Fitzroy 

It’s north of the city and somewhere south of cool. Remember those tales of the Bohemian life of early twentieth century Europe? They’re here, transplanted and updated, but with the same relaxed attitude. Characterised by tightly-spaced narrow streets with numerous back lanes, Fitzroy is a retro rhapsody.

Fitzroy is a village protective of its past and delighting in its present. Retro, the understated, cool and unashamedly groovy, is alive and well and living in Fitzroy.

Creativity abounds from quiet, quaint and quirky shops to colourful street benches and footpaths. The cafes and bars along Brunswick Street like Retro and Vertigo are great places to sit and watch the world go by. At night the whole place lights up with tapas bars, Latin American clubs, pubs, comedy bars and jazz clubs.

Inner suburban Fitzroy is home to Melbourne’s bohemian culture. An edgy mix of alternative, artistic and trendy elements, it has a fascinating collection of young designer and retro clothes shops, bookshops, galleries, cafes and restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.

A short walk along Brunswick Street, Fitzroy’s backbone, will give you a feel for this popular suburb. You will see quaint and quirky shops, and eclectic art on offer in nearby studios, galleries and workshops, all set off by colourful public art street benches. Pick up bargain retro and recycled fashion, arty home wares, unique locally made jewellery or just a colourful bunch of flowers.

Things to do

• Get a laugh at the Melbourne Fringe Festival (September-October)
• Discover the alternative culture of Brunswick and Smith Sts
• Enjoy Johnston St, Melbourne’s Spanish quarter with a huge range of tapas and flamenco bars
• Cruise Smith St, is a multicultural streetscape known for its vegetarian & whole foods. There are also plenty of Asian, Greek, Moroccan & Middle Eastern eateries
• Brunswick Street’s cool cafes, restaurants and bars offer treats any time of day. Wander through pop culture at Polyester Books or browse through the alternative secondhand stores