Where Are The Best Secret Spots In Melbourne?

Melbourne's Secret Places & Hidden Gems

Whether you've lived in Melbourne your whole life or just moved in, you'll never run out of things to learn. So go ahead and let your mind wander as you read about some of Melbourne's best-kept secrets. Hidden locations that are both strange and amazing.

Hidden Bars In Melbourne

Trinket

Melbourne, 87 Flinders Lane

Flinders Lane is packed with exciting restaurants and bars where you may let off steam. Trinket is one of those modest cocktail bars that is easy to overlook from the outside, but as you step inside, you will be captivated by its stunning old-world elegance. The main level serves pizza and cocktails, but if you go through the closet, you may find a hidden subterranean bar where you can unwind with a bottle of wine (or two).

Fifty-Five

Melbourne, 55 Elizabeth St

This CBD underground bar welcomes revellers till 3 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar's cosy atmosphere stems from the combination of its wooden interior, numerous plants hanging from the ceiling, and the abundance of fairy lights. Most nights feature DJ sets, and there is a gallery presenting works by regional artists.

Beneath Driver Lane

3 Driver Ln, Melbourne

Since Driver Lane is tucked away behind the grand GPO building, finding it will be twice as challenging, but twice as rewarding.Get comfortable in leather booths lighted by candles while listening to blues and sipping with liquid nitrogen. Peckish? Until 3 a.m., guests can order bar food such as moules marinière and Jamon croquettes from the kitchen.

Goldilocks Bar

264 Swanston Street, Level 4, Melbourne

The ideal summer destination combines two factors. The drinks, for one thing, should be chilled, and the location, a rooftop, is essential. Located on the top floor of the Deniers Building in the Central Business District is a cosy pub that is, to quote Goldilocks, "just right." With a menu that features only products from Victoria, it's never been simpler (or more delicious) to show your support for the state's agricultural industry (or tastier). Goldilocks uses only plant-based ingredients in all of their drinks, including their signature amaretto sour, so vegans can rejoice.

Siglo

161 Spring Street, Level 2, Melbourne

The rooftop terrace at Siglo, with its tablecloths and old-world charm, is a must-visit for any visitor to the city. Cigar enthusiasts, get your lighters ready: Cohiba Siglos are the house specialty at this cocktail bar perched above the Princess Theatre at the "Paris end," an area known for its penchant for French-inspired cocktails.

Lock & Key

34 Franklin Street, Melbourne

This late-night hangout is a favourite hospo set and late-night drinkers because of its covert location atop the city's oldest pub, Captain Melville. The interior's heavy use of wood gives it a rustic, homey vibe that's less CBD bar and more cabin in the woods. Indulge in a cocktail while lounging on one of the soft couches inside or out on the spacious terrace facing Franklin St.

Biff Tannin's

Brunswick, u5/601 Sydney Rd

You can find this pizza and wine bar just off Sydney Road in Brunswick, and you get to choose how much wine you put in your glass. It's up to you whether you want to go all in or just try a little bit of each of the 32 varieties of wine available at the self-serve bar. The chill bar has an extensive collection of rare and unusual whiskies. So, get a couple of their traditional $8 pizzas or a couple of their Deluxe Charcuterie Boards to soak up all that vino.

Bar Americano

20 Presgrave Place, Melbourne

This little cocktail bar in the back of Presgrave Place can only fit ten people at a time standing, so its location out of the way from prying eyes is probably for the best. The 1930s-themed bar, identified by a faded blue tabacchi (Italian for "tobacco shop") sign, is where you can get your hands on a variety of expertly mixed classic drinks that the bartenders alter every week.

Bar Margaux

Melbourne, 111 Lonsdale Street

Bar Margaux is a secret gem worth knowing about; it is located under Lonsdale Street and transports patrons to the old French brasseries of New York, where a skilled staff serves classic drinks and bistro meals till 5 in the morning. Oysters and champagne, Observe the Croque Monsieur and the Manhattans, and everything in between, served in a vintage-inspired space with red-leather banquettes, black-and-white subway tiles, and low lighting.

Ponyfish Island

Kiosk Southbank, Pedestrian Bridge, Southbank

If you've ever walked across the Yarra River footbridge and pondered the source of the noise below, the answer is the riverbank below. Ponyfish Island, a popular floating bar among both visitors and residents, fits in nicely below. Arvo beverages with a panoramic vista of the river and downtown cityscape await you here.

