow throughout the country. Outside of the cities, they are also a favourite hideout amongst koalas!

Another smell you may be able to pick out is that of a brewery. Melbourne has a thriving beer culture, and there’s many breweries you can stop by. Amongst the city’s most popular are Moon Dog, Mountain Goat, and Stomping Ground. Melbourne also hosts multiple beer festivals annually where you can try all the favourites!

If you're heading out for an afternoon exploring Melbourne's breweries or strolling through one of its many gardens, a packable jacket is ideal, easy to stash away until you need it, and a lifesaver when the weather shifts. Our packable jackets are the perfect on-the-go companion.

Touch

One thing many visitors forget to do when they visit Melbourne is feel the sand beneath their feet. The city sits in the corner of Australia, where the east coast meets the south, and is sandwiched between beautiful beaches.

To the east you will find Mornington Peninsula, home to stretching sandy beaches like St Andrews and coastal towns like Sorrento. On Melbourne’s Western side, you can head over to the beach town of Torquay, which boasts great restaurants, outlet shops and is renowned for its surfing. Besides this, Torquay also marks the beginning of Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road, a 240-kilometre stunning coastal drive running to Allansford. The road is well equipped to keep travellers busy, with national parks, coastal walks and wildlife sanctuaries to look out for, as well as an abundance of campsites and accommodation. 

So, there you have it, a guide to experiencing Melbourne with all your senses. This vibrant city truly has something for everybody and is not one to be missed. Add it to your bucket list, you won’t regret it!

 

Written by Claudia Watson