First Chinese Museum - Melbourne's Chinatown
Recently renovated this five level museum stores wonderful artefacts about the Chinese-Australian community dating back to the gold rush years of 1851.
You'll see a recreation of the 19th century goldfields chronicles how fortune-hunters arrived from impoverished Canton, and within seven years their numbers had swollen to 40,000. There's wonderful photographs and video about the hardships and success of the Chinese people in Australia today. Don't miss the Millennium Dragon and other special exhibitions. The museum also hold rare and special pieces uses in research. Don't miss this treasure when in Chinatown.
www.chinesemuseum.com.au
22 Cohen Place Melbourne t: 03 9662 2888
Lyon Housemuseum
This rather unusual museum is a family home. For those who have visited the Peggy Guggenheim in Venice you can see where the inspiration lies to bring great contemporary artwork together and share with the public. Newly opened (2011) museum lies in the salubrious suburb of Kew.
Lovers of architecture won’t be disappointed, the building is imposing with clean white lines against big bold stripes. Go for a wonderful collection of modern art’ Among the dozens of artists featured are Patricia Piccinini, Anne Zahalka and Callum Morton, in video, paintings, sculpture and installations.
There are some strict rules (No children under the age of 12 years or stilettos). The museum is only open on average 4 day per month so ensure you get the dates correct!
By Tram: Stop 39 on Tram Route 109. Take Tram 109 from the Collins Street in central city.
www.lyonhousemuseum.com.au
?219 Cotham Road,?Kew, T: +61 3 9817 2300
Hungarian high tea - Collingwood
Of course you can head to the Windsor Hotel for a traditional high team but here’s one with a real local flavour, well a Hungarian flavour. Situated in Collingwood you’ll first be served tea, snacks in a decadent setting deeply padded velvet settees, chandeliers and crimson walls. Then you’ll be offered champagne and savouries delight such as finger sandwiches, tiny tarts and Hungarian pogacsa potato scones. Afterwards, there’s walnut beiglis and the trifle-like somlo cake, before the experience culminates in a selection of elegant, all-natural chocolates handmade by Frederick, a trained chemist. Fillings might include lemongrass, flambeed pineapple or brandied tart-cherry truffles. Just don’t try and go out for dinner on the same night!
www.mamorchocolates.com
153 Johnston Street (near Hoddle Street) Collingwoodt: 61 3 9419 3869
Jewish Museum of Australia
The award-winning Jewish Museum of Australia in St Kilda, Melbourne, is one of the city’s best kept secret treasures. There are a remarkable range of exhibits, from contemporary art through to exquisite items
used in the rituals of Jewish life. There are two temporary exhibition spaces and several other exhibits in photography and sculpture.
Jewish life started in Australia in 1788 with the arrival of some 12 Jewish convicts on the First Fleet from England. Waves of migrants leaving Europe in the first half of the twentieth century brought with them a strong will to survive and flourish. Today, there are thriving and very active Jewish communities around Australia.
Open: Tues – Thurs 10am-4pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Closed Jewish holy days. Entry: Adult $10, Family $20 and Concession $5
Tip: Go Green: from the city catch tram-routes 3 or 67, get off at stop 32
www.jewishmuseum.com.au
26 Alma Rd, St Kilda, t: 61 3 8534 3600
Glass Plus Gallery
This wonderful gallery exhibits rare and beautiful creations mostly by Victorian and Melbourne based artists. The gallery is located in a great area where there are numerous great shops and cafes nearby. If you're looking for a unique and interesting piece to take home this is a must see gallery, glass decorations and jewellery often feature. Check their website for their latest exhibition of emerging and established artists.
www.glassplusgallery.com.au
284 Park Street, South Melbourne t: 61 3 9696 4776
St. Paul’s Cathedral
The cathedral is built on the original site of the first Christian services which was a wooden chapel. Today the cathedral is known for its Gothic architecture and the pearls of the thirteen bells. If you can stop by to listen to the Boy’s Choir most evening, but check site for details.
More recently, and completed in 2009, restoration works were carried out to the exterior and interior of the Cathedral.
www.stpaulscathedral.org.au
Flinders St, Melbourne t: 9650 3791
Heide Museum for Australian art lovers
While this museum is situated on the outskirts of the city, it is an enjoyable day wondering around the home old home ‘Heide’, an important gathering place for many Australian artists such as Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker, Arthur Boyd and Arthur Streeton. There are three buildings to explore famous artworks (one being the home of Sunday and John Reed, great patrons of Australian art). Refreshments and dining available at the modern Cafe Vue. In additional to Australian artists, museum constantly changes exhibits to include international artists.
Heide is open daily 10am-5pm, closed Mondays.
Entry: Adults $12 children under 12 Free
By Taxi 15 minutes from Flinders Street taxi rank in Melbourne’s CBD, via the Eastern freeway
By Public Transport
Train (Hurstbridge line) to Heidelberg station and bus #903 (Mordialloc bound) to Heide. Disembark at Bridge St stop, estimated bus travel time 5-10 minutes.
Walk to Heide through Banksia Park, via pedestrian path next to the Helmet sculpture.
www.heide.com.au
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen t: 03 9850 1500
La Mama Theatre
This is one of Melbourne’s oldest and bravest theatre houses. All of Australia’s great writers and directors have at some time been involved in a production at La Mama.
A constantly changing and engaging line up of drama, this is the perfect place to watch Australian actors. The atmosphere is cosy and intimate, with performers often staying behind for a chat or heading to a nearby pub after the show. A truly unique Australian experience.
www.lamama.com.au
205 Farady Street or 349 Drummond St, Carlton