Food Art And Culture How To Get The Most Out Of Melbourne

Dubbed Australia’s capital of culture, Melbourne has an abundance of art, history, culture and food to offer – much of it for free. From independent artists at weekend markets to searching for eccentric sculptures, you don’t need to spend a penny to envelope yourself in Melbourne’s cultural heart.

1. The Rose Street Artists' Market

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Located in the middle of Melbourne’s Fitzroy district, the Rose Street Artists’ Market runs every Saturday and Sunday, showcasing the work of some of the city’s best independent artists. Free to enter, the market ranges from art and sculpture, to homeware, children’s clothes, jewellery, ceramics and more. It houses more than 120 of Melbourne’s artists, with many new stalls joining every month. It’s always worth heading down to see if you can find a one-of-a-kind piece or commission an original from an upcoming talent. Open from 10am till 4pm both days, visitors should head down early to miss the afternoon rush.

2. Aboriginal Melbourne Walk

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Bronze statues of Pastor Sir Douglas and Lady Gladys Nicholls in Parliament Gardens at the beginning of the Melbourne Aboriginal Walk

On the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung and Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) people of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne looks to acknowledge and celebrate its history. Spend a day learning more about its Aboriginal heritage on this interesting walk around locations of significance that takes a self-guided route you can get from the local council’s website. The official Aboriginal Melbourne Walk begins at Parliament Gardens and leads you through central Melbourne towards the Docklands, where it ends at an artwork called Standing by Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, which shows two Aboriginal men who were publicly hanged in Melbourne in 1842, leaving you with thoughts on your own knowledge of Aboriginal history and the part colonisation has to play in its contested narratives.

3. Model Tudor Village at Fitzroy Gardens

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Miniature Tudor Village, a major tourist attraction in Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne

Melbourne’s Model Tudor Village, which sits in the centre of Fitzroy Gardens, was modelled in 1948 by Edgar Wilson, a 77-year-old pensioner from London, England, and presented to the city of Melbourne as thanks for the city’s generosity in sending food and supplies to England during the Second World War. The houses, which are modelled on a traditional Kentish village, are fenced off for preservation, but can still be appreciated from a distance. While visiting the village, take a stroll around the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, which is also home to a fairies garden, fountains, sculptures and a number of cottages.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.