Melbourne Tourist Tips: Maps, Trams, Food and Backpacking
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A little while ago I spent a week in Melbourne
The following links were of use when I was deciding where to go and what to see etc:
- City centre Map (PDF)
- Melbourne Tram Network Map
- Trams in melbourne (incl. free loop tram)
- Rialto Towers observation deck
- Federation Square
- Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Melbourne head straight to Fitzroy Street in St Kilda where you’ll be spoilt for choice with so many tasty options to choose from. I thought the best meal was dinner at Topolino’s Italian restaurant where I had some great Pizza and pasta 
I stayed at the Elephant backpackers opposite Flinder St station and although it had many good features including:
- Central location in Melbourne CBD
- 2 TV rooms
- Internet kiosk
- Lounges
- Laundry facilities
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Free linen
- Clean, friendly atmosphere
- Lockers in all rooms
There was one feature that really really sucked, which was that the rooms had no ceilings! This meant that any noise made on your floor felt like it was in your room regardless of how far away it was eg: someone having a shower or talking on their mobile etc. Fellow backpackers who left reviews agree with me eg:
Reviewer: Anonymous from Holland March 24, 2003
This hostel is very overrated! My friend and I had a twin room, but it is better to book a dorm because you will be sleeping in a dorm anyway since all of the rooms have no real ceilings. There are very thin walls of 2 meters high and then you will find an open space for 3 meters untill the ceiling. You will hear every person going to the toilet, taking a shower, talking in their rooms etc. Not only the noise is annoying, but also the lights in the corridors that stay on the whole night. Expect very small rooms, although the beds are good. The kitchen is also very small and there are no windows in the hostel.
Next time I go backpacking I think I’ll stick with accomodation recommended by backpacking sites like the Backpackers Ultimate Guide or the Youth Hostel Association (YHA)
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Hi there!
Just wanted to thank you for linking to FoodGod and agreeing with me that Topolino’s is a great place if you’re looking for pizza in Melbourne.
I trust that (accommodation aside) you enjoyed your trip, and that FoodGod can help you find places to eat for the next time you are in Melbourne.
Cheers,
Guy (FoodGod Project Manager)
ARINTJI CAFE BAR.
We visited Federation Square, Melbourne, and unfortunately visited ARINTJI BAR on the river side of the square. The bitter taste of being ripped-off lingers long after the meal has been digested. Given the tiny portions that takes about 15 minutes. Try the duck salad, say yes to the offered bottle of water…. yep you will see Melbourne in a whole new light.
Hi
Fed Square is not the real Melbourne - try the laneways for good value cafe food. Degraves St/Centreway arcade area is fun.
FYI, I’ve just opened a recycled clothing store called MUFF Clothing in the subway off Degraves St. You can get men’s and women’s near new and designer clothing, some retro for great prices. Consign your clothes and make some cash, as well!
The Fallafel Kitchen in St Kilda is great for a bargain feed. There also used to be a great little Italian on Fitsroy, just round the corner from Grey St (Chicios, I think it was called). God I miss Melbourne sooo much! Lounging in the Botanical Gardens with a book, mooching around outside the Prince of Wales with a beer in the sun, strolling along the dirty great Yarra I miss it all.