If you’re having a rough day and find yourself stuck in the city – where do you escape to?
Is there a secluded bar or cafe that makes for a great little hideaway?
Perhaps there’s a certain little spot of a particular park around the city that’s brilliant to chill out in.
Or maybe you’ve found a hidden location inside a public building that makes for a great quiet thinking place.
A cup of tea at Pushka, in Presgrave Place, is always a nice little escape.
A wander around the State Library, followed by a cheeky glass of red and baguette at Rue Babylon.
Domed reading room at the state library – majestic
Behind the art centre near the bronzed sheep. Easy access from Southbank allows me to escape the tourists and buskers.
Upstairs at Robot sake bar before the evening rush.
i recall the little square that had the state film library was always an oasis in the afternoon – is this still open?
*In SA they have closed our film lending service down – the cinema history of Australia now gathers dust and I’d say is just degrading as time marches on – shame Mr. Rann.* My two cents anyhow..!
St Jerome’s used the be the place of choice. I’m not sure that place is still open now. Or reopened. Used to be good to get away from it all. Have a quiet beer in the garden in a bit of peace..
St Michael’s Uniting Church on Collins Street has a room on the side (I think it’s Exhibition St) called the Quiet Place, which is incredibly peaceful. I recall it water slowly coming down a wall and the sounds of the city are almost totally blocked away. You don’t have to be religious or anything. A friend showed me one time and I came out feeling really calm – which lasted a bout five minutes once I got back out.
http://www.stmichaels.org.au/mingary/the-quiet-place
Another nice spot is the courtyard at the Old Melbourne Gaol.
Totally agree with Anthea’s suggestion of the State Library (Reading Room and Keith Murdoch Gallery) followed by Rue Bab’s
The subway under Flinders St station. Cute little shops where you can potter around.
A little bit off the city, but Fraus (chocolate & more) is on Victoria St. Sit in or out by the little garden at the back, and it’s perfect to chill :) PS: the hot chocolate is thick! – and generous.
For just someplace quiet to hang out & chill & read I often pop up to the Members Lounge @ the Ian Potter Centre @ NGV – great biscuits & current magazines…for a quiet drink the back space / courtyard @ Collins Quarter works well as well as a few side rooms or spaces @ the Melbourne Supper Club…
Not so hidden, not so quiet… but bringing something completely new to Melbourne… arepas: Latin American corn-based pockets with amazing fillings… and the amazing repertoire of a fascinating continent – http://www.cruzao.com.au – Check it out!!