Six very Melbourne things you have probably missed during lockdown

If you are not joining the hordes fleeing to regional Victoria this weekend, here’s how to use your new-found freedom to get back into the swing of truly being a Melburnian.

Is there anything more “2020” than writing an article on the delights of Melbourne, when you’ve been trapped on the other side of the “ring of steel” since early July?

Granted, Torquay, where I’ve lived for the past few years, has been a godsend of a place to spend the pandemic.

But geez I miss my hometown – not only for my family and my mates, but also for the buzz, the night-life, the culture, the live music.

I miss cycling alongside the Yarra, salsa dancing in Fitzroy, the ferns and tall timber of the Dandenongs, eating dumplings and drinking BYO wine in Chinatown, and wondering what White Night is really all about.

I miss the shops, walking the Tan, outdoor cinemas, markets, the excitement of full-scale sporting events and concerts, and getting dressed up for a proper night out.

Even the city’s freeways are appealing when you haven’t driven on them for a while.

Sometimes I even miss public transport, and the outrageously expensive carparking at Melbourne Airport. Actually, nah, I just miss getting on a plane.

Yep, it’s time to get back to Melbourne, and I genuinely can’t wait to drive across the West Gate Bridge into town, and see that magic vista of the city and the bay open up.

At this point, it’s going to feel almost as thrilling as travelling to a foreign country. Unless I get stuck on City Road.

But enough about this homesick soul. Here are half a dozen reasons you might want to start getting out and about in Melbourne again too – even if you already live there.

GOODBYE UBER EATS

Only kidding, there’s no reason to delete the app entirely. Small steps.

But now, when you decide you can’t be bothered cooking, you can actually venture out and savour one of the things Melbourne is truly famous for: its food.

Food, glorious food: There’s plenty of it in every corner of metropolitan Melbourne.

From Ethiopian fare in Kensington to Greek in Oakleigh and cheap and cheerful Asian in Richmond’s Victoria Street, Melbourne is a total smorgasbord – in a non-Smorgy’s type of way.

For something different, try Attica In Between at Attica in Ripponlea or the Garden Party at Abbotsford Convent.

And don’t forget you can get a free pint or schooner of Carlton Draught at more than 400 pubs across Melbourne today — definitely worth heading out for.

THE NORTH-SOUTH SNOBBERY

It was so difficult to have the traditional slanging matches over which is better — north or south of the river — when travelling more than five clicks was prohibited.

Now Fitzroyalty, and those from South Yar-rah, can happily recommence the conversational one-upmanship.

Hopefully, offices can also soon get back to the dilemma or where to host the annual Christmas party.

Will it be St Kilda or Prahran – Northcote or Brunswick? And who will be more annoyed at the inconvenience of it all?

THE FAR-SHUN

Yes in winter, the whole city often looks like it’s in mourning.

But in summer, a riot of colourful summer dresses and shorts is set to take over the city (maybe even a few suits).

Shoppers have been getting reacquainted with Bourke Street Mall. Picture: Alex Coppel.

So hit the streets, and remember what it was like in the days before we all rotated the same two or three sets of sartorial sins all-lockdown long.

Stuck for something sharp to wear? Jeans a bit tight?

Don’t worry, Melbourne’s shops are open again, and there’s countless little boutiques and bigger stores galore ready to woo you and your wallet.

BAY BEACHES

I stand by my long-held view that St Kilda isn’t really a beach. Not like the proper ones. I mean you wouldn’t want to spend too long in the water.

Yet there is something about it. Maybe it’s the people watching, the accents sunbaking on the grass, the squeals as Luna Park’s rollercoaster does the loop. The St Kilda Sea Baths and West Beach Pavilion.

People enjoy the sunshine at St Kilda Beach this month. Picture: Daniel Pockett, NCA NewsWire

Of course Melbourne’s bay stretches much further than that, and there’s nothing like throwing yourself into the cool, calm waters of Brighton, Black Rock or Bonbeach on a scorching summer day.

THE CULTURE

If Netflix is no longer filling your culture quota, Melbourne’s art galleries and concert halls are starting to open up.

NGV Australia: Ian Potter Centre will reopen to limited visitors on November 23, followed by NGV International on December 19.

Get set for the opening of Melbourne’s first post-lockdown exhibition, Triennial at NGV, on December 19. It features works including this one, Buttpuss by Porky Hefer.

The State Library is also opening its doors on November 19, while you can return to the theatre with A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Royal Botanic Gardens from December 18 until January 24.

If spring blooms are your thing, florists are staging a spectacular takeover of the city for Urban Blooms, which runs until November 27 at locations including Flinders Street Station, Hosier Lane and Southbank’s Evan Walker Bridge.

THE BARS/PUBS

You probably never thought you’d need to book a pub for a simple night out. But Melbourne’s pubs and bars are definitely worth it – bonus points if they have large outdoor areas.

Arbory Afloat has reopened on the banks for the Yarra River at Southbank. Picture: Alex Coppel.

So get on the beers at anywhere from Welcome to Thornbury to Arbory Afloat, or go all top shelf at Rooftop Bar, seven storeys above the city.

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