Gin Palace

10 Russell Place, Melbourne

The Gin Palace has been Melbourne's original speakeasy for almost a century. Curiosity is rewarded with a velvet-draped wonderland where hundreds of rare gins can be explored, either neat or in inventive cocktails, while sitting on plush chaises.

Above Board

Smith Street Level 306 Chopper Lane, Collingwood

Above Board is the pinnacle of cocktail lounges. Collingwood is known for its abundance of pubs and themed bars, but inside them lies the cocktail bar equivalent of Narnia. Above Board's handcrafted menu, led by cocktail specialist Hayden Lambert (ex-Bar Americano), will make you reevaluate your whole drinking history. So, if you want a place to have a drink by yourself, you need look no further. Sit down at the bar and let the staff do their thing.

Jungle Boy

96 Chapel Street, Windsor

A cool-room door serves as the entrance to this tiki bar, which is located behind a sandwich shop, how very Melbourne. The bartenders inside are lively and will serve you tropical drinks while keeping up a lively conversation. Surroundings of potted plants and trinkets contribute to the eccentric atmosphere, and if you become hungry, a sandwich is never far away.

Chuckle Park

322 Little Collins St, Melbourne

Chuckle Park is a little alleyway pub off Little Collins Street serving up happy hour specials on drinks, beers, and wine from a caravan full of happy people. Mimosas and Bloody Marys are great for brunch, while mezcal hot chocolates are a winter staple and a summer staple. Floral and lighted canopies cover the seating area, creating a whimsical and enchanted atmosphere for your drinking party.

Hidden Restaurants In Melbourne

Bodega Underground

55 Little Bourke St, Melbourne 

Mezcal, a smoky Mexican agave spirit and kin to the hipster favourite tequila, is the star of the show at this unassuming taqueria. There are seventy different kinds, and you may have them alone or in strong cocktails like the Ancho, which blends jalapeo mezcal with agave, grilled lime, and chilli salt. Tacos are the main attraction at this Chinatown eatery, and they pair wonderfully with a shot of tequila. You may get your hands on anything from pig to seafood to black beans here. You might see a random assortment of Mexican curios, such as string lights, prints, movie posters, and other such items.

Easey's

3/48 Easey Street, Collingwood  

No one would ever guess that a disused railway car would be converted into a burger joint and be located on the fifth floor of a building in Collingwood. Easey's is a great location to hang out and have a good time whether you're eating cheeseburgers at a booth inside or drinking jugs of Melbourne Bitter outside.

The Cornish Arms Hotel

163A Sydney Road, Brunswick

The welcoming Cornish Arms welcomes all with eight craft beer taps, a rooftop with city views, and a special vegan menu. Vegans and vegetarians can now socialise with their meat-eating friends over imitation chicken parma, seitan souvlaki, or even fish-free fish and chips.

Shop Ramen

329 Smith St, Fitzroy

This trendy spot in Melbourne's Inner North is a favourite among locals and visitors alike for its creative bowls of ramen that include ingredients as diverse as yuzu oil, melted cheddar, and spicy jalapenos. Tofu, pea shoots, pickles, kale, edamame, and marinated egg atop a bed of rice noodles in a rich sesame broth; a local favourite among vegetarians and vegans.

Hell's Kitchen

20A Centre Pl, Melbourne

Degraves St, a well-known alley in the heart of the city, embodies the Jekyll and Hyde dichotomy like no other. You have your tourist hotspots with their immaculately maintained tables, and then you have your grab-and-go eateries with just the proper amount of grunge on the other side. Hell's Kitchen is a great place to watch people from a perch at a crowded cafe during the day. Unfortunately, it becomes a dive bar serving pizza, snarf, and the house speciality, handmade meatballs, in the wee hours of the morning.

Cafe Terroni

18 Ballarat St, Yarraville

The Yarraville Village in western Melbourne has a vibrant, community-oriented vibe that is sure to pull you in. Cafe Terroni's genuine menu and cosy, personal atmosphere make it stand out on the strip, which is filled with great restaurants. Southern Italian specialities such as mussels with fregola and pappardelle with diced lamb shoulder ragu will be served in copious quantities. Eat up!

The Melbourne Supper Club

First floor, 161 Spring Street, Melbourne 

Where else but in the ritzy upper crust would you find a European wine bar with luxurious leather Chesterfield sofas, bistro food, and wine that stays open until 4 in the morning (or 6 on the weekend)? You'll only find this small club up some stairs and behind a nondescript entrance, catering to an exclusive clientele.

