If you want to experience the true essence of Melbourne, there is no better place to start than Degraves Street. This narrow laneway, tucked between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane, is a bustling hub of cafes, restaurants, shops, street art, and music. Whether you are looking for a delicious breakfast, a unique souvenir, or a glimpse of the city’s history and creativity, you will find it all on Degraves Street. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Degraves Street, from its origins to its attractions, and how to make the most of your visit.
Cafes and Restaurants
One of the main reasons why Degraves Street is so popular is its amazing selection of cafes and restaurants. No matter what time of the day or what kind of cuisine you are craving, you will find something to satisfy your taste buds on Degraves Street. The laneway is home to more than 20 cafes and restaurants, offering a variety of dishes from around the world, such as Italian, French, Greek, Moroccan, Indian, and more. Some of the most popular and recommended places to eat on Degraves Street are:
Degraves Espresso Bar: This is one of the oldest and most iconic cafes on Degraves Street, serving excellent coffee and breakfast since 1999. Try their famous scrambled eggs, croissants, or pancakes, and enjoy the lively atmosphere and friendly service.
Andiamo: If you are looking for authentic Italian food, look no further than Andiamo. This cozy and family-run restaurant serves fresh and homemade pasta, pizza, salads, and desserts, using local and organic ingredients. Don’t miss their signature gnocchi, tiramisu, and limoncello.
Little Cupcakes: For a sweet treat, head to Little Cupcakes, a cute and colorful bakery that specializes in mini cupcakes. You can choose from a variety of flavors, such as red velvet, salted caramel, lemon meringue, and more. They also have vegan and gluten-free options available.
The Quarter: This is a modern and stylish cafe that offers a fusion of Australian and Mediterranean cuisine. Their menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect fresh and flavorful dishes, such as salads, burgers, wraps, and bowls. They also have a great selection of drinks, including smoothies, juices, cocktails, and wine.
Some tips and tricks for finding the best spots, avoiding the crowds, and enjoying the food on Degraves Street are:
- The best time to visit Degraves Street for food is in the morning or afternoon, when the laneway is less crowded and more relaxed. Avoid the peak hours of lunch and dinner, when the laneway can get very busy and noisy.
- If you want to try more than one cafe or restaurant, you can opt for a smaller portion or share your food with your companions. This way, you can sample different dishes and cuisines without getting too full or spending too much.
- If you want to enjoy the view and the vibe of Degraves Street, you can sit outside on the sidewalk tables and chairs. However, be prepared to pay a small surcharge for the outdoor seating. Alternatively, you can sit inside and enjoy the cozy and intimate ambiance of the cafes and restaurants.
Shops and Boutiques
Another reason why Degraves Street is a must-visit destination is its unique and quirky shops and boutiques. Along the laneway, you will find a variety of local and handmade products, such as clothing, accessories, books, art, souvenirs, and more. Some of the categories and examples of the products that you can find on Degraves Street are:
Clothing and Accessories: If you are looking for some fashionable and original items to add to your wardrobe, you will love the clothing and accessories shops on Degraves Street. You can find everything from vintage and retro clothing, to trendy and contemporary clothing, to ethnic and bohemian clothing. You can also accessorize your outfit with some jewelry, hats, scarves, bags, and shoes. Some of the shops that you should check out are Retrostar, Kinki Gerlinki, and The Cats Meow.
Books and Art: If you are a bookworm or an art lover, you will be delighted by the books and art shops on Degraves Street. You can browse through a wide range of books, from classics and bestsellers, to rare and second-hand books, to comics and graphic novels. You can also admire and purchase some local and original art, such as paintings, prints, sculptures, and ceramics. Some of the shops that you should visit are City Basement Books, Paperback Bookshop, and Degraves Art Space.
Souvenirs and Gifts: If you are looking for some souvenirs and gifts to take home or to give to your friends and family, you will find plenty of options on Degraves Street. You can choose from a variety of souvenirs and gifts, such as magnets, postcards, keychains, mugs, and t-shirts, featuring Melbourne’s landmarks and icons. You can also find some more unique and personal gifts, such as candles, soap, chocolate, tea, and honey, made with local and natural ingredients. Some of the shops that you should explore are Melbournalia, The Bee Shop, and Chocamama.
