There are many things that define Melbourne. Besides its coffee culture and being one of the world’s most liveable cities, the city is also full of Instagrammable spots.
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Whether it’s vibrant street art, stunning Victorian architecture or picturesque natural backdrops, the city is a dream for many photographers. So, if you’re heading to Melbourne for a vacay, here are 10 spots (near halal food!) that’ll spice up your Instagram feed ?
#HHWT Tip: Plan your trip to Melbourne with Malaysia Airlines! Check out promotional fares here.
1. Hosier Lane
Your search for the city’s most picture-perfect spots will definitely start from Hosier Lane - this laneway is world-famous because of the graffiti art on its walls.
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Take a walk along this vibrant street and snap an #ootd with your favourite street art. The array of different characters and colours that you see on the walls are designed by both local and international artists. What’s interesting is that you can also join a walking tour to know more about the stories behind these street arts. The art here is ever-changing, and you might be able to witness artists working on something new!
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Don’t just stop at Hosier Lane! Wander around the neighbouring Rutledge Lane for more street art. Then continue your walk to Duckboard Place and AC/DC Lane which are located nearby just off Flinders St.
Halal eatery nearby:
Swanston Halal Food Centre
After hours searching for the best spot for the ‘gram, you’d probably be hungry, so, head over to Swanston Halal Food Centre nearby! Here’s where you can get your fix of kebabs, burgers, pizzas and biryani ?
Credit: Swanston Halal Food Centre on Facebook
Bite into their appetizing Angus beef burgers or have a fill of their Halal Snack Pack (an Australian creation!) which comes with doner kebab, crispy chips, cheese, and sauces.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: 2b/37 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (located in Cathedral Arcade)
Opening hours: 24h
Contact No: +61 3 9639 7787
P.S. Planning a trip to Melbourne but not sure where to start? Our 5D4N Muslim-friendly itinerary is just what you need!
2. State Library of Victoria
An icon of Melbourne, the State Library of Victoria is the oldest public library in Australia, dating back all the way to 1854. The architecture here is unparalleled ?
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There are several reading rooms here but the La Trobe Reading Room is the place to be when you’re here. With its gorgeous domed ceiling, beautifully arranged long tables and bookshelves, you can’t resist snapping a photo here! Who knew that a library could be this beautiful?
Besides taking photos here, you can also browse over 2 million books and hundreds of thousands of manuscripts, photographs and more! We recommend visiting their two free permanent exhibitions too - the Changing Face of Victoria and Mirror of the World.
Halal eatery nearby:
The Borek Bakehouse
After spending your time at the library taking photos and checking out the different book collections there, head over to The Borek Bakehouse at Queen Victoria Market. It’s only a short 8-minutes’ walk away from the library!
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One thing you have to try here is borek - it’s Turkish pastry made up of thin flaky dough and filled with meat, cheese or potatoes. One bite of this is enough to warm your tummy (and heart!), especially on a cold day. The eatery sells a range of Pide (Turkish flatbread pizza) and gozleme (Turkish flatbread and pastry dish) too! The best part is that everything here is really affordable, with prices lower than AUD8 ?
#HHWT Tip: After you’re done savouring yummy treats from here, take a walk at Queen Victoria Market - the largest open-air market in the Southern hemisphere. Check out over 600 stores here!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: 481 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening hours: 7am - 5.15pm daily
Contact No: +61 3 9329 5553
#HHWT Tip: There are so many halal options in Melbourne and we’ve rounded up the 13 best halal eateries for you!
3. Brighton Bathing Boxes
Just 30-mins drive away from Melbourne CBD, you can find another popular icon of Melbourne - the Brighton Bathing Boxes! While these colourful sheds are now photo-worthy spots, they were once used by local women in the Victorian era so that they could change to their swimwear in private.
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Did you know that there are 82 of them? Each box has a distinctive painting and you can definitely spot Brighton Beach from afar thanks to these boxes! The boxes now act as shelters and are used to store fishing gear and deck chairs. Fun fact: They cost a lot too - it was sold for over AUD320,000 in 2017 ?
