If you’re experiencing a tough day and find yourself unable to leave the city – which location do you take a break in?
Is there a secluded bar or cafe that makes for a great little hideaway?
It could be there’s a certain spot of a certain garden around the city that’s brilliant to relax in.
Or perhaps you’ve found a hideaway location inside a public building that is a great quiet thinking place.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
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!!
Think it’s closed down now :(
My garage, with a huge glass of iced Tea along with a BIG FAT joint!
The Foundry shoping arcade and food court. Never anyone in there.
Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Tea House 141 Queen St, Melbourne – The Cumquat tea is fantastic
Best secret places in Melbourne?
11am, Riverland on the Yarra below Fed Square.
3pm, The wharf at Batman Park, on the Yarra beside the Aquarium
7pm, Beer Deluxe at Fed Square, the part in the Atrium
Please don’t tell everyone…
The Quadrangle on Russell Street between the Old Melbourne Gaol and the Old Police Watchhouse. Nice place to sit in the sun and rest.
Sotto in Equitable Place
Mingary at St Michael’s church in Russel Street (corner of Collins). Open to all, regardless of belief. Most peaceful place in the city.
Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Tea House; shame they no longer do the bento boxes, but I agree with Fiona – the comquat tea is heaven.
Cabinet behind the corner of Swanston st and Flinders lane. Amazing cocktails. :)
Tucked away in the corner of the living room at Southpaw Bar, Fitzroy. Just not on a Friday or Saturday!
JFK memorial garden and pond, Treasury Gardens