Some advice and suggestions for shopping on Degraves Street are:
- The best time to visit Degraves Street for shopping is in the afternoon or evening, when the shops are open and the laneway is more lively and festive. Avoid the early morning, when some of the shops may be closed or not fully stocked.
- If you want to bargain or get a discount, you can try to haggle with the shop owners or staff. However, be respectful and polite, and don’t expect to get a huge price reduction. Some shops may have fixed prices or no bargaining policy, so be prepared to accept their offer or walk away.
- If you want to find the best deals and the most unique products, you can venture into the arcades and alleys that branch off from Degraves Street. You will discover some hidden gems and treasures that are not as visible or crowded as the main laneway. Some of the arcades and alleys that you should explore are Campbell Arcade, Centreway Arcade, and Degraves Subway.
Street Art and Music
One of the most distinctive and appealing features of Degraves Street is its street art and music. As you walk along the laneway, you will be surrounded by colorful and creative murals, graffiti, stencils, and posters, that adorn the walls, doors, and windows. You will also be entertained by talented and diverse musicians, singers, and performers, that play various genres and instruments. The street art and music on Degraves Street reflect the talent and culture of Melbourne, and add to the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of the laneway. Some of the most notable and impressive street art and music pieces that you can see and hear on Degraves Street are:
The Degraves Street Mural: This is a large and impressive mural that covers the entire wall of the Degraves Street Subway entrance. It was painted by six local artists in 2016, and depicts the history and diversity of Degraves Street and Melbourne. It features various scenes and characters, such as the founders of Degraves Street, the immigrants and workers, the cafes and shops, and the street art and music. It also includes some hidden details and references, such as the Flinders Street Station clock, the Melbourne tram, and the Degraves Espresso Bar logo.
The Degraves Street Buskers: These are the talented and diverse musicians, singers, and performers that play on Degraves Street, usually near the Flinders Street end. They play various genres and instruments, such as jazz, blues, folk, rock, guitar, violin, saxophone, and more. They also interact with the audience and create a fun and lively mood. Some of the buskers that you may encounter on Degraves Street are The Degraves Duo, The Degraves Trio, and The Degraves Quartet.
Some guidance and recommendations for exploring and appreciating the street art and music on Degraves Street are:
- The best time to visit Degraves Street for street art and music is in the late afternoon or evening, when the laneway is more illuminated and animated. Avoid the early morning or midday, when the laneway may be too dark or too quiet to enjoy the street art and music.
- If you want to learn more about the street art and music on Degraves Street, you can join a guided tour or a self-guided tour. A guided tour will provide you with more information and insights about the artists and their works, as well as some stories and anecdotes. A self-guided tour will allow you to explore at your own pace and preference, using a map or an app. Some of the tours that you can join or download are Melbourne Street Art Tours, Melbourne Laneways Tour, and Street Art Melbourne App.
- If you want to support and appreciate the street art and music on Degraves Street, you can show your gratitude and admiration by taking photos, giving compliments, or leaving tips. However, be respectful and courteous, and don’t touch, damage, or interfere with the street art and music. Also, be mindful of the other people and businesses on the laneway, and don’t block or disturb them.
Nearby Attractions
One of the advantages of visiting Degraves Street is its proximity and convenience to other landmarks and attractions in Melbourne. Within walking distance, you can reach some of the most iconic and popular places in the city, such as Flinders Street Station, St Paul’s Cathedral, Centre Place, and more. These nearby attractions complement and enhance your experience of Degraves Street, as they offer more sights, sounds, and activities to enjoy. Some of the nearby attractions that you can easily reach from Degraves Street are:
Flinders Street Station: This is one of the most recognizable and historic buildings in Melbourne, and the main railway station of the city. It is located right across from Degraves Street, and you can admire its distinctive architecture, clock tower, and dome. You can also explore its interior, which features a grand hall, a ballroom, a library, and a museum. Flinders Street Station is also a convenient transport hub, where you can catch a train, tram, or bus to other parts of the city.