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But the bathing boxes aren’t all that Brighton Beach has to offer. You can spend a day soaking in the sea, admiring the view of Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne skyline!
Halal eatery nearby:
Marmaris Turkish Takeaway
After spending a few hours at Brighton Beach, it’s time to refuel and we recommend heading over to Marmaris Turkish Takeaway for a yummy Turkish meal. This small and cosy eatery is a family-run business and they make their Turkish breads fresh daily. They are highly-raved for their amazing quality of food and service.
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Their doner kebabs and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza) are highly recommended. Their Halal Snack Packs consists of great quality meat, with tasty fries and cheese. Don't miss out on their homemade dips too!
Halal status: Halal ingredients used
Address: 537 Hampton St, Hampton VIC 3188, Australia
Opening hours: Mon - Sat, 11.30am - 8pm, closed on Sundays
Contact No: +61 3 9598 0105
4. St Kilda Pier
A popular hangout spot for both Melburnian locals and tourists, St Kilda Pier offers you a panoramic view of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay.
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Most people come here either to take a leisurely stroll, cycle, rollerblade or even go fishing. Walk to the middle of the bridge to strike a pose or take one photo with the boats and skyline.
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The best time to visit St Kilda Pier is during the evening where you can witness an unforgettable sunset. Another highlight during sunset is the penguin parade where hundreds of little penguins come home after a day out fishing ?
Muslim-friendly eatery nearby:
Matcha Mylkbar
So, you’ve already had an Insta-worthy moment on St Kilda Pier, now it’s time to head to Matcha Mylkbar, a vegan cafe with dishes that look too pretty to eat. Their menu is 100% plant-based!
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If you’re a fan of matcha, you have to try their Matcha Burger or Matcha Made In Heaven Pancakes. For those who don’t fancy matcha, not to worry! They have a decent selection of other items like acai bowls, salad bowls, toast, and eggs too.
Halal status: Fully vegan menu, alcohol used in some dishes. Do enquire with the staff and dine at your own discretion.
Address: 72A Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Opening hours: 8am - 2pm (Mon - Fri), 8am - 3pm (Sat - Sun)
Contact No: +61 3 9534 1111
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. National Gallery of Victoria
Art galleries and museums never fail to make it to the list of Insta-worthy spots of any city and the National Gallery of Victoria (or NGV) is no exception! Known as the oldest, largest and most visited art museum in Australia, the NGV houses more than 70,000 works of art from Europe, Asia, Oceania, and America. You can find works from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and more. Plus, there’s a whole section dedicated to indigenous cultures of the Pacific area.
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Be sure to head to the Great Hall where you’d see Australian artist Leonard French’s magnificent stained glass artwork - it’s also one of the world’s largest pieces of suspended stained glass. This is definitely a sight to behold and one for the ‘gram.
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Don’t miss out on the Water Wall too! Water cascades down a glass panel and when you look out of the glass outside the museum, it’ll make you feel as though you’re looking at a water painting. The bigger aim of this feature is to emphasize the importance of water and its role in art.
Muslim-friendly eatery nearby:
Hunky Dory
After that art appreciation session, time to get your seafood fix at Hunky Dory just a 9-minutes’ drive away. Get healthier versions of fish and chips here plus a range of other hearty seafood meals ☺️
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Whether you’re craving some fried seafood, looking to have it grilled or in burger form, you definitely won’t be disappointed! The best part is, they don’t use beer batter for their fried seafood so you don’t have to worry ?
Halal status: Seafood options available, meats are not halal but no pork served, alcohol not used in the preparation of seafood but served in the establishment. We advise you to dine at your own discretion.
Address: 252 Clarendon St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Opening hours: 11am - 9.30pm daily
Contact No: +61 3 9696 4025
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6. Parliament of Victoria Building
We usually don’t think of parliaments or official buildings as Insta-worthy spots but Melbourne’s parliament building is a photographers’ haven!
