Inner north Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide featuring the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Inner North, Melbourne, Australia.


Introduction to Inner North

Melbourne’s Inner North is a hub of culture, food, and art. It boasts charming, heritage-listed buildings, leafy parks, and a diverse community that makes it an attractive destination for tourists. The area is known for being fashion-forward and progressive, with some of Melbourne’s best cafes, markets, and bars.

List of Places to Visit in Inner North

Here are the top places to add to your itinerary when visiting Inner North:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Melbourne Museum: An award-winning natural and cultural history museum showcasing fascinating exhibitions ranging from dinosaur skeletons to Aboriginal culture.
  2. The Immigration Museum: The museum chronicles the experiences of people who migrated to Australia.
  3. Old Melbourne Gaol: A former prison turned museum that features the stories of its famous inmates, including Ned Kelly, Australia’s most notorious outlaw.
  4. Abbotsford Convent: A former convent turned arts and cultural precinct with beautiful gardens, galleries, and artisan stores.
  5. Darebin Parklands: A sprawling parkland featuring abundant flora and fauna and serene walking trails.

Natural Attractions of Inner north: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Merri Creek Trail: A 21-km long trail featuring beautiful scenery and wildlife along the Merri Creek.
  2. Yarra Bend Park: A picnic spot that offers stunning views of the city and is home to a golf course and several sporting fields.
  3. CERES Community Environment Park: An urban farm and environmental education center that is perfect for families with kids.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Inner north

Melbourne offers many biking and hiking routes in the inner north. The Merri Creek trail is a popular spot that winds through the suburbs, while the Yarra Bend Park has a 5km bike track that offers amazing views of the city’s skyline.

Best Things to Do in Inner north: Activities and Tours

  1. Queen Victoria Market: A historic Melbourne shopping institution, which sells fresh produce, specialty goods, and Australian souvenirs.
  2. Royal Exhibition Building: A UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Joseph Reed in the 19th century, which hosts exhibitions, festivals, and concerts.
  3. Brunswick Street: A bohemian strip filled with boutique shops, vintage stores, and trendy eateries.

Week-Long Itinerary for Inner north

Day 1: Visit Melbourne Museum, then walk the beautiful Merri Creek trail. Day 2: Explore the foodie haven of Queen Victoria Market in the morning, and take a guided tour of the Royal Exhibition Building in the afternoon. Day 3: Visit the Immigration Museum, and then soak in the artsy vibe of the Abbotsford Convent. Day 4: Visit Old Melbourne Gaol, then head to Brunswick Street for some shopping and delicious food. Day 5: Take a leisurely bike ride in Yarra Bend Park, enjoy the scenic views, and have a picnic lunch. Day 6: Visit CERES Community Environment Park, followed by a relaxing afternoon in Darebin Parklands. Day 7: Wrap up your trip by exploring the lively bars and restaurants of Fitzroy and Collingwood.

Food and Drink Scene of Inner north

Melbourne has a vibrant food scene, and the Inner North is no exception. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Baklava at A1 Bakery: A Mediterranean pastry filled with honey and nuts.
  2. Pho at I Love Pho: A steaming bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup that will warm you up on colder days.
  3. Peanut Gallery’s Burgers: A delicious and juicy burger made with locally sourced meats.
  4. Pizza at Lazerpig Pizza Parlour: A large and crispy pizza with creative toppings.
  5. Jaffles at Barry: Two slices of bread filled with cheese and other variety of fillings, toasted to perfection.

Local Beverages

  1. Craft Beer at Stomping Ground Brewery Co: A local brewery serving up hand crafted beer.
  2. Coffee at Patricia Coffee Brewers: One of Melbourne’s best coffee shops filled with rich and aromatic brews.
  3. Cocktails at Black Pearl: A cocktail bar with an elegant and relaxing atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Inner north: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Melbourne’s Inner North has many options for accommodation that caters to every budget. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel, a youth hostel, or budget-friendly guesthouses, you’ll find a place to rest your head comfortably.

Hotels

  1. The Victoria Hotel: A historic hotel that is located in the city center and features a stunning Victorian facade.
  2. The Park Hotel: A stylish, newly renovated hotel located on Brunswick’s trendy Sydney Road.
  3. Royce Hotel: A boutique hotel in Fitzroy that features a chic design and a rooftop bar.

Hostels

  1. Base St. Kilda Hostel: Located in nearby St. Kilda, this vibrant hostel offers clean, comfortable rooms and excellent facilities.
  2. ** Habitat HQ:** A hostel that is located in Melbourne’s St. Kilda neighborhood that offers budget accommodation with an outdoor heated pool and bar.
  3. The Nunnery: A historic hostel located in Fitzroy that offers comfortable dormitories, private rooms, and a beautiful garden atrium.

