So You Think You Know Melbourne: What Lies Beyond the Yarra?
Ah, Melbourne. A city that's constantly brewing up a storm of good coffee, quirky laneway bars, and enough sporting drama to rival Shakespeare himself. But what happens when you hit the northern edge of the CBD and, with a determined glint in your eye, declare, "There's gotta be more to this burg!" Well, my friend, you'd be right. There's a whole whack of Melbourne waiting to be explored north of the Yarra River.
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| What is North Of Melbourne |
Gone North: A Beginner's Guide to Melbourne's Upper Reaches
Fear not, intrepid explorer! Here's a cheat sheet to navigating Melbourne's north:
Hipster Haven Hunting: Think Melbourne's inner-city is the only place to find ironic mustaches and single-origin bean juice? Think again! Brunswick, Coburg, and Fitzroy North are teeming with trendy cafes, vintage clothing stores, and enough artisanal beard oil to slick down a grizzly bear.
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Park Life Paradise: If you crave a bit of green space after battling the crowds, fret not! Melbourne's north boasts a bunch of stellar parks. Take your pick from the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds (don't worry, you won't get trampled by a prize pig unless it's the annual show), the sprawling greenery of Royal Park, or the quirky charm of Princes Park, complete with its mini railway.
Suburban Safari: Ever felt the urge to explore Melbourne's wild side (well, as wild as a city can get)? Look beyond the hipster havens and venture further north. You'll find suburbs like Preston and Thornbury, with their multicultural communities and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
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Don't Forget the Food: No Melbourne adventure is complete without a decent feed. The north has you covered, from Vietnamese pho in Footscray to authentic Italian in Carlton. Pro tip: Head to Lygon Street in Brunswick East for a taste of Little Italy, complete with Nonna yelling at you in broken English for ordering the wrong pasta (it's all part of the experience, darling).
Frequently Asked Questions: Navigating Melbourne's North Like a Boss
How to sound like a local: When referring to the north, ditch the fancy talk and simply say "up north." Bonus points for throwing in a "fair dinkum" for good measure.
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How to avoid getting lost: While Melbourne's public transport system is pretty darn good, investing in a Myki card (Melbourne's reloadable transport pass) will make your life easier. Apps like Google Maps are also your friend, especially if you're prone to getting turned around by trams and one-way streets.
How to dress for the occasion: Melbourne's weather is, well, unpredictable. Pack layers, because you might experience sunshine, hail, and everything in between, all in the span of an afternoon.
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How to avoid being mistaken for a tourist: Ditch the selfie stick and embrace the flat white. Melbourne takes its coffee seriously, so learn the difference between a latte and a cappuccino (it's all about the milk!).
How to survive a conversation about AFL: This one's tricky. If you're clueless about Aussie Rules Football (AFL), just nod enthusiastically and throw out a random team name (Collingwood is always a safe bet). It's better to feign knowledge than be exposed as a complete outsider.
So there you have it, folks! A crash course in exploring Melbourne's north. Now get out there, grab a pasty (a delicious meat pie, for the uninitiated), and discover a whole new side to this amazing city!
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