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It’s one of the oldest and architecturally significant buildings in Australia. The parliament’s neo-classical architecture is really striking and makes for a wonderful backdrop for your photos.
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Strike a pose on the steps leading up to the entrance or along the corridor, with the iconic pillars. While you’re here, you might also be able to spot couples doing their wedding photoshoots ?
#HHWT Tip: If you’d like to enter the Parliament building or learn more about Parliament, we recommend going on a free guided tour on days that Parliament isn’t sitting. There are different types of tours from general ones to architecture and art tours. Find out more about them here.
P.S. If you’re looking for more free things to do in Melbourne, we’ve got you covered right here.
Halal eatery nearby:
Dolan Uyghur Food Heaven
While you’re at the Melbourne Parliament, it’s the perfect chance to head over to the nearby Dolan Uyghur Food Heaven for a hearty meal. This small and cosy eatery specialises in halal Xinjiang and Turkish cuisine.
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Their lamb skewers and hand-pulled beef noodles seem to be a hit with customers. Their big plate chicken and oven-cooked lamb puffs are yummy treats too! Prices at Dolan Uyghur are pretty affordable too, so you can fill your tummy without burning a hole in your wallet.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: 166 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening hours: 11.30am - 10pm
Contact No: +61 (03) 9041 8802
7. 333 Collins St
Here’s somewhere that even most Melburnians haven’t been to - 333 Collins St. It might be in the heart of the CBD but it’s really easy to walk past and overlook it!
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But once you’ve found the building and stepped into the foyer, it’ll feel as though you’re in a building in Europe! With a Baroque revival-style architecture, 333 Collins St looks impressive from any angle. The building was built around 1891 and started off as the Chambers of the Commercial Bank of Australia.
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Stand in the middle of the foyer to admire the beautiful architecture and make sure you check out the lovely roof dome as well. This building is easily one of Melbourne’s hidden gems ?
Muslim-friendly eatery nearby:
The Meat and Wine Co.
Treat yourself to a nice steak dinner at The Meat and Wine Co. at Southbank. The restaurant prides itself on its line of exclusive Monte Beef which produces high-quality steak. The good news is that a selection of these meat products are halal-certified too!
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Take your pick from rump-eye, rib-eye, and fillet to satisfy your meat cravings. Do ask the staff for advice on the beef cuts and sauces that are halal.
Halal status: Halal beef available, do ask the staff for help. Do note that pork and other non-halal meats are served but the restaurant takes necessary precautions to ensure that the halal and non-halal meats are prepared separately. Alcohol is served in the establishment. Do dine at your own discretion.
Address: 3 Freshwater Place Queensbridge Square, Queensbridge Street, Southbank, VIC 3006
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (Sun - Thur), 12pm - 10.30pm (Fri - Sat)
Contact No: +61 (03) 9696 5333
Website | Facebook | Instagram
P.S. Are you planning a trip to Melbourne? Then check out our 5D4N Muslim-friendly itinerary to uncover the best spots in the region!
8. Californian Redwoods, Aire Inlet
Looking for a nature respite outside of Melbourne? The Californian Redwoods in Aire Inlet is perfect! Even though it’s located about a 2h 40min drive away from Melbourne city, the Californian Redwoods are great if you’re spending a day on the Great Ocean Road. All you have to do is take a slight detour to this enchanting forest. Not only will you get an escape from the city, but you’ll also be greeted with Instagrammable spots at every corner.
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The neatly lined redwood trees here create perfect “corridors” which are wonderful backdrops for your photos. Not to mention that the ambience here is really calming and peaceful, with red leaves covering the ground. Here’s an idea, why not bring your own food and have a picnic amidst all the trees?
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The hundreds of tall redwood trees you’ll find here are also really mesmerising. It’ll feel almost mystical to be standing in the middle of all the trees, especially in the mornings when rays of sunlight are shining through the forest.
Muslim-friendly eatery nearby:
RAWR BAR
Fancy something healthy and refreshing for lunch? Then head over to RAWR BAR at Apollo Bay. Specialising in vegan food, here's where you can find vegan pasta, quinoa, cheesecake, smoothie bowls and more. Their cheesecakes, raw zucchini pasta and lasagne are highly recommended.
