Laneways and Cafes

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[{"address":"Novotel Melbourne Central","placeId":"ChIJC47so0pd1moRqNWtKSoydl4","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.19423437827178244,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-37.811867162323274,"longitude":144.96005419999995},"media":[{"type":"place","content":{"place_id":"ChIJC47so0pd1moRqNWtKSoydl4"}},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FoMgXGfD9o9vZGYzgxk5y%2FNOVOTEL201901-WEB-091-1-1450x950.jpg?alt=media&token=4d470406-19e8-4549-8d85-15ea6c8108f9"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FoMgXGfD9o9vZGYzgxk5y%2Fpretty-boysss.jpg?alt=media&token=1ba21b57-0080-4c94-a966-8865a0f2c07d"},{"type":"text","content":"Welcome to our first tour stop, the impressive Novotel Melbourne Central. Rising 35 stories above the city, this urban haven boasts 483 rooms and stunning views of Melbourne's skyline. Its architecture epitomizes Melbourne's mix of culture and modernity while being eco-friendly with electric car charging facilities and a focus on water-saving and recycling.\n\nAs we absorb city's energy from here, remember we have a big day ahead. Get started with a hearty breakfast at Pretty Boy. They offer a variety of buffet dishes specially crafted to fuel you for the day. An added delight is their juice machine to customize your own juice. The buffet starts as early as 06:30 AM from Monday to Friday and from 07:00 AM during weekends.\n\nTake advantage of your time here by exploring the surroundings, capturing beautiful shots or discovering hidden café gems. Once ready, we will proceed further into the heart of Melbourne. Remember, Melbourne isn't just a city; it's an experience waiting to unfold. Let's make the most of it.\n\n"}]},{"address":"Rankins Lane, Melbourne VIC, Australia","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-37.8141104,"longitude":144.9623083},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2F1024px-Melbourne_Rankins_Lane.jpg?alt=media&token=540e39de-ae47-4728-abcc-b2ba02229f9d"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Frankins-lane_mel_r_147646-56_1600x900.jpg?alt=media&token=2a7a656b-d4a3-4059-a90e-df4c962a3675"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fimage%20(2).jpg?alt=media&token=daddd7ca-d40d-4677-be52-1450a376bd61"},{"type":"text","content":"Just around the corner from the bustling Bourke Street Mall, tucked away in the heart of Melbourne, lies a seemingly inconspicuous lane known as Rankins Lane. This narrow yet inviting brick lane, enriched with a history dating back to 1928, is named after Henry Johnstone Rankine, a convict shipped to Sydney, who later built a shop and residence in Melbourne. Rankins Lane, while known for its green window boxes and lemon trees peeking through the fencing, is today a hub for some of Melbourne's most acclaimed street art. One such iconic piece is the vividly colored \"Streets Rankins La\". However, the true charm of this lane emerges as you venture deeper, where you'll discover one of Melbourne's most cherished cafes, Manchester Press, renowned for their exceptional coffee. Despite its location in the heart of the city's CBD, Rankins Lane has a refreshing and welcoming feel, instantly transporting you away from the city's hustle."}]},{"address":"Fabian","placeId":"ChIJV-QuWspC1moR8QfbCRMzkNo","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.16380842344756338,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-37.81155591232314,"longitude":144.96438915000002},"media":[{"type":"place","content":{"place_id":"ChIJV-QuWspC1moR8QfbCRMzkNo"}},{"type":"text","content":"I've been to this place three times, and trust me, it's a gem! Brilliant service and affordable prices, you know exactly what you're getting as there's a menu up Australian-style.\n\nThis is now my go-to place when I'm around, excited to try more food! On one visit, I had a chai latte, bacon-egg bagel, and also ordered a donut and hot chocolate for my boss. The bagel was great, albeit the egg could've been runnier. Chai latte was overly sweet, however sprinkling cinnamon balanced it out.\n\nThe highlight here, apart from the delicious food, is the serene ambiance reminiscent of Australia. The staff is cheerful and the prices are reasonable. So a shoutout to all Melbourne folks, give this fantastic café a shot!\n\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2F2023-04-08.jpg?alt=media&token=ccb0adad-784b-4e6c-8c4b-60050f8a19eb"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2F2023-01-03.jpg?alt=media&token=8ec5e4e0-9b1d-43c6-9a07-75292294d672"}]},{"address":"Croft Alley, Melbourne VIC, Australia","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-37.8117162,"longitude":144.9689569},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fil_1140xN.2408303662_7cig.jpg?alt=media&token=d61e7169-7835-4c40-b127-36cbd26ee952"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fimage%20(1).jpg?alt=media&token=f993bef1-a27c-45df-8633-0c35da37eefd"},{"type":"text","content":"Croft Alley, a slender passageway, originates from the tail-end of Paynes Place, itself connecting to Little Bourke Street nestled within Chinatown, positioned between Russell and Exhibition streets. Formerly known as Commercial Lane, Paynes Place stretched as