r/melbournechat

Fitzroy, Collingwood, St Kilda, Richmond, they all get mentioned constantly. But there are suburbs that barely register in these conversations that are actually great to live in or visit. What would you put forward and what makes it worth knowing about?

Tell me,what has to be the worst school in Melb,both primary and secondary.

I was away for a couple of weeks recently and the first thing I noticed when I got back was how much I missed being able to grab a decent coffee almost anywhere.

Made me wonder what other people only appreciate once they're away.

I joined a free walking tour in Melbourne last week and honestly didn’t expect much, but it ended up being great. It was an easy way to chat with other people while learning about the city's history and culture. The guide was super friendly, knew their stuff, and made it way more interesting than I expected. Definitely worth doing if you're new to Melbourne or just want to see the city from a different perspective.

If Linkt managed to overcharge thousands of Melbourne drivers for years before picking it up, what does that say about the system? Should this have been caught much earlier?

I am new to Melbourne. Any recommendations on a running route? I found Docklands a pleasant place to run but I would love to explore more running routes

Whether it's a weekend at Mt Buller, a day trip or just enjoying the winter scenery, do you have any snow plans this season?

Melbourne is one of those cities that don't scream for attention but somehow end up being your favourite. It’s less about big “bucket list” moments and more about the small, lived‑in details that stay with you.

Start at Federation Square – not because it’s the prettiest spot, but because it feels like Melbourne’s living room. Trams were rattling past, people were sprawled on the steps, buskers were doing their thing, and the Yarra River was just a few steps away. Lean on the rail, watch the rowers slide past and the skyline glow at sunset, and you suddenly get why people love this city.

Then there are the laneways. The first time I walked into Hosier Lane, it felt like stepping into someone’s sketchbook. Every wall is covered in graffiti and murals, constantly changing and layered over each other. Grab a coffee from a hole‑in‑the‑wall cafe and just wander – half the fun is ducking into random alleys and finding hidden bars you’d never spot from the main streets.

When the city noise starts to feel a bit much, head to the Royal Botanic Gardens. One minute you’re dodging commuters; the next you’re walking beside lakes, under huge trees, listening to birds instead of traffic. It’s where you go to reset: lie on the grass, look up at the skyline peeking over the trees, and feel like you’ve hacked yourself a slow afternoon in the middle of a busy city.

For a bit of grit and character, Queen Victoria Market is classic Melbourne. It’s loud, a little chaotic, and full of temptation: fresh produce, local snacks, and random souvenirs you definitely didn’t plan to buy. It feels less like a “tourist attraction” and more like somewhere locals actually use, which is exactly what makes it interesting.

And then there’s St Kilda. The vibe shifts the moment you smell the sea air. Walk the pier at sunset; watch the sky turn orange over the water, and if you hang around long enough, you might spot penguins tucked into the rocks. Add the old‑school charm of Luna Park lit up at night, and you’ve got that perfect mix of beach town and city edge.

Melbourne doesn’t try to impress you with one big moment. It just quietly stacks up little experiences – laneway coffees, river walks, park picnics, market chaos, and beach sunsets – until suddenly you realise you’re already planning your next trip back.

Every now and then a video pops up of an influencer showing off a suburb or a hidden local spot. Do you enjoy seeing your area get some attention or do you wish it stayed a local secret?

long time taxi driver in melbourne. not trying to sell anything, genuinely just want to understand the shift and what is the first priority when choosing a transport .

what made you switch to uber/didi/etc over a regular taxi? and is there anything — pricing, booking, vehicle quality, drivers, whatever — that would actually make you consider a taxi again?
keen to hear the good, bad and ugly, not just the nice answers. cheers

With more high-rise developments being approved, there's growing concern that they're just changing the character of local neighbourhoods without actually making housing more affordable

Have a Japanese friend here who wants to watch the soccer game but it starts at around 3am, is there any 24 hours sports bars we can go to get a drink and watch?

When something happens in a particular area, people usually avoid that place for a while. After the recent incident at Flinders Street Station, it feels like youth crime around public transport is becoming a bigger concern in Melbourne. Do you think Melbourne needs more PSOs and police around major stations?

Coming from Sydney and applying for areas in the North West. Westmeadows is quite close to the area I want but from what I have been told there may be a few streets to stay clear of from there? Can anyone please advise if that is true or not.

Most drivers agree that smooth merging keeps traffic moving, yet often becomes a source of tension, frustration, aggressive behaviour and unnecessary conflict on the road. Why does this simple manoeuvre cause so much tension between drivers?

Anyone in Melbourne battling the cold going around? I’ve had it since last Sunday and still very unwell. This is SHITE

The Suburban Rail Loop is being promoted as the project that will shape Melbourne's future, but it's also becoming one of the city's most debated investment. Supporters see it as essential for a growing city, while critics question the cost and priorities.
If the same money could be spent elsewhere, what would have the biggest impact on Melbourne?

Chapel Street has a bit of a reputation for being a shit hole of late but thoughts on property in the South Yarra end? Particularly ones by the river, and before Toorak Rd.

My mate is buying in the region and I've heard horror stories and would like to warn him, but not if I am wrong and the horror stories are more in relation to bits of Chapel St further down the road towards Prahran and Windsor. Basically, I don't want to rain on his parade if I don't have to.