South Melbourne and Albert Park

South Melbourne is one of Melbourne's oldest suburbs. Its leafy streets and their heritage buildings, stately mansions and terrace houses have been restored to house chic boutiques and hip cafes and restaurants. Nearby Albert Park boasts a lively village atmosphere and the popular Albert Park Lake. The linchpin of South Melbourne is the South Melbourne Market, a fixture of the area since 1867. You'll find characters, charm and fresh produce galore at the market, as well as emerging designers and quirky homeware stores. Running through the heart of South Melbourne is Clarendon Street where restored Victorian shopfronts house fashion boutiques, restaurants and cafes. An eclectic range of independent retailers stretches toward the bay along Coventry, Dorcas, Bank and Park streets. There is always time for a refreshing drink at one of South Melbourne's impressive pubs. Sandwiched between South Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay is Albert Park, a contained area bursting with cafés and delis, bookshops, boutiques, and fine dining restaurants. Spend time soaking up the atmosphere along the Victorian shopfronts of Bridport Street and Victoria Avenue. Hot days are made cooler by an ice-cream and a splash in the water at Albert Park Beach. Albert Park Lake is abuzz year-round with joggers, cyclists and sailors and rowers taking to the water. More recreation activities are available in the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and at the public golf course and Albert Park Driving Range. Each March the park's roads are transformed into track for the Australian Formula 1™ Grand Prix and the four-day party. South Melbourne is less than three kilometres from the CBD. Catch tram 12 from Collins Street or number 1 from Swanston Street.