Big Night Out: Melbourne
Hear the down-under sound of the underground
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Your support makes all the difference.The vibe
As dusk falls, Melbourne's inhabitants prepare to party. The city's cool clubs, hip bars and chic cafés rival those of Sydney. Many bars are tucked away in the city business district's narrow laneways and areas such as St Kilda and South Yarra. Melbourne boasts Australia's largest concentration of live-music venues, where local and international bands cover everything from grunge, rock and techno to jazz, blues and the avant-garde. The city also has a thriving comedy circuit. The relaxed licensing hours let you party through the night and trams make getting about easy. For listings, check "The Entertainment Guide" published in The Age newspaper on Friday.
Liquid
Meander down any of Melbourne's City lanes and with a little detective work you will uncover the city's best-kept secrets – its bars. Melbourne's laneways are now famous for these anonymous bars that are calculatedly concealed, bear no signage and whose location is passed on like a secret-society handshake. Head for Honky Tonk, Duckboard Place, off Flinder's Lane (00 61 3 9622 4555), a funky watering hole, which is the place to see and be seen. Climb the dark staircase and you will find a weird world of rodeo-inspired décor through to Baroque and rainforest. Misty at 3-5 Hosier Lane (00 61 3 9663 9292), has sweeping curves dividing the space into laid-back bar and lively lounge area.
Refuelling
Located in NewQuay, Melbourne's brand new harbourside eating, drinking and shopping precinct, Mecca Bah at 55a NewQuay Promenade, Docklands (00 61 3 9642 1300), serves up Middle-Eastern fare in a contemporary and colourful environment. Approx £15. For Japanese fare try Chocolate Buddha at Federation Square (00 61 3 9654 5688), which offers communal dining on the edge of Melbourne's new cultural hub. Expect good organic produce. Approx £8. Friends frequently meet at Hairy Canary at 212 Little Collins Street (00 61 3 9654 2471), which serves Australian Spanish fusion cuisine in a lively low-ceilinged room. Around £10.
Go native
Melbourne wears the event-capital crown and offers something for everyone, from the Melbourne Fringe Festival (26 September-12 October) to the Rugby World Cup (10 October-22 November) through to the Australian Football League Grand Final Series (5-27 September 2003). See www.visitmelbourne.com/uk for a full list of forthcoming events.
Party
Most city clubs have a cover charge of A$10-A$15 (£4-£6) and some have dress codes, so if in doubt, don't wear denim or trainers. Metro at 20 Bourke St (00 61 3 9663 4288), is a huge club with eight bars set on three levels, with local and international DJs. The Gucci-clad glitterati head for Heat at Level 3, Crown Entertainment Complex, Southbank (00 61 3 9699 2222), frequented by Melbourne's soap stars, footballers and music-industry bigwigs. The interior says it all; divine dance floor, a sound system that rocks and the space-age surroundings are uber-chic. Revolver at 229 Chapel St (00 61 3 9521 5985), is a relaxed open space with a buzz. Popular with a youngish crowd, the renovated warehouse offers something for everyone, from films to fashion parades and all-night grooving.
Munchies
Melbourne Supper Club, Level 1 at 161 Spring Street, is a late-night institution that offers great snacks and a long wine list. For late-night Italian, you can't beat Topolino's Pizza at 87 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda.
Chill
In-line skate along the front at St Kilda, take in the ocean breeze, try Acland Street for brunch, then hit the sands.
Quest Travel (0870-442 3513; www.questtravel.com) offers return flights to Melbourne with Garuda Indonesia from £479 and can organise accommodation, from the Novotel St Kilda at £29 each per night to the Park Hyatt at £63 per person per night. For more details, contact Tourism Victoria (020-7240 7176; www.visitmelbourne.com/uk).
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