A1 Bakery

643- 645 Sydney Road, Brunswick

For almost 25 years, A1 in Brunswick has been a mainstay for Brunswick residents in search of authentic, just-out-of-the-oven Lebanese baked delicacies. House-made za'atar-dusted flatbread, halloumi-stuffed pies, and chicken taouk wraps bursting with crunchy pickles and garlic sauce are all available whenever you like, as the restaurant is open around the clock, seven days a week. The best part is that you can get A1's renowned smooth dips in convenient to-go containers.

Soi 38

38 McIlwraith Place, Melbourne 

You are not hallucinating; a carpark in the heart of the city centre is indeed emitting the aroma and sound of cooking. The tiny Thai restaurant Soi 38 on the McIlwraith Place parking lot has become legendary in the area. The crew serves some of the greatest boat noodles in Melbourne throughout the day and transforms into a Chang-fueled Thai barbeque and hot-pot place in the evening.

The Black Yard

1-3 Ulupna Road, Ormond

Restaurant Peppy Ormond Falafel's waffle-falafel mashup is worth the trip alone. However, the actual secret is that on weekends, you may find a whole other café by going around the back into the courtyard. At The Black Yard, you may see loud Israeli families devouring their typical meal of each nun,a fairly sweet, chewy pastry that is ripped off in strips and dipped in various relishes.

Secret Nature Reserves In Melbourne

Redwood Forest

Cement Creek Road, East Warburton

Take a road trip out to Warburton and you'll find a mystical land unlike anywhere else in Australia. Exotic California redwoods, numbering around 1500, were planted here nearly a century ago. Approximately fifty metres in height, these pines have risen to prominence as a sought-after prop among wedding photographers. This one is a hidden gem, and it will take your breath away.

Blue Lotus Water Garden

2628 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction 

This Yarra Valley water garden covers 50,000 square metres, and water lilies and lotus flowers bloom there between December and April every year. Even though it's only a 90-minute journey from Melbourne, you'll feel like you've entered a different world when you arrive at this tropical paradise complete with ponds, lakes, palm trees, lagoons, and even a waterfall.

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke

The Dandenongs, only 45 minutes from the city, are home to a beautiful hidden garden complete with waterfalls, rock pools, and native flora hidden beneath a heavy canopy of mountain ash, maple, and ginkgo trees. Be on the lookout for king parrots and colourful rosellas if you decide to have your picnic there; it's one of our favourite areas.

Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory

Wellington Parade, East Melbourne

Fitzroy Gardens is a beautiful place to enjoy the sun or shade on your lunch break, and it also houses a thriving botanic garden in a conservatory built in the 1930s. Inside the Spanish Mission-style building, seasonal blooms include hydrangeas, poinsettias, and fuchsias. Because of construction, it is currently closed until 2020, so you'll have to file this one away for later.

The Hidden Culture Of Melbourne

Fortyfivedownstairs

45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

One of Melbourne's most intriguing cultural locations may be found hidden beneath Flinders Lane. Wander down the stairs to see a number of galleries and a warehouse-style theatre where up-and-coming visual and performing artists showcase their innovative solutions to problems in society. It's possible that there will be a concert of classical music someday. The following week, an underground cabaret with all the merriment.

Palace Westgarth

89 High Street, Northcote 

This modest suburban theatre has been lovingly restored to its 1950s Hollywood glory, complete with a grand staircase and magnificent ceilings that highlight Art Deco details. Modern independent films and Hollywood blockbusters play daily on the big screen.

Jack's Magazine

Magazine Way, Maribyrnong 

Jack's Magazine is a former explosives storage facility that has been hidden at the foot of an escarpment on the Maribyrnong River since the 1990s. It contains a maze of underground tramways, tunnels, and rooms. If you're a history buff, you should definitely check out this location, as it's linked to numerous pivotal moments in Victoria's past, such as the Gold Rush and other battles.

The Johnston Collection

Arrive at 192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne

All visitors to the Johnston Collection are picked up by a shuttle bus so that the museum's location can be kept hidden. This beautiful Georgian/Regency/Louis XV home is loaded with rare objects from those eras, as well as other related ones, such as the Victorian era. These items are on display in the home of William Robert Johnston, a well-known antiquities dealer and collector who generously donated his collection to the community.

