Friday, 6 March 2020

Tram route 96: from the suburbs to the sea

Stretching from East Brunswick, through the bustling city and ending in sunny St Kilda. The 96 tram route explores the some of Melbourne’s best foods, art and markets.

Start the morning off with breakfast at East Brunswick’s truly unique CERES Environment Park. Just a 5-minute stroll from the Blyth and Nicholson street, the urban farm and educational centre has been spreading the word of sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint since opening in 1982. The on-premise café Merri Café dishes up wholesome meals produced using ingredients grown on site when possible. A Saturday visit will coincide with the weekly Makers and Flea Market where visitors will find a range of handmade and upcycled goods.

Hop back on the 96 down Nicholson Street to be whisked through Fitzroy. Depart at Stop 14 and mosey down Rose street towards Smith street to witness some of Melbourne’s iconic street art. Rose Street Artists’ Market is open from 10am on weekends with over 100 stalls on display. Shoppers can peruse the selection of jewellery, paintings and arts of all forms with the chance to interact directly with the designers in person. After a long morning of Market hopping consider a short 3-minute walk to Melbourne's heralded Lune Croissanterie. Considered by many to be the best Croissants in Australia this bakery is a must visit, just be prepared for the queue! For art fans - or anyone wanting to burn of those Lune calories, the Centre for Contemporary Photography is a short 4-minute walk and presents works by both established and emerging artists over 5 gallery spaces.

Back on the 96 heading south will take commuters past the Melbourne Museum and world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Centre into the centre of Melbourne. If the sun is out be sure to soak it up by heading to a rooftop bar for a tipple. Good Heavens, Madame Brussels and Loop Project Space & Bar are all a two-minute walk or less from Spring street. Grab a drink, enjoy the views and relax while deciding where to head next. Alternatively, for those feeling peckish head further down Bourke to Kinfolk to tuck into a delicious lunch. With an emphasis on fostering community Kinfolk offers opportunities to the disadvantaged through their training program teaching students the ins and outs of hospitality. In addition to this, the menu is packed with a rotating selection of seasonal dishes with ingredients purchased directly from producers. The whole experience is sure to leave customers feeling satisfied in the bellies and hearts.

Head over the Yarra River and snake through Southbank to end up just outside the always lively South Melbourne Market. With almost 150 stalls brimming with Melbourne’s freshest produce, meats, seafood as well as coffee, crafts and homewares it’ll be hard not to find something to suit every taste. Grab some berries or nosh on an oyster or four before getting back on the 96.

Gliding through Middle Park and into St Kilda commuters can catch a glimpse of the iconic Luna Park from the tram with a final stop at Acland street, the heart of St Kilda. To decompress head over to Piccolino Gelatoria and indulge in the traditionally made selection of Gelatos while ambling over to St Kilda beach to catch the sunset. If it’s not time for dessert yet consider Radio Mexico. A casual eatery offering mouth-watering authentic Mexican cuisine and a comprehensive drink list. Order up a few shared dishes, a refreshing Margarita and grab a spot outdoors to cap the day off with some twilight people watching. 

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