Australia
Melbourne is Australia's secret city. Visitors from abroad are awestruck by Sydney's habour and opera house, but often fail to see Melbourne's charm. Melburnians however, all know that if you know where to look, the city is full of secret hidden spots.
Murmur bar is a fine example of a truly hidden secret Melbourne bar. Tucked away at the back of an alley way, off a small side street, up a flight of stairs and you find an atmospheric cocktail bar where you can while away a pleasant evening sipping new and innovative cocktail creations.
Think dim lighting, jazz music and attractive thirty-somethings drinking quirky cocktails.
Bit on the expensive side, but worth it!
Murmur bar is on wharburton lane in the Melbourne CBD. From the junction of Little Bourke st and Elizabeth Street walk west on Little Bourke (towards the Telstra Dome), Whatburton lane if off Little Bourke on the left side. (03) 9640 0395.
www.murmur.com.au/
Google map: tinyurl.com/pdnkff
Try the hidden pubs and Lounges for a change. They're not just places to drink, but eat, relax and check out some great hidden scenes and music. Try places like Tony Starr's Kitten Club for great music, unusual drinks and amazing fusion Australasian food. Or perhaps the big overstuffed chairs and cozy surroundings of GP (the Gin Palace), where the list of martinis will dazzle all. They arrive at your table in very tall glasses and are all themed and use the best ingredients.
If those places are not hip enough, how about La La Land, where their specialty is fondue and the settings will have you relaxing and feeling hip the minute you recline on one of the many sofas.
Tony Starr’s Kitten Club: 267 Little Collins Street, Melbourne; tel: 03 9650 2448; www.kittenclub.com.au
Gin Palace: 190 Little Collins Street, Melbourne; tel: 03 9654 0533
La La Land: Corner of Hardware and Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne; tel: 03 9670 5011
All of these hidden places can be found in a simple
pack of cards. These cards contain not only the addresses of Melbourne’s hidden bars (which can be down an alley and through an unmarked door) but directions as well. The cards break down the CBD into areas which makes planning your evening and getting to each venue very easy. For more information see www.shoppingsecrets.com
Most of Melbourne's many and best central bars do not have signs, they are down an alleyway, through a non-descript door. Get a local to show you, or explore the alleyways yourself and discover Melbourne's best-kept secrets.
Anywhere and everywhere in the centre of Melbourne
In Hosier Lane, central Melbourne, and the lanes surrounding it, you will find street art of all descriptions.
Hosier Lane
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