There’s something about Melbourne

Visiting Melbourne is always a welcome breath of fresh air. You’re submerged in its character as soon as you step foot on the ground. It has a distinct European vibe whilst injecting its own Aussie quirkiness through its heavenly food culture, animated laneways and artistic self-expression. I immediately feel more inspired and at home.

My boyfriend and I were lucky enough to travel down south for the long weekend, spending a few days in St.Kilda and the city. We both knew that (aside from stuffing our faces) getting in on some of that quintessentially Melbourne culture was a must, and booked in for a walking street art tour. I hold a great admiration for street art and graf, and the tour guide was one of the most fascinating and passionate advocates of the art form I’d ever met. It was an absolute joy to hear him speak- explaining the moods and motives behind each piece, knowing all the artists purely by technique and giving us a real insight into their daily operations and projects. Melbourne is famed for its walls, thick with colour, telling stories or just providing the space to vent without the fear of prosecution. What I found most impressive was the councils involvement in maintaining the art- they regularly commission esteemed street artists to design large-scale murals on the walls. In doing so, bored kids or vandals are much less likely to deface credible pieces with nonsensical scribbles, and the whole city has become a fluid gallery. Even Hermes commissioned a piece.

My favourite part about street art is that it’s completely static- you witness a snapshot in time, ever changing and evolving. What I saw a week ago is completely different to what those are seeing today. It almost makes you feel special!

Here’s a collection of my favourite pieces from the tour. If you happen to be in Melbourne you can book the tour here. It’s worth absolutely every penny and more, and plus you get your bearings of the city fantastically!