Victoria Going Out
Food and Drink
Regional specialities:
• Fish is excellent, particularly the signature Murray cod. Also try trout, flathead and yellow perch.
• Meats such as beef, lamb and kangaroo.
• Cheeses, such as the creamy sheep's milk cheese from Highland Farm.
Regional drinks:
• Yarra Valley wine is popular, from a crisp Sauvignon blanc to sturdy Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Microbreweries have mushroomed: Mountain Goat, Grand Ridge Brewery and Holgate are all good.
Nightlife
Fitzroy is one of the best neighbourhoods for traditional pubs, stylish bars, cafes and live music. The city is well regarded for its live music scene and venues vary from major performance venues to backstreet pubs. Beachside St Kilda has one of the best - The Esplanade Hotel, or Espy, as well as a burgeoning cafe scene. Chapel St in South Yarra is where to head if you fancy mingling with the beautiful people.
The central business district itself has come into its own in recent years and now hosts a plethora of very stylish bars, the best of which are normally tucked away down narrow streets and laneways. If you prefer blending streetside cappuccinos with designer label shopping head to Carlton.
Shopping
Melbourne is a major fashion centre, home to the world-famous surfing brand, Quiksilver, and shoppers looking for Australian and international designer wear should head for the city arcades, South Yarra or Lygon Street in Carlton. Unusual buys and bargains, as well as a festive atmosphere, can be had at the Queen Victoria Market. For some beautiful, unique and individually crafted jewellery head for the Rose Street Artists Market in Fitzroy.
Shopping hours: Mon-Wed 0900-1730; Thurs and Fri 0900-1730 but some will have a late-night shopping policy and stay open until 1900 or even 2100; Sat and Sun 0900-1730 but some may not open until 1100 or 1200. Most major supermarkets are open 24 hours.
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