The Iglu Guide | Blog
Students’ guide to Melbourne’s laneways
Whilst the Melbourne weather may not be able to guarantee you endless sunshine at exactly the right time, you’ll never find yourself running short of things to do in this incredible city. We’re talking artisan coffee, fine food, shopping, entertainment and culture on tap – and that’s just the beginning. Oozing a fantastic blend of multicultural infusions, Melbourne sets itself firmly apart from other Australian cities. It is widely acknowledged as Australia’s unofficial capital of cool with a young and diverse population that embrace and enhance the city’s unique personality and quirks. The iconic Melbourne laneways make up a vibrant part of the city’s identity, with endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. So whether you’re hanging with friends, looking for street art or simply watching the world go by, here’s what you need to know when you’re out and about in the city streets.
Hosier Lane
Located in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, Hosier Lane is a must-see destination for both tourists and locals alike. Insta-famous for the ever-evolving street art that decorates the streetside walls, this cobblestone lane is jam-packed with artistic styles and messages that range from the highly political through to the thoroughly comedic, with everything in between. An outside alleyway where any artist is free to make their mark, take a slow walk through and be sure not to miss a thing as you go. Providing much more than just a living canvass, Hosier Lane is also home to some fairly swanky cocktail lounges such as the popular MoVida. Serving up delicious Spanish tapas, this place is guaranteed to eat up your budget, but it’s worth every bite. Head there early or late to avoid the crowds and really get the most from the buzzing space and resident DJ.
Centre Place
A European-style affair, Centre Place is one of the city’s most famous laneways and what gives Melbourne her cosmopolitan flair. It’s a far cry from some of the grungier laneways around the city and epitomises Melbourne’s unique laneway culture – think outdoor cafés, al fresco dining, live music and bustling crowds. Adorned with street art, murals and graffiti, Centre Place attracts shoppers, diners and revellers in their droves as they enjoy the unique blend of food, art and urban vibes. Bursting with Asian specialities, hole in the wall coffee stops and juice bars as well as quirky fashion and collectibles, you can easily while away the day and settle into the evening shift without any problems at all. And at just a 15-minute walk from Iglu Melbourne Central, you’re never far from home.
Hardware Lane
Hardware Lane is another popular European-inspired laneway. Renowned for having bars and eateries that happily spill out onto the street, passers-by must jostle and hustle for space as they edge through the crowds. As well as the countless restaurants on offer that range from Mediterranean delights to Israeli treats, there’s nightly live music, beautiful historic buildings, and unique shopping opportunities to pick up those items you never knew you actually needed. By night, the laneway transforms into a lively hub with a range of entertainment and socialising events available in a relaxed and welcoming environment, blending the dining, social and cultural experience. There are also smaller laneways that peel off from Hardware Lane with additional gems for you to explore. Situated just 10-minutes’ walk from Iglu Melbourne City, Centre Place is a hop and a skip from home when you’re ready to leave it all behind.
Degraves Street
A wider extension of Centre Place, Degraves Street connects Flinders Lane to Flinders Street and is a popular thoroughfare for Melbournians at all times of the day. Locally regarded as one of the best foodie hubs in the city, Degraves is a fine example of how Melbourne’s multicultural embrace has resulted in the fusion of food that is on offer today. Dine out on fresh Italian pastas and delicious gelato or try some French bakeries, bagels and dumplings. There’s nothing you cannot get, and this is the place to eat and be seen. And when you’re done, grab a freshly brewed coffee or freshly-squeezed juice and take a perch on a stool, or feed your inner shopping goblin and peruse the artisan goods and distinctive clothes that only Melbourne can deliver. Don’t miss the live street performances that are there for your entertainment, rain or shine, and simply enjoy the laneway atmosphere that is unique to Degraves. Get yourself home to Iglu Melbourne Central in under 20 minutes and enjoy every moment.
ACDC Lane
Arguably one of the most rock n roll streets ever named, this one-time Corporation Lane was renamed back in 2004 to honour AC/DC’s contribution to the music scene, in acknowledgement of their standing as Australian rock royalty. And rest assured, ACDC Lane is no Highway to Hell. Instead, the laneway followed its heritage roots and became a hub for music-inspired art murals, cafés, restaurants and bars. Today, it is internationally recognised for its street art and graffiti as a place where artists can legally showcase their work without the need for a permit. A notable artwork is a giant mural of a man carrying a tree trunk by Fintan Magee, the Australian answer to Banksy. The laneway walls are covered with murals that depict famous musicians and artist covers – and if you’ve never had a photo taken in front of the famous sticker window down ACDC Lane, have you ever really been there at all?
Meyer’s Place
Originally known as Nicholas Lane, Meyers Place is one of the oldest laneways in the city. Located right in the heart of the CBD and very easy to access, here you’ll find rooftop bars, authentic bites and characterful establishments, not to mention the street art. Many of the bars offer live music and DJ sets making the laneway truly come alive when the sun goes down, in a way that only Melbourne can capture.
Don’t miss
Royal Arcade
This high-ceilinged and stunning piece of architecture dates all the way back to 1870 and is the oldest covered shopping arcade in Melbourne. The high glass roof and arched windows make it a light-filled space, that will keep you dry whatever the weather. Enjoy the range of popular boutiques, cafés and specialty stores inside, and don’t miss the famous oversized figures of Gog and Magog that strike Gaunt’s clock’s bell every hour.
Postal Lane
Nestled next to the historic GPO that is now one enormous and characterful H&M store, Postal Lane is a foodie-inspired thoroughfare that can be accessed from Bourke Street Mall and Little Bourke Street. Come here to avoid the crowds, and soak up the heritage atmosphere.
Market Lane
Home to award-winning restaurants and just 5-minutes’ walk from Iglu Melbourne Central, Market Lane is oh so quiet by day, and oh so lively by night. Marking the entrance to Chinatown from Bourke Street, Market Lane boasts its very own selection of Asian dining that promises not to disappoint.