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If you've had your fill of great seafood and meat dishes for the past few days of your trip, we recommend heading to RAWR for something different instead. You might just be pleasantly surprised that vegan food can taste so good ?
Halal status: Full vegan menu
Address: 4/57-63 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay VIC 3233, Australia
Opening hours: 8am - 2.30pm (Mon, Wed - Sat), 8am - 2pm (Sun)
Contact No: +61 3 5203 9710
9. Bushrangers Bay, Mornington Peninsula
For those of you looking to go off the beaten path, take a 1h 15min drive from Melbourne to Bushrangers Bay. This picturesque bay consists of volcanic rock cliffs, clear blue waters and rock pools, making it a gorgeous picture-perfect spot.
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Start your nature trail by going on the boardwalk to Cape Schank. Discover the beauty of the rocky headlands here and take some awesome photos before continuing your walk along the Two Bays Walking Track which will bring you to Bushrangers Bay. There are many photo spots along the way and you’ll encounter some of the best coastal scenery near Melbourne.
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Once you’re in Bushrangers Bay, snap away at the many charming rock formations or take a dip in a rock pool. A day out here will not only colour your Instagram feed, but you can also have a relaxed day to recharge your batteries!
Muslim-friendly eatery nearby:
David Prosser Seafoods Rye
It’s not a day out by the coast if you’re not going to have some yummy fish and chips or fresh seafood! Head over to the Rye district which is a 30-minutes’ drive away from Bushrangers Bay where you’ll find dozens of seafood eateries. We recommend heading to David Prosser Seafoods Rye as they don’t use beer batter for their fried seafood.
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Choose from a wide range of fish from Atlantic Salmon to grenadier, flathead tails, tuna, snappers and more and have them prepared the way you want. Their fried fish seems to be hit due to its perfect batter. You can also slurp up some oysters and have your fill of fresh prawns here, and other fresh seafood.
Halal status: Seafood options available, alcohol not used in the preparation of seafood. Dine at your own discretion.
Address: 2383 Point Nepean Rd, Rye VIC 3941, Australia
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm, 6pm - 7pm (Tue), 9am - 7pm (Wed, Sun), 9am - 8pm (Thur - Sat)
Contact No: +61 3 5985 2302
10. Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
Here’s another gorgeous spot outside of Melbourne city - the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. Located around a 45-minutes’ drive away from Melbourne, this garden is located in the Dandenong Ranges mountain area.
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The garden is home to scenic waterfalls, a lake, and an iconic boathouse. But perhaps what really makes it an Insta-worthy spot is the blooming flowers all year round. Spot azaleas and cherry trees in spring or ferns and maple leaves in autumn ?
Credit: Michel Camilleri on Facebook
Be one with nature as you spend your day here - check out native birds like kookaburras and King parrots. The gardens are also a great spot for a nice picnic!
Muslim-friendly eatery nearby:
Mango’s Nuts Woodfired Restaurant
Located less than a 5-minutes’ drive away from the garden, you’ll find Mango’s Nuts, a cafe with a nice and homely setting. There’s a huge variety of vegan options here, which they prepare separately from the non-halal meat dishes.
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Try their different kinds of pasta from pesto pasta to veggie pasta, or treat yourself to an Eggplant Schnitzel or their selection of vegan burgers. Afterwards, complete your meal with their pancakes and creative drinks!
Halal status: Vegan menu available, vegan items prepared separately from meat items. Meats are non-halal. Do dine at your own discretion.
With these 10 Insta-worthy spots, your photo-taking trail around Melbourne is all settled! Just make sure you bring around a trusty camera (or a mobile phone with good camera) so you can take those picture-perfect shots for your feed. Plus, all these sites are near halal or Muslim-friendly eateries too so you don’t have to worry. So, if you’re ready, it’s time to plan your vacay to Melbourne now!
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This article is brought to you by Malaysia Airlines and Visit Victoria.