Other Secret Spots To Visit In Melbourne

Fitzroy Saturday Markets + Street Art

It is well known that Fitzroy is the hipster heart of Melbourne. There are hip restaurants, cool bars, and vibrant murals all over the place.

In order to get a feel for Fitzroy, many visitors take a stroll down Brunswick Street, which is lined with shops, cafes, and eateries. Yet, Saturdays at a number of art markets off the main strip offer the most genuine Fitzroy experience.

For a flavour of the frugal backstreet street art vibes from which Fitzroy sprang, check out the Rose Street Artists' Market or the Fitzroy Mills Market.

These markets may be found tucked away in the northern portion of the suburb, where colourful street art can be found on every street corner, in every alley, and even in the parking garages.

Speakeasy-Style Micro-Distillery

There is no more vibrant neighbourhood in Melbourne than "Little Lon," the area between Spring and Exhibition, Little Lonsdale and La Trobe. Some of the most infamous brothels, like Madame Brussels' establishments on Lonsdale Street, could be found in alleys like Casselden Place. Seven three-room brick houses once stood in the laneway, but today only number 17 is still standing. The history of Number 17, the only property with only one floor in the entire Central Business District, is long and interesting. At first, it was a brothel where the most well-known working girl was a Chinese prostitute known by the alias Yokohama (though her real name was Tiecome Ah Chung) and the subject of numerous police complaints. It is now home to Little Lon, a small-batch gin distillery, with a tasting room so tiny that only 12 people, all of whom must be extremely close friends, could possibly fit inside.

Inner-City Botanic Garden

You've probably heard of the Royal Botanic Gardens; however did you know that one of Victoria's first public gardens was located in Williamstown? Williamstown Botanic Gardens is a beachside beauty with plenty of greenery perfect for a picnic or quiet stroll. It was first constructed by the early colonies to determine how well plants would do in the harsh Australian climate. Therefore, the garden's focal points include a variety of exotic plants, an Edwardian decorative pond, and a symmetrical palm avenue. Additionally, Williamstown Beach is only a short distance away.

The State Library's Actual Magic Room

The State Library of Victoria is an important historical site that features exhibits, galleries, and a prestigious audiovisual collection in addition to its many books and podcasting capabilities. The most "Hogwarts" thing we can think of is that it has a private collection of magical artefacts. About 2,000 books, 60 periodicals, 1,500 pictures, 300 posters, and 400 files are housed in the William Alma Magic Collection. If you consider yourself a witch or wizard, you can make a request to see the collection, and Flu Network will probably send it right to your castle.

Conclusion

Melbourne is the location of some of the world's most closely guarded secrets. Alleyway pubs and underground art galleries are two examples of hidden hangouts. Our favourite quiet places to spend the night away from the madding crowds are listed below. Anyone visiting the city should stop at Siglo to enjoy the rooftop terrace. In the spirit of New York's historic French brasseries, Bar Margaux provides classic cocktails and bistro fare until 5 a.m., courtesy of a trained and experienced staff.

You'll find a hidden cocktail bar paradise when you step into one of Collingwood's famous pubs or themed bars. Melbourne residents have enjoyed the authentic speakeasy experience at The Gin Palace for nearly a century. This humble taqueria is known primarily for its tacos. Western Melbourne's Yarraville Village is a bustling hub of social activity. The authentic fare and warm, friendly ambience of Cafe Terroni set it apart from other restaurants on the strip.

Sitting at a busy cafe in Hell's Kitchen is a fantastic way to people-watch in the area. If you travel only a few hours outside of Melbourne, you'll reach an area steeped in myth and legend that can't be found anywhere else in the country. One of Melbourne's best boat noodle spots, Soi 38 on McIlwraith Place, morphs into a Thai barbeque joint in the evenings. Since the 1990s, the explosives storage facility known as Jack's Magazine has been kept secret at the base of an escarpment beside the Maribyrnong River. Even though it's a very small suburban theatre, it's been painstakingly renovated to look like it did in the '50s when it played Hollywood films.

No. 17 is the only building in Melbourne's central business district (CBD) with a single story. As one of Victoria's earliest public green spaces, Williamstown Botanic Gardens is rich in history. You may order the State Library of Victoria's private collection of magical artefacts through Flu Network, and they'll have it delivered to your castle in no time.

