Melbourne’s South Yarra suburb is located inside the city. South Yarra is now a densely populated place in Melbourne and is situated on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin. It is known for its beautiful local shops, foods, clubs, and bars. If you are planning a holiday trip to South Yarra then it will not disappoint you with its offerings. The vast local market has everything from offbeat fashion and art to quirky craft. From expensive to affordable restaurants, cafes, and bars you can find a range of options that suits your pocket. In this blog, we will discover the best places to explore in South Yarra to experience the best getaway this holiday season.
There are also various museums and galleries in the region, including the National Gallery of Victoria, which has a large collection of Australian and foreign art. South Yarra is one of Melbourne’s must-see destinations due to its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and designer apparel. Whether you are local or tourist with the help of this guide you can find the best attraction to visit in South Yarra. So reserve your lodging and have the finest experience possible with your family and friends.
1. Explore Elite Lifestyle With Como House And Garden
Constructed for Sir Edward Eyre Williams who was an Australian Lawyer, judge, and politician, this house and garden is situated in the suburb of South Yarra, Victoria. Now serving as one of the best tourist attractions in South Yarra, it was built in 1847. Como House has had numerous owners over the years, and the garden was given to the National Trust of Australia. If you’re interested in getting a glimpse into the way of life of the elite Australians in the 19th century, you must visit this location. The Como House and Garden is popular among the Melbourne high society for its sophisticated dinners, receptions, and dances. The original family heirlooms are still present in the Armytage house’s furnishings. The garden is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm with free entry.
The Guide tour of the house runs on Wed & Fri at 2.00 pm Only and on weekends at 11.00 am, 12.30 pm & 2.00 pm. If you are a book lover and enjoy collecting rare books, you can browse the National Trust Bookshop, which is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. There are many high-quality used books to pick from in this bookstore. You may find books on everything from gardening to Australian history, art, and culture. The Stable of Como is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. You may make reservations there for anything from weddings to business workshops. If you are considering a visit, the following is the list of upcoming Como House and Garden events that may interest you:
- The Giant Miniature Art Exhibition: Friday 5 May to Sunday 23 July 2023
Witness over 750 miniature art pieces created by over 200 artists from 20 countries around the world including the USA, United Kingdom, Israel, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, etc. The fixed size of the art is instructed to the artist as 25mm x 38mm. You can witness this masterpiece from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, the last entry of the exhibition will be at 4 pm. The exhibition will be closed on Friday 12, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 may be due to some private event.
- Como Archaeology Festival: 27 May – 28 May 2023
Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the fascinating field of archaeology at the Como Archaeology Festival. You will learn how to survey and understand the terrain as you work with your Dig Team to unearth and evaluate objects in the simulated archaeological site.
2. Shop And Stroll At Prahran Market
Situated on Commercial Road near Chapel Street, Prahran Market is a food market in South Yarra. It is a premium market that offers special items and goods that are hard to find. It is one of Melbourne’s best food markets for the best quality fruit and vegetables. It offers the largest selection of organic products, sustainable seafood, free-range beef and poultry, and more. The market is open all days except for Monday and Wednesday and with only a few sellers available on Sundays. If you are a food lover or cooking enthusiast then this market is a must-visit for your memorable holiday experience.
This market hosts a blend of delightful delicatessens and eateries. Not just the stallholders themselves, but the community of customers that Prahan attracts is what elevates the market experience beyond its artisan booths and refined products. You can also book a tour that will cost you approx. $25 for a more vivid experience of the market. In this tour, an expert guide will take you on a stroll of the Prahran Market, where you can explore each stall. Additionally, you can also take part in coffee and food tastings on this market tour.
