Melbourne Neighbourhood In Focus: Fitzroy

Just two kilometres from the CBD, Fitzroy became Melbourne’s first suburb in 1839 when the land between Alexandra Parade and Melbourne was subdivided. Surrounded by factories, Fitzroy was occupied by working men; however, by 1939, residents relocated, making room for scores of Italian and Greek immigrants to move in. Since then, the suburb has taken on both a bohemian and multicultural identity with Chinese, Vietnamese, African and Hispanic communities. Today, Fitzroy has a thriving arts scene where hipsters can be found Instagramming walls shrouded in street art, and there are cafés, restaurants and bars scattered down Brunswick Street. Visit historical sites such as Captain Cook’s Cottage, browse galleries and relax with rooftop views.

Attractions

Fitzroy is a bustling, cultural mecca, and there is always something unique to see and do. For relaxation, we recommend visiting the Victorian-era Fitzroy Gardens which are set across 64 acres and encompass an ornamental lake, scarred tree, conservatory, Fairies Tree, band pavilion, visitor’s centre, café and the historically charming Cook’s Cottage. Those who prefer something more modern should visit George Street where you’ll find one of Melbourne’s premiere photo-based arts spaces, The Centre for Contemporary Photography, which features five exhibition galleries showcasing the work of emerging and established photographic artists. If you’re visiting Fitzroy on Saturday or Sunday, then don’t miss The Rose St. Artists’ Market, which has been blooming to life every weekend since 2003 with stalls from up to 70 emerging and established artists and designers showcasing all things handmade.

Restaurants

Bars

From casual cocktail bars to dive bars, Fitzroy is a nightlife magnet where you can choose to sip your poison of choice in a dark corner or dance the night away. Head to The Black Pearl for a sophisticated sip, or wander into the eccentric Kommune bar for a night underneath the overhanging umbrellas. Step through the yellow door into Hell of the North, pick your potion at The Alchemist Bar & Café, and for one of the best views of Melbourne, head to Naked for Satan where hipsters hang out on the rooftop eating baked camembert with a glass of gin in hand.

Coffee

If you’re after a freshly brewed cup of coffee in Fitzroy, there are a few names you need to know. The first is Industry Beans, which serves up espresso, pour over, cold drip and AeroPress in a warehouse conversion, and with new flavour selections every fortnight, there is always a new brew to pick you up in the morning. The second must-visit café is Atomica, which has been serving unpretentious single-origin and coffee blends since 1996. The third choice is the new kid on the block, Sir Charles, which offers black coffee alongside an Asian-inspired menu.

Notable People

Cricketers including the Harvey brothers, former Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, Australia’s only saint Mary Mackillop, showbiz legend Bert Newton and rock star Brody Dalle are among the famous names born in Fitzroy.

Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia

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.