Australia: My 6 Favourite Bars in Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

The thing about Melbourne is that cool things tend to be hidden. And that is particularly true of the best bars in Melbourne.

Maybe the implication is that if you’re not cool enough to know where the trendy stuff, is then you’re not cool enough to go there.

Alternatively, maybe it’s just because Melbourne nightlife all happens in the city’s famous laneways. These small lanes cut between the broad thoroughfares of the Melbourne Central Business District and boast fabulous street art, graffiti, and bars. They are what makes Melbourne my favourite city in Australia. Don’t miss these six bars in Melbourne’s laneways and other hidden areas.

Down laneways is where you’ll find bars like Manchuria. The sign for this Melbourne bar is barely visible up a dark alley. Go to Waratah Place off Little Bourke Street, 10 metres from the corner of Russell Street, and you’ll see three red letters above a nondescript door. Open the door, and you’ll find yourself in a groovy, opium den-style bar where the cocktails are high class and the atmosphere is convivial. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).