St Paul’s Cathedral: This is a stunning and majestic Anglican cathedral, situated on the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street. It is one of the oldest and largest churches in Melbourne, and it showcases a Gothic Revival style, with stained glass windows, spires, and sculptures. You can enter the cathedral and marvel at its interior, which includes a high altar, an organ, a choir, and a crypt. You can also join a guided tour or attend a service to learn more about its history and significance.
Centre Place: This is another famous and lively laneway in Melbourne, parallel to Degraves Street. It is known for its eclectic and bohemian vibe, with more cafes, restaurants, shops, street art, and music. You can find some of the best coffee, pizza, sushi, and dumplings on Centre Place, as well as some of the most quirky and funky clothing, accessories, books, and art. You can also enjoy the street art and music that decorate and animate the laneway, and discover some hidden gems and surprises along the way.
Itineraries and plans for combining Degraves Street with other attractions
Some itineraries and plans for combining Degraves Street with other attractions, depending on the time, budget, and interest of the visitor are:
- If you have a half-day to spend in Melbourne, you can start your morning with a breakfast and a coffee on Degraves Street, then walk to Flinders Street Station and take a train to Federation Square, where you can visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the Ian Potter Centre, and the Birrarung Marr Park. Then, you can return to Degraves Street and have a lunch and a dessert at one of the cafes or restaurants, then walk to St Paul’s Cathedral and admire its exterior and interior. Finally, you can end your day with a dinner and a drink at Centre Place, and enjoy the nightlife and entertainment of the laneway.
- If you have a full day to spend in Melbourne, you can start your morning with a breakfast and a coffee on Degraves Street, then walk to Flinders Street Station and take a tram to the Royal Botanic Gardens, where you can explore the beautiful and diverse flora and fauna, and join a guided walk or a boat cruise. Then, you can return to Degraves Street and have a lunch and a dessert at one of the cafes or restaurants, then walk to St Paul’s Cathedral and join a guided tour or attend a service. After that, you can walk to Centre Place and have a snack and a drink at one of the cafes or bars, then walk to the Melbourne Town Hall and join a free tour or watch a show. Finally, you can end your day with a dinner and a drink at Degraves Street, and enjoy the ambiance and music of the laneway.
- If you have a weekend to spend in Melbourne, you can start your Saturday morning with a breakfast and a coffee on Degraves Street, then walk to Flinders Street Station and take a train to the Queen Victoria Market, where you can shop for fresh and local produce, crafts, souvenirs, and more. Then, you can return to Degraves Street and have a lunch and a dessert at one of the cafes or restaurants, then walk to St Paul’s Cathedral and join a guided tour or attend a service. After that, you can walk to Centre Place and have a snack and a drink at one of the cafes or bars, then walk to the Melbourne Museum and visit the exhibitions and collections, such as the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the Dinosaur Walk, and the Phar Lap. Finally, you can end your Saturday with a dinner and a drink at Degraves Street, and enjoy the ambiance and music of the laneway.
- On Sunday, you can start your morning with a breakfast and a coffee on Degraves Street, then walk to Flinders Street Station and take a train to the Docklands, where you can enjoy the waterfront and the attractions, such as the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, the Icehouse, and the Harbour Town Shopping Centre. Then, you can return to Degraves Street and have a lunch and a dessert at one of the cafes or restaurants, then walk to the National Gallery of Victoria and admire the art and the architecture, such as the Great Hall, the Waterwall, and the Stained Glass Ceiling. After that, you can walk to Centre Place and have a snack and a drink at one of the cafes or bars, then walk to the Eureka Skydeck and experience the highest and fastest elevator in the Southern Hemisphere, and the stunning views of the city. Finally, you can end your weekend with a dinner and a drink at Degraves Street, and enjoy the ambiance and music of the laneway.
Degraves Street is more than just a laneway, it is a destination. It is a place where you can experience the charm and culture of Melbourne, and discover its history and diversity. It is a place where you can enjoy the food and the shopping, and appreciate the art and the music. It is a place where you can connect with the people and the city, and create unforgettable memories. If you are planning to visit Melbourne, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Degraves Street, and see for yourself why it is one of the most iconic and popular places in the city.
If you want to learn more about Degraves Street or book a tour, please contact us at Tripoto, and we will be happy to help you. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you soon on Degraves Street.
