From weekend markets to hidden lookouts, Anna May, a multi-talented Malaysian creative, shows us why Australia’s cultural capital feels like home
I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, but I knew I would live elsewhere. My mother had encouraged me to move to Melbourne early on. We went there when I was 16, our first family trip outside of Malaysia. I eventually moved here in 2017 to study baking. I had finished design college back home but I had been baking since my teenage years.
When the pandemic hit, I was working as a graphic designer. During lockdown, many of my hospitality clients asked me to work on their social media. By the time restrictions lifted, the content had gained momentum. This led to work with Visit Melbourne, the state’s official tourism board, as well as ongoing freelance with What’s On Melbourne, the city’s official guide to events, dining and local culture.
These days, I work as a full-stack content creator (@aurevoirdarling), handling the whole design process – from ideas and production to editing, publishing and strategy.
Glorious food
Melbourne’s cultural mix is most visible in its food. Dröm Bakery (1/19 Scoresby Rd, Bayswater; drom.melbourne) experiments boldly with flavour. I recently tried their spherical Thai milk tea moonrock croissant and the macadamia Dubai chocolate fullmoon – both standouts. The team is multicultural and inclusive, and you can watch the bakers at work through the large glass windows.
Another favourite is Sonido (69 Gertrude St, Fitzroy; sonido.com.au). The café is small, cosy and filled with eclectic décor. They serve aguapanela – a hot South American raw sugarcane drink into which you melt cheese. It’s unexpectedly delicious.
EatAlley (Shop 11, Level 2, QV Square, Lonsdale St; @eatalley.qv) has just opened, bringing Malaysian hawker classics to the city. My brother and I always order the KL-style signature Hokkien mee from Hong Lai. The place is casual, lively and full of flavour.
Market time
Melbourne’s weekend markets are always worth exploring. At the Rose Street Artists’ Market (60 Rose St, Fitzroy; rosestmarket.com.au), I love meeting vendors and hearing their stories. Many started out with a hobby or side project that grew into a craft. I often pick up paintings or ceramics and enjoy bringing friends along.
When I first arrived in Melbourne as a student, I shopped at Camberwell Sunday Market (Market Place, Camberwell; camberwellsundaymarket.org). I used to go right before closing and grab a bag of clothes for only $5. Now I go more for the atmosphere – wandering around with coffee in hand and stopping at the nearby bakery.
Showing off
When friends visit Melbourne, I take them on a walk that captures the city’s energy, heritage buildings and street art – ending with a skyline view.
We start at Carlton Gardens (9 Nicholson St, Carlton), stroll through the Royal Arcade (335 Bourke Street Mall; royalarcade.com.au) and Block Arcade (282 Collins St; theblock.com.au), then head to Degraves Street and Hosier Lane.
Finally, we cross Princes Bridge by the Yarra River to a secret lookout on top of Hamer Hall (100 St Kilda Rd; artscentremelbourne.com.au). From there, you get a panoramic view of the skyline and can watch Melbourne’s trams crossing the bridge.
To find the lookout, follow the path between Hamer Hall and the black lawn sculptures, then take the short staircase to the balcony. A loop around the building reveals views from every angle.
Further afield
Whenever possible, I take weekend trips outside the city. Some favourites include relaxing on the beach at Venus Bay, skiing at Falls Creek, dipping into the Mornington Peninsula hot springs and kangaroo-spotting in the Yarra Valley. Living in Melbourne has pushed me out of my comfort zone – in the best way.
