Melbourne Travel Guide by Samantha McIntyre

Photo of Samantha by Phillip Huynh

The Australian Ballet

Heide Gardens

Luther's Ice Cream

Perimeter Books

NGV Ian Potter Centre

Shandong Mama Dumplings

Hikari Iced Matcha

My beehive

Fitzroy Pools

Friend of Meadowlark, artist, ceramicist and bee keeper; Samantha McIntyre shares with us her favourite places to eat and drink, things to see and more in our favourite Australian city, Melbourne.

Things to do
Eat at yummy restaurants/cafes my favourite locals are Iris Bakery, Bakemono, Napier QTR, Good Days.
Catch up with friends in Carlton or Fitzroy Gardens, see a film at the Kino Cinema in the city, visit book stores in the city (WorldFood Books, etc) or Thornbury (Perimeter), eat ice cream at Luthers, swim at a beach down the coast and people watch everywhere!

Places to go
The NGV is always great any time of year, as is the MPavillion, now permanent by Tadao Ando, across the road. There is often a wonderful ballet or orchestral show on also.
Fav shops would be The Hub General Store, Gertrude St Market/Guy Mathews (I actually don't shop much these days).
I always adore wandering the Heide Museum, both the gardens and grounds and the galleries. A great spot for a picnic also.

Places to eat or get coffee
Iris Bakery in Brunswick
All Are Welcome in Northcote
Patricia's in the city
Hikari in the city
Good Days in Brunswick
Shandong Mama in the city
Morning Market
Chiaki in Collingwood
Napier Qtr in Fitzroy
Billy Van Creamy or Luther's for ice cream!
Miznon in Collingwood

Top 3 Tips
Always check the weather before leaving the house! Melbourne is the epitome of 4 seasons in one day
Bring a book if you are catching public transport or stopping to sit in the gardens under the sun or by the fountain.
Walk to your destination. You never know what you might stumble upon.

Top 3 Recommendations
Heide Museum
Picnic in Carlton Gardens
Happy hour at your local pub, in the sun. Good dog and people watching!

Follow Sam on Instagram at @thesodafountain