Guesthouses

  1. Tyrian Serviced Apartments: A modern guesthouse located in Fitzroy that features spacious apartments with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.
  2. Alston Apartments Hotel: A stylish guesthouse that is located in North Fitzroy and offers well-appointed rooms and exceptional value.
  3. Magnolia Court Boutique Hotel: Located in Carlton, this charming guesthouse features beautiful courtyards and rooms filled with period furniture.

What to Buy in Inner north: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Melbourne’s Inner North is known for its eclectic and creative scene, and you won’t have trouble finding unique souvenirs and local products to take home with you. Here are some great places to shop:

  1. Rose Street Artists’ Market: Open on weekends, the market offers handmade artisan crafts, clothing, and homewares.
  2. Polyester Books: A famous independent bookstore that features an impressive selection of zines, books, and records.
  3. The Emporium: A fashion outlets is the perfect spot for fashion lovers, located in Collingswood.
  4. Milawa Cheese: Specializing in gourmet cheese, the shop also features a range of local Australian products.

Local Culture and Customs of Inner north

Melbourne’s Inner North is a hub of multiculturalism, and tourists are encouraged to immerse themselves in the local culture. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. Melburnians are coffee snobs, so be ready for a fantastic cup of the beverage everywhere you go.
  2. The locals are known to be friendly and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask for help or directions.
  3. Embrace the street art and mural scene, which is a unique aspect of Melbourne’s culture.

Best Time to Visit Inner north

The best time to visit Inner North is during Melbourne’s mild autumn and spring seasons (from March to May and September to November). The weather is pleasant in these seasons, and the outdoor attractions are more enjoyable. In the summer, the temperatures may be too hot, while during winter, the temperature may sometimes drop below freezing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Inner north

Do:

  1. Try the local coffee, Australian flat white that is a combination of espresso and steamed milk.
  2. Visit one of the markets of the area, like Queen Victoria Market, Rose Street Artists’ Market, and Northcote Plaza.
  3. Take a bike ride and enjoy the refreshing green spaces of Inner North.

Don’t:

  1. Litter on the streets or in parks, the authorities are firm on penalties to maintain a clean environment.
  2. Ignore the pedestrian traffic lights even if no cars are visible.
  3. Plan to drive in the area, inner north is busy and congested, while public transport is readily available and often quicker.

Safety and Health

Safety in Inner north

Melbourne’s Inner North is a generally safe area. As with any urban area, it’s advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Keep your valuables safe and avoid alleys or isolated areas alone. If you have specific concerns, it’s worth checking with your accommodation provider or the local authorities.

Health in Inner north

Melbourne’s hospitals are world-class, and tourists can rest assured that they’ll receive quality medical treatment if needed. However, if you’re traveling abroad, it’s essential to have comprehensive travel health insurance to avoid hefty health care bills that may apply in Australia.

Getting to Inner north: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Inner north

The nearest airport to Inner North is Melbourne’s Tullamarine International Airport, which is approximately 20 kilometers from the area. It is easily accessible through SkyBus services and the city Taxis.

Bus Stations Near Inner north

Melbourne’s main bus station is Southern Cross Station, which is a transportation hub for regional and interstate services. Buses connecting to suburbs and Inner North destinations can also be found at the station.

Other Options

Melbourne’s Inner North is easily accessible from the city centre by train or bus. Tram lines also link the inner north with the rest of Melbourne. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.

How to Get Around in Inner north

Melbourne’s Inner City is best explored on foot, by bike, or using public transport, including trams, buses, and trains. If you plan on using the trams frequently, consider purchasing a Myki card for seamless travel.

Where to Go Next from Inner north: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Melbourne and Victoria offer many exciting destinations for day trips or weekend getaways. Some of the popular options include:

  1. St Kilda: A lively beachside suburb with restaurants, bars, and shopping.
  2. Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive offering breathtaking views of the ocean and rock formations.
  3. Phillip Island: A nature lover’s paradise with excellent opportunities to see penguins and seals.
  4. Yarra Valley: A wine region that is known for its wineries, restaurants, and unique landscapes.

Conclusion

In summary, Inner North is a vibrant and colorful destination with loads of attractions, activities, great food, and local culture. With our comprehensive travel guide, we hope you have a great time exploring and experiencing the community’s unique charm.

Carlton Gardens Carlton Gardens Lygon St, looking south from Elgin St Lygon St, looking south from Elgin St