3. Wander The Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Gardens in South Yarra is a popular tourist attraction located in Melbourne, Australia. This Royal Botanic Garden won’t let you down if you’re planning a leisurely and enjoyable vacation with your family. This garden has blooming roses, magnificent trees, an ornamental pond, and beautifully maintained flower beds that are bursting with color. If you want to go on a holiday outing with your family or friends, this is the ideal location. More than 50,000 plants of 8,500 distinct species can be found in this garden, and it was established in 1846. Visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while taking a stroll through the grounds. It is the ideal place to disconnect from the regular workweek and reconnect with nature if you enjoy spending time in nature.
This garden is one of the world’s leading botanical gardens and is renowned for its extensive collection of plants, both native and exotic. The gardens also host educational programs, workshops, and events throughout the year. They serve as an important center for research and conservation of plants, and they play a significant role in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. At the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards, the garden was named ‘Australia’s finest Major Tourism Attraction,’ as well as the finest Victorian Major Tourist Attraction three years in a row. Additionally, you can enjoy a guided cultural walk, a bus ride through the trails, and a peaceful picnic beneath the oak.
4. Fascinating History Of The Shrine Of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance is a significant war memorial located in the Kings Domain parklands in Melbourne. Built between 1928 and 1934 the shrine of remembrance is a war memorial. It was built to honor the servicemen and women of Victoria who served in various conflicts. If you are into history then exploring this most iconic landmark will be an ideal place for you to explore. This monument presents a memorial of Australian service and sacrifice in all conflicts. Visitors can explore the memorial’s exhibits, learn about Australia’s military history, and pay their respects to the fallen soldiers. The shrine’s design is inspired by classical architecture and features a central sanctuary, galleries, and a commemorative courtyard. The Shrine also offers panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline from its balcony.
Entry to the shrine is free and it is open daily from 10 am-5 pm. For people who would love to discover it deeply, you can take a professional guide for the tour. The expert guide will lead you on a 45-minute tour, which you can book online or at the information desk on the day of your visit. You can also take a self-guided tour by downloading the free Shrine of Remembrance app. The Shrine of Remembrance showcases Australia’s history, as well as the bravery and sacrifices of its warriors, and is one of the most visited attractions in South Yarra. So, if you are making your to-do list for South Yarra make sure you don’t miss adding this place to your itinerary.
5. Chapel Street Shopping
Chapel Street is one of Melbourne’s most popular shopping destinations, located in the suburb of South Yarra. From vintage fashion to modern exclusive styles, Chapel Street offers something for everyone. It offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of boutiques, high-end fashion stores, vintage shops, homeware stores, and specialty stores. Alongside the shopping experience, Chapel Street is known for its vibrant dining scene, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars lining the street. Whether you’re looking for unique fashion finds, trendy accessories, or delicious food, Chapel Street is a must-visit destination for shopping enthusiasts. This Melbourne’s premier shopping street extends to two miles and is a paradise for shopping lovers.
Additionally, don’t forget to visit Chapel Street’s most famous attraction, the Jam Factory. Jam Factory is a shopping and entertainment center and here, you will find varieties of fashion brands, cafes, and restaurants. You can also discover the local Chapel Street to explore more local food. The market offers different cultural foods including Mexican, Indian, Italian, and bakeries to satisfy your sweet carvings. While in the area, you can browse the shelves and stalls of Chapel Street Bazaar. This vast secondhand store is brimming with a variety of goodies including crockeries, lamps, dolls, jewelry, vintage clothing, and more. The holiday journey is incomplete without shopping so, make sure to add this Chapel Street shopping to your to-do list in South Yarra.
Conclusion
South Yarra is a tourist attraction that strikes the perfect balance of culture, nature, and art & craft. It has everything for everyone, from mouth-watering eateries to relaxing locations. South Yarra is an ideal holiday spot if you want to spend time with your family, friends, or lover. Whether you are staying in Melbourne or intend to explore more of South Yarra, the list above includes the most popular sites in South Yarra that you must see. Infuse your shopping experience with Prahran Market and Chapel Street shopping, and take in a spectacular view of the Royal Botanical Garden. We hope you find this advice useful in planning your itinerary for the next holiday season.