far south as Bourke Street back in 1895. Croft Alley provided key rear access to the residences once dotting Commercial Lane and Market Lane, in addition to the Gallery Hotel on Bourke Street, through an east-west laneway that reconnected to Commercial Lane, Brien Lane, Coverlid Place and Golden Fleece Alley. As of 2008, the Bourke Street cinema has shortened Paynes Place, causing it to lead straight into Croft Alley, now a dead-end. A quirk of Melbourne's bar scene is demonstrated by three wooden benches jutting out from Croft Alley's southern terminus, providing a place for patrons to sit while awaiting entrance into The Croft Institute, a hip laboratory-themed bar located within the alley. Aside from this, the alley primarily contains garbage bins, crates and stagnant pools, still in 2003, it also hosted the 'By Lanes', a City of Melbourne Laneways Commission showcasing Dylan Volkhardt's project of life-sized images projected unto the alley walls."}]},{"address":"Duckboard Place, Melbourne VIC, Australia","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-37.8155369,"longitude":144.9713787},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fimage.jpg?alt=media&token=ef7998f3-ffc7-44dc-8b3e-4d9595d22645"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fduckboard-place_mel_r_147694-56_1600x900.jpg?alt=media&token=f7a0e1ea-3085-4bd3-8d48-49d710a6a271"},{"type":"text","content":"This street, Duckboard Place, snakes its way from Flinders Lane to AC/DC Lane, boasting more than a few noteworthy murals. Beyond its appeal to art enthusiasts, Duckboard Place also offers some of Melbourne's most acclaimed dining experiences. Formerly a hub for World War II soldiers looking to unwind, the street currently hosts a variety of discerning patrons, attracted by its fusion of edgy street culture and vintage charm, not to mention its dynamic food scene. Home to exciting culinary ventures like the innovative Chinese restaurant Lee Ho Fook, the Indian-flavoured delights of Tonka and the Danish Steakhouse, A Hereford Beefstouw; the street continues to draw in locals and tourists alike."}]},{"address":"AC/DC Lane, Melbourne VIC, Australia","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-37.8156877,"longitude":144.9709483},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2F9a50df_f4346625a1124ce889ceb2a29519737e~mv2.webp?alt=media&token=a84d5a73-bbae-4b00-92ff-d424ae97b02c"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Facdc-lane_mel_r_156682-56_1600x900.jpg?alt=media&token=17e350ac-fd3b-483d-b7d1-398b8e7c5cde"},{"type":"text","content":"AC/DC Lane is a small, narrow laneway located in the business district of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It stretches from Flinders Lane north to south, nestled between Exhibition Street and Russell Street. The lane is named in honor of the legendary Australian hard rock band, AC/DC.\n\nPrior to October 2004, the lane was known as Corporation Lane. In recognition of AC/DC's contributions to Australian music, the lane was renamed after the band following a unanimous vote by the City of Melbourne. Using the words of one of the band's songs, Melbourne's Lord Mayor John So stated during lane's reopening, \"There's a highway to hell, but this is a laneway to heaven. Let us rock.\"\n\nThe band's iconic lightning bolt or slash (\"/\") used to separate the 'AC' from 'DC' was removed from the street name due to a rule by the Office of the Registrar of Geographic Names that bans punctuation in street names. However, after a month, a lightning bolt was added to the sign by artist Knifeyard.\n\nFamous for being the previous location of the beloved rock bar and nightclub, Cherry Bar, AC/DC Lane was renamed in part due to AC/DC's strong ties to Melbourne and their cultural ambassador status for Australia. In addition, the lane was also noted for its strategic position within Melbourne's bar and rock district. AC/DC is notorious for shooting their music video for their hit song, \"Long Way to the Top,\" along Swanston Street which runs parallel to AC/DC Lane.\n\n"}]},{"address":"Higson Lane, Melbourne VIC, Australia","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-37.8160682,"longitude":144.970487},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fhigson1.jpg?alt=media&token=99a1233c-caf4-4b33-b273-00a4965948a2"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fhigson3.jpg?alt=media&token=0c656b34-7210-407c-9f08-c93660abe60a"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fhigson2.jpg?alt=media&token=d27997cb-089f-4571-8c2a-b006e593239e"},{"type":"text","content":"Higson Lane is a significant site nestled between Russell and Exhibition streets in the city. The lane stretches towards the south starting from Flinders Lane and terminates in a dead-end. Historically, Higson Lane has been known for housing both residential and commercial establishments. The lane is unmistakably adorned with vintage warehouses dating back to the early twentieth century, many of which still stand tall today. Pioneering engineer John Monash and renowned builder David Mitchell designed the heritage-listed warehouses located at 2 & 3 Oliver Lane, which adjoins Higson Lane.