Melbourne Quirk Scape

So have you heard?  In a survey conducted by TimeOut, Melbourne had more live music venues per resident than any other city on Earth and is ranked number 2 of the best cities in the world. 

What is going on in Melbourne?  We believe it’s the quirk factor that makes this hub of creativity so inviting. We took a day to explore, bringing you the quirkiest places,  with the vibe of a city that really supports and high fives the passion of those that want to take it to the next level. 

First stop is accommodation. When in Melbourne, your inner wanderer will be inspired for all things vintage glam at caravan oasis- NOTEL. 

James Fry took an unused rooftop in Melbourne’s city innards and turned it into something crazy fun- an antithesis to accommodation and a salute to the wanderer within. Using original 1970’s airstream trailers from America, James transformed the space into what we coined Van-Boho heaven.

Notel (No- Hotel) features fake grass and flamingos, a jacuzzi and cacti. You will be enamoured with the bespoke mini bar, and every urge must be taken not to run your hands along with the silver mirror finish of these gorgeous kitsch giants. 

 All the small details are included, and the place is a hive for events and outside the box experience. The word cool doesn’t match the reality- this is the place to be.

Next stop- Winter Village Federation Square. 

Pop up winter wonderland anyone? If you like fine-dining in an igloo and snow, ice skating and high tea, then you have got to get yourself to the Winter Village. 

Now extended to September this icy wonder will have you clapping your hands and asking- How? With mulled wine and snuggly chairs adorned with fake fur throws and elegant tables, the thoughts of Tumnus float through the air. It’s hard to believe you are in the city. 

Time to check out the internet sensation Mork Chocolate in Errol St, North Melbourne. 

When hot chocolate becomes an international viral sensation, you know it’s the place to be. Usually queued to the hilt, Mork knows how to do hot drinks. Luck was on our side and a table awaited along with the iconic campfire hot chocolate. This place oozes silky slippery sensations of hot cocoa and melted decadence. Quitters of Sugar – be WARNED. You will not leave without drinking. 

Recommended by a friend whose eyes twinkled when they reminisce StoryVille went on the list, and it will stay there forever and become a go-to when visiting. It’s grown-up time. 

As you enter the realm of StoryVille Melbourne, you soon realise you have opened the door to more than a bar. Located in a Lonsdale street laneway you are in for a treat. Exceedingly magical, you enter the Faraway Tree inspired foyer, then the Mushroom palace and onward to Tinkerbell’s birdcage (an Instagram dreamscape)

There are cocktails named the Goblet of Flames and Poly Juice, or The Secret Garden- well we know right? Next level. Perhaps the giant book library created by movie set designers may tickle your fancy or the Inkwell DJ booth. A schooner in the Narnia corner or the multitude of childhood literature hints around the place will have you all wrapped up in inner child happiness. Check out their Insta legendary status here. 

We returned home with full bellies and exhausted from a day out, experiencing smiles, joy and the knowledge that we had filled our quirk tanks. 

If you have a favourite place in your city you would like us to explore, get in touch! We write for the people, and therefore we believe every person has a right to know about the best places to explore and hang out. Click here to tell us your story!