Content Summary

• These are a few of our favourite off-the-beaten-path destinations, whether they're secluded bars tucked away in alleyways, underground galleries, or places where you can get some peace and quiet away from the madding masses.
• So go ahead and let your mind wander as you read about some of Melbourne's best-kept secrets.
• Flinders Lane is packed with exciting restaurants and bars where you may let off steam.
• The ideal summer destination combines two factors.
• The rooftop terrace at Siglo, with its tablecloths and old-world charm, is a must-visit for any visitor to the city.
• Cigar enthusiasts, get your lighters ready: Cohiba Siglos are the house specialty at this cocktail bar perched above the Princess Theatre at the "Paris end," an area known for its penchant for French-inspired cocktails.
• This late-night hangout is a favourite hospo set and late-night drinkers because of its covert location atop the city's oldest pub, Captain Melville.
• Bar Margaux is a secret gem worth knowing about; it is located under Lonsdale Street and transports patrons to the old French brasseries of New York, where a skilled staff serves classic drinks and bistro meals till 5 in the morning.
• The Gin Palace has been Melbourne's original speakeasy for almost a century.
• Above Board is the pinnacle of cocktail lounges.
• Collingwood is known for its abundance of pubs and themed bars, but inside them lies the cocktail bar equivalent of Narnia.
• A cool-room door serves as the entrance to this tiki bar, located behind a sandwich shop; how very Melbourne.
• Chuckle Park is a little alleyway pub off Little Collins Street serving up happy hour specials on drinks, beers, and wine from a caravan full of happy people.
• Hidden Restaurants In Melbourne Mezcal, a smoky Mexican agave spirit and kin to the hipster favourite tequila, is the show's star at this unassuming taqueria.
• Tacos are the main attraction at this Chinatown eatery, and they pair wonderfully with a shot of tequila.
• Easey's is a great location to hang out and have a good time, whether eating cheeseburgers at a booth or drinking jugs of Melbourne Bitter outside.
• This trendy spot in Melbourne's Inner North is a favourite among locals and visitors alike for its creative bowls of ramen that include ingredients as diverse as yuzu oil, melted cheddar, and spicy jalapenos.
• Degraves St, a well-known alley in the city's heart, embodies the Jekyll and Hyde dichotomy like no other.
• Hell's Kitchen is a great place to watch people from a perch at a crowded cafe during the day.
• The Yarraville Village in western Melbourne has a vibrant, community-oriented vibe that will pull you in.
• Cafe Terroni's simple menu and cosy, personal atmosphere make it stand out on the strip, which is filled with great restaurants.
• You'll only find this small club up some stairs and behind a nondescript entrance catering to an exclusive clientele.
• The tiny Thai restaurant Soi 38 on the McIlwraith Place parking lot has become legendary in the area.
• Restaurant Peppy Ormond Falafel's waffle-falafel mashup is worth the trip alone.
• Take a road trip to Warburton, and you'll find a mystical land unlike anywhere else in Australia.
• This Yarra Valley water garden covers 50,000 square metres, and water lilies and lotus flowers bloom there between December and April every year.
• The Dandenongs, only 45 minutes from the city, are home to a beautiful hidden garden complete with waterfalls, rock pools, and native flora beneath a heavy canopy of mountain ash, maple, and ginkgo trees.
• Fitzroy Gardens is a beautiful place to enjoy the sun or shade on your lunch break, and it also houses a thriving botanic garden in a conservatory built in the 1930s.
• Jack's Magazine is a former explosives storage facility hidden at the foot of an escarpment on the Maribyrnong River since the 1990s.
• It is well known that Fitzroy is the hipster heart of Melbourne.
• Yet, Saturdays at some art markets off the main strip offer the most genuine Fitzroy experience.
• Check out the Rose Street Artists' Market or the Fitzroy Mills Market for a flavour of the frugal backstreet street art vibes from which Fitzroy sprang.
• Seven three-room brick houses once stood in the laneway, but today only number 17 is still standing.
• The history of Number 17, the only property with only one floor in the entire Central Business District, is long and interesting.
• Williamstown Botanic Gardens is a beachside beauty with plenty of greenery perfect for a picnic or a quiet stroll.
• The State Library of Victoria is an important historical site that features exhibits, galleries, and a prestigious audiovisual collection in addition to its many books and podcasting capabilities.
• The most "Hogwarts" thing we can think of is that it has a private collection of magical artefacts.
• About 2,000 books, 60 periodicals, 1,500 pictures, 300 posters, and 400 files are housed in the William Alma Magic Collection.