My theory is that Melbourneâs awful weather is the cause. The city has adapted to have a lot of indoor type options to go. Thereâs a lot of exploring involved. I donât know where it started, I think one of the first was The Waiterâs restaurant - a place that ignores all the rules of being on the main drag and trying to attract customers. This place is hidden up stairs down an alley up the end of Bourke St. Itâs been there since the 40âs.
People like finding these hidden places and Melbourne has loads of them. It isnât unique around the world, Iâm sure, but Perth sure doesnât have hidden places like this.
Gibsonisafluffybutt@aussie.zone â¨5⊠â¨months⊠ago
I always found that really kind of, I donât know, a bit sad I guess? Itâs all we have to celebrate culture wise in a way. Or Iâm misreading the vibe.
wscholermann@aussie.zone â¨5⊠â¨months⊠ago
It feels like clutching at straws for something to celebrate about the city. The truth is the city of Melbourne itself is nothing remarkable.
Itâs all the things just outside it that are nicer ie Dandenong Kinglake national park Wilsonâs prom great ocean road etc.
Gibsonisafluffybutt@aussie.zone â¨5⊠â¨months⊠ago
I havenât been overseas as much as Iâd like, but Iâve lived in Melbourne most of my life.
Sometimes it feels like itâs basically just a much larger version of a small town. Maybe all of Australia is kind of like that.
wscholermann@aussie.zone â¨5⊠â¨months⊠ago
Honestly Iâm inclined to agree. I liken Australia cities to subway sandwiches. At their core they are basically the same with only toppings to differentiate them slightly.
pvms@ruby.social â¨5⊠â¨months⊠ago
@Gibsonisafluffybutt @wscholermann
Most every place has its charms. Sometimes it takes a visitor to show you the wonder in something that to you has become normal or mundane.
Itâs the little things that make a place special to me. Things that arenât famous, that you wonât see photos and expos about.
Like walking down a street in Saigon and seeing a tiny little shrine just minding its own business on a street corner. Quirky and not something you hop on a plane for.
Nath@aussie.zone â¨5⊠â¨months⊠ago
Nah there is always something going on in Melbourne. Cricket, Australia Open, Formula One, Moomba (usually), Comedy Festival, AFL, etc etc. Then there are dozens of little festivals throughout the year. Plus there are several theatres and concerts always happening.
You donât really see it all when itâs all youâve known. But itâs a lot.
rusl@mstdn.social â¨5⊠â¨months⊠ago
@Nath @ajsadauskas I live in Perth. I flew to Melbourne once with family to watch the Australian Open tennis. Iâve flown to Brisbane and Sydney a few times to watch concerts from international acts that donât visit Perth. Lots going on over east in the big cities. Enjoy it.
ajsadauskas@aus.social â¨5⊠â¨months⊠ago
@Nath @Gibsonisafluffybutt It also depends on where in Melbourne.
There's plenty of arts, culture, live music, bars, sport, festivals, etc., in the CBD and inner suburbs. Between the trams and trains, inner suburban public transport is reasonable (better than most US cities, worse than many in Europe and Asia).
But then you get to the middle and outer ring suburbs â places like Knox or out Casey way â and it's a cultural wasteland.
SituationCake@aussie.zone â¨5⊠â¨months⊠ago
I feel like Melbourne is at best middling amongst tourist cities. Thereâs not any great architecture, natural wonders like mountains or harbour, no history due to being a young city, no particular cultural vibe. Itâs nice enough but itâs not a destination city. Way more interesting places to visit.