The Iglu Guide | Blog
Students’ guide to Melbourne culture
When we think about iconic places to live, Melbourne consistently sits right up there at the top of the list. A diverse and vibrant city with a stellar reputation for all things cool, it has a proud identity that truly sets it apart. Melbourne’s welcoming and multicultural environment all stems from the fact that over one third of the population is born overseas. This has resulted in a fantastically global city with a rich cultural scene that includes art, music, food, sport and fashion. With so much on offer, there’s genuinely something for everyone to enjoy. The secret to understanding what makes Melbourne culture so unique is to jump right in and experience it for yourself. Here’s what you can expect when you’re out and about in the city!
Explore the laneways
Melbourne’s cool and cosmopolitan vibe is linked to the unique streetscape and iconic Melbourne Laneways. Their character and charm are all part of the package. These nooks and crannies that interlace the city have become destinations all of their own, each offering a different and immersive Melbourne experience. Here, students can browse artisan goods, shop retro fashion, drink the best coffee ever and discover new and exciting eateries along the way. Exuding European flair whatever the weather, the Laneways are the beating heart of Melbourne culture and they never fail to disappoint.
Discover sport
Any Melbourne local will happily share with you their considered sporting opinion, whether you like it or not. And if you weren’t particularly bothered about sport before living in Melbourne, you soon will be.
Home to the Aussie Grand Prix, footy’s AFL, the Australian Open and more, all things sport are deeply entrenched in the local culture. Far from being just a modern obsession, sport has played an important role in the cultural development of the city right from the earliest years of European settlement. The Melbourne Cricket Club was founded way back in 1838, followed shortly after by the establishment of Flemington racetrack. As the proud home of AFL football, Melbourne has some of the oldest clubs in the world. But sport does more than just energise conversation, it brings communities together, creates important connections and permeates daily life. You certainly don’t have to love sport to live in Melbourne, but it definitely helps.
Soak up the arts
Melbourne is home to some world-leading art galleries and has become Australia’s leading destination city for travelling exhibitions. The National Gallery of Victoria is not to be missed, with a large collection to explore completely free of charge, supported by a rotation of paid exhibitions. This is complemented further by the NGV Australia showcasing contemporary Australian art, and the Australian Centre of Contemporary Art. There are also numerous independent galleries dotted around the city. And art lovers can always soak up the street art that adorns the Laneway walls.
Don’t forget to look out for the incredible architecture that populates this modern city, from the remarkable Flinders Street Station and the Royal Exhibition Building to Federation Square and the State Library. In addition to the popular Melbourne Comedy Festival that celebrates the art of live performance each year, Melbourne also has a thriving theatre scene that ranges from Broadway musicals to fringe productions and everything in between. Proudly diverse and accessible, Melbourne is considered the heart of Australia’s arts scene, an essential part of its culture.
Festival fever
Melbourne has an exciting music festival calendar that attracts talent from all over the world. The Laneway Festival celebrates all things Indie and has a very cool urban vibe. Melbourne Music Week is a city-wide event featuring a diverse line-up of artists in unique venues. St Kilda’s The Pleasure Garden celebrates funk and soul with a one-day gala event every December. For electronic music lovers, Let Them Eat Cake on New Year’s Day, offers a uniquely immersive experience.
Foodie heaven
Benefitting from waves of migrants populating the area since settlement, Melbourne has developed a culturally rich culinary landscape. Think Italian, Greek, Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese and more. As a result, it is a city of global flavours with entire districts dedicated to a particular cuisine. Carlton’s Lygon Street has become synonymous with Italian food as it has a rich migrant history. Chinatown is bursting with authentic Asian cuisine while Footscray and Richmond are known for the best Vietnamese food outside of Vietnam. With an emphasis on innovation, flavour and local produce, Melbourne residents are always eager to explore new ventures in a city where eating together around the table plays a vital role in fostering a true sense of belonging.
Socialising in the city
Melbournians love nothing more than gathering together to shoot the breeze, or to pour over the latest sports results. Café culture and socialising are a huge part of the daily routine – whether that’s having a casual drink at a rooftop bar or a cold drip coffee with brunch at the latest pop-up. The thriving dining scene presents countless options, and Melbourne’s love for coffee is truly legendary. The locals take their socialising very seriously and the student community is no exception. Best of all, there are plenty of student-friendly venues around the city that offer affordable fare and student discounts.
Beach with style
Not to be outdone by big sister Sydney, Melbourne can also boast amazing access to beaches. With so much else to do in the city, the beach is yet another activity that locals love to embrace. And what it may lack compared to the iconic images of Bondi and Manly, Melbourne makes up for in style. St Kilda Beach is perhaps the most famous cultural landmark, well known for her stunning sunsets and lively atmosphere. Brighton Beach is undoubtedly the most Insta-famous, with colourful bathing huts, calm waters and city views. And Half Moon Bay is a local’s favourite for swimming and kayaking as well as boasting spectacular views. If that weren’t all, St Kilda is also home to one of Australia’s largest free music festivals. Its multicultural performances, art installations and sustainable initiatives taking place along the beautiful foreshore celebrate the area’s rich heritage.