\n\nConstruction of these warehouses was completed back in 1907, and they have seen an array of business activities over the years, predominantly catering to the clothing industry. Number 3 has been repurposed into residential units, yet the undisturbed façade of the Number 2 warehouse continues to maintain its original beauty on both Higson and Oliver Lanes.\n\nParallel with the lively commercial ambiance, Higson Lane often witnessed tremendous clutter. The row of approximately twenty warehouses, specializing in clothing and fabric along Higson Lane and its neighbors, Oliver and Hosier Lanes, used to be filled with enormous volumes of fabric bundles and equipment. These often clogged the lanes, causing complications for pick-ups and deliveries into the lane.\n\n"}]},{"address":"Hosier Lane, Melbourne VIC, Australia","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-37.8165717,"longitude":144.9691696},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2FShepard_Fairey_Hosier_Melbourne.jpg?alt=media&token=670f71d6-0786-49aa-b654-634bf340866b"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2FHosier_Lane_Melbourne-2.jpg?alt=media&token=038c8176-b9db-477b-8093-a3f9c6d1be75"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2FHosier_Lane_Melbourne-1.jpg?alt=media&token=19c1e082-3693-4369-b5c1-78a0cd933a6c"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2FHosier_Lane%2C_Melbourne%2C_Australia_(Unsplash_oaMvi6dWhrg).jpg?alt=media&token=a2771596-cbf3-4e83-89d6-8cc41e8efde8"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2FHosier_Lane.jpg?alt=media&token=af4b22e3-c279-4256-868a-1fd3629f87bd"},{"type":"text","content":"Hosier Lane, a laneway in Melbourne's central business district, is a popular tourist attraction due to its vibrant street art. You can get there within minutes from Flinders Street Station. The lane extends between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane, opening directly across from the Atrium at Federation Square. Since the late 1990s, Hosier Lane has been prominently known for its street art. Pay close attention to the rich details and diverse expressions of art, which highlight the work of artists like Shepard Fairey, and even political commentary. A street art gallery opened on Hosier Lane in 1998, making the laneway a significant urban canvas in the city. It has since developed into a prime backdrop for fashion and wedding photographers. Remember to appreciate each artwork with care and contemplation as they continue to contribute significantly to Melbourne's cultural scene."}]},{"address":"Union Lane, Melbourne VIC, Australia","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-37.8141871,"longitude":144.9646924},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fstreet-art.jpg?alt=media&token=156666e7-915d-4e1d-9805-94f5a2c017b8"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fgraffiti-ovunque-anche.jpg?alt=media&token=4c776672-b258-4998-bf1a-53f463e421fb"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Funion-lane.jpg?alt=media&token=af87b9c5-7d8f-41cd-8f32-41d5bc34a62a"},{"type":"text","content":"Melbourne's Union Lane, near David Jones, offers excellent street art, which can be easily missed. It's a narrow graffiti-filled alley, a must-stop during a Street Art tour. The art isn't as extensive as Hoosier Lane, but the less crowded spot is better for photography. \n\nStepping into Union Lane, away from the buzz of Bourke Street Mall, one encounters a rich street-art hotspot. Traverse the bitumen walkway between towering buildings, featuring vibrant street art of local artists - a kaleidoscope of colors. Despite occasional safety reports, the well-lit alley is safe. Ignore odd smells, appreciate the unique quietness of the busy city.\n"}]},{"address":"Brother Baba Budan","placeId":"ChIJ6VLiOLVC1moRUX_Qgb0CEyU","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.16380842344756338,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-37.81350061232402,"longitude":144.96207544999996},"media":[{"type":"place","content":{"place_id":"ChIJ6VLiOLVC1moRUX_Qgb0CEyU"}},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fdownload%20(1).avif?alt=media&token=ed328f7f-9876-46a0-a7d0-f51fa55cc378"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2Fvsb4UGAZgMbThYqqvmlR%2Fdownload.avif?alt=media&token=6ccaba77-5d1f-49c8-a06e-9df4f18683e4"},{"type":"text","content":"Welcome to our final stop on our 'Laneways and Cafes' tour, the exceptional Brother Baba Budan. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, this café, named after the Sufi who first introduced coffee outside Ethiopia, encapsulates the city's gastronomic culture and love for coffee.\n\nEnjoy its intriguing charm, from the aroma of their signature blend coffee to the chairs creatively hung from the ceiling. Appreciate the balance between its rustic, welcoming interiors and the melodic ballet of barista skills. The rich, unique flavours of their coffee speak to its quality. Brother Baba Budan also holds significant pride in contributing to Melbourne's local art scene and has borne witness to the birth of numerous artistic ideas.\n\nBefore we end the tour, take some time to soak in the ambiance, click a few pictures or grab a bag of their in-house coffee beans as a keepsake. So kick back, relax, and enjoy your final moments in this extraordinary place as we conclude our journey. I hope you had a delightful tour."}]}]