Fitzroy

The word that appears to follow the destination of Fitzroy, Victoria around like an obedient dog in most reviews is; bohemian. By definition ‘bohemian’, is ‘a person with artistic or literary interests who disregards conventional standards of behaviour.’ Arguably, there are rather civilised establishments littered throughout the area of Fitzroy, and rather well-mannered individuals in suits filling them, but even they boast unconventional, quirky qualities. Fitzroy emanates a true hippy attitude, attracting the laid-back and the free-spirited. We have spent time wandering through the charming, eccentric streets to give you an insight into a lifestyle in Fitzroy. Situated only 2km from Melbourne’s centre, it is a creative hub offering an individual selection of restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment.

Fantastic Food 

For sustenance during long, working days, there are a multitude of eateries influenced by different cultures across the globe available in Fitzroy. An area not lacking in diversity in the food sector, if it’s 9am and the sleepy haze still has your brain hostage, free it by popping into Sonido! on the way to work. The South African café, found on Gertrude Street, is known for its “extreme coffee” – a beautiful, smooth, frothy blessing to wake you up in a much more pleasant manner than your enemy of an alarm clock did this morning.

Hungover on a Saturday morning? Revive your poor body, fragile from the alcohol abuse it received the night before, with an ultimate breakfast. Arcadia Café on Gertrude street is a favoured destination – mushrooms on sourdough toast with spinach and goats cheese is their most popular offering – the eggs and bread plated up with a variety of different ingredients are also brilliant cures, but if your stomach is feeling a little weak, the soothing plates of fresh fruit and honey will do the trick.

For a healthy lunch, Soulsoup, is the urban kitchen for hearty, honest homemade soups, and tasty salads, perfect if you want something light to keep you going. Occasionally the hot weather crosses soup off the lunch menu, and so we’ve found you The Vegie bar on Brunswick Street. It is just so chilled out, and here you can enjoy the cheery atmosphere amongst the hippies whilst enjoying a plate of nachos, or a gourmet pizza with an insane variety of toppings. If it’s a refreshing hit you need on a hot day; well, they can whizz up fruit and veg into super-healthy revitalising smoothies for you to take away!

For a great dinner, delve into Fitzroy’s Spanish quarter by indulging in Añadas, which can be found in the middle of buzzing Gertrude Street. They plate up a vast selection of tapas, inspired by the peasant food of Andalusian’s, and infused with the flavours of the Muslim Mediterranean. A truly unique dining experience, it would be rude not to ring up five friends, and book a table to experience their tasting menu along with some bottles of Spanish wine. Have faith, we guarantee you’ll introduce your palate to a world of new flavours.

After a hard day at work, it’s understandable that socialising may not be on your agenda every night. Or maybe cooking or leaving the house is a painful thought in general, whatever the reason, surrendering to take out should not be accompanied by a feeling of guilt here. Healthy Thai food can be delivered from Absolute Thai, a take out that cooks up a much more diverse, fresh selection of food to arrive at your door. Make your selection between the likes of noodles, rice, Thai soups and salad; or between their meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes for a satisfactory meal that beats your typical pizza or Chinese options any day.

Searching For Beautiful Things, And A Snazzy Haircut

Fitzroy has much more to offer than great grub though. The creativity blossoming in hidden crevices of the streets is an integral factor contributing to the buzzing atmosphere of the place. The Rose Street Artist Market – is ‘for lovers of all things handmade’ – selling the best of art, fashion, photography, jewellery, homewares, and vintage.

Industria is an innovative retail shop for contemporary furniture, as well as vintage pieces and jewellery found on Gertrude Street. Each establishment has its own identity. All you need to do is pop into Dr Follicles, Fitzroy’s pride and joy of a barbershop, to realise no business settles for a bland first impression. Retro items litter the walls, and classic songs play on vinyl, while cheery hairdressers snip your locks off. Apparently free beer was originally part of the haircut package, but licensing laws stopped the beer, and now the substitute offered to enjoy during your haircut is dim sum…obviously.

Drinking In The Midst Of Music

The Old Bar on Johnstone Street stages gigs seven nights a week, and is a cheerful place, boasting a romantic fire and Coopers on tap. A variety of genres throughout the new music scene are supported in here, so if you’d rather be pleasantly entertained by acoustic strings rather than the thrashing of an electric guitar, just check up on the listings beforehand. The Old Bar certainly offers something sweet for everyone’s ears, although variations of blues and folk are the favoured genres here.

Staying And Travelling

Fitzroy has a fair few accommodation options, with hostels charging around $30+ per night, so finding somewhere to crash for the night shouldn’t be an issue if you’re on a tight budget. If you’re planning on staying a bit longer and settling down in Fitzroy for the longer haul, house share prices start from around $250 per week, so again, if you’ve got some regular work, this shouldn’t break the bank, and of course if you don’t want shared accommodation then you’ll be looking at around anything from $300-$400 per week.

Getting around in between places is just as fuss-free, the 402 bus route will take you from North Melbourne to Fitzroy in a speedy 10 minute journey, or taxi’s will shuttle you about from a flagfall rate of $3.20.

There is no doubt you will find your place within the innovative and inspiring community. We wanted avoid it, but denying the truth is foolish; so if you are free-spirited, creative, literate individual, we can’t stress just how much you’ll feel at home in Fitzroy, the truly bohemian quarter of Melbourne.

For more information on accommodation in Melbourne…click HERE

By Alexandra Macleod