The Iglu Guide | Blog
Best student hangouts in South Yarra
An appealing combination of cool urban buzz and wide leafy streets, Melbourne’s South Yarra is the not-so-quiet achiever when it comes to hanging out options. Whether it’s the lure of Chapel Street shopping, the varied bar scene or the access to lush botanical parklands – whatever your plans, South Yarra has you covered. Here’s what you need to know.
Talk to Me
True to name, this Asian-American fusion diner, cocktail bar and dance floor is all about fostering a sense of community through music. Founded by electro pop act Peking Duk, this is an inviting and inclusive space that oozes character and creativity. Whether you’re on your own or in a crowd, there’s plenty of talking points to get the conversation started. You might discuss the various walls adorned with artwork and luminous lips, or notice the array of cross-stitched animals and backlit paper umbrellas. At the very least, you cannot pass up the professionally carved glowing tree that emerges from the courtyard floor. And with don’t forget to check out the R&B ‘Off Campus’ Uni night specials every Thursday.
Lucky Coq
Known for cheap pizzas and happy vibes, this late-night venue is ticking all the budget-friendly boxes, and some. Located on the Chapel Street strip, it’s a popular destination for students and locals alike. As well as serving food into the small hours, come 9pm the upstairs courtyard seamlessly transitions into a dance floor featuring live DJ sets and new acts every week. Itchy feet midweek? Check out Bertie’s Comedy Jam every Wednesday from 9pm, and get your weekend workout all sorted with Friday Formation and Saturday’s Textile – both of which will have you dancing the night away until 3am. Feeling brave? Try your Sunday luck in the Hell Fire Hot Wing Challenge – simply eat 5 chicken wings in 5 minutes to win a $50 food and drinks voucher. Strict rules apply.
Movie night
There’s nothing quite like hanging out at the movies, and South Yarra will not disappoint. Head to the Jam Factory for your pick of the latest releases and immerse yourself in this one-time brewery and former jam factory. Back in the 1850s, it was the largest employer in the area. Today it’s a hive of cultural activity that is brimming with entertainment, shopping and eatery options that’s great to enjoy solo or with friends. With 15 cinema screens showing a range of movie from blockbuster to arthouse, it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy weekend. Join VRewards and save 20% on all standard tickets – all day, every day!
Prahran Market
Bored with the food shopping drill? Switch out pre-packaged goods for freshly grown produce and head over to Prahran Market. Actually located in South Yarra, this popular foodie destination is Australia’s oldest continuously running food market and has been operational since 1864. Famous for fresh produce, unique specialty goods and traditional market vibes, Prahran Market brings together a vibrant community of highly skilled traders just waiting to share their culinary tips and tricks. For high quality fruit and veg and service that’s hard to beat, this gourmet hub is now a foodie destination offering events and demonstrations alongside discovery tours every third Saturday.
Como House and Gardens
Leave your books behind and transport yourself back to the 1850s via the luxurious Como House, Melbourne’s very own stately home. Built for the Armytage family in 1847, it was once the capital of high society and home to an endless stream of receptions, dinners and glamourous events. Now owned by the National Trust, the public are able to explore the house and gardens alongside ornate interiors and original family heirlooms. Enjoy the artist in residence or simply relax in the Stables Café as you soak up the surrounds of times past.
