T R AV E L L E R LOW D OW N MELBOURNE
stroll back to Flinders and on to Centre Place, one of Melbourne’s most famous and photographed laneways. Always a hive of activity, pause here for a latté before walking to Collins Street, Melbourne’s luxury shopping enclave, where Prada, Gucci, Dior and Hermès reside. The east of Collins is known as the ‘Paris end’ due to its grand architecture, while the west of the street is referred to as the ‘New York end’, a nod to its modern buildings and financial institutions. Don’t miss The Block Arcade, between Collins and Elizabeth Streets, built in the 1890s and inspired by Milan’s Galleria Vittoria. ➤ www.theblock.com.au A glorious tribute to the delights of shopping, the arcade features intricate mosaic floors, a glass canopy and carved stone finishes, as well as the traditional Hopetoun Tea Rooms, where the window groans with sinfully tempting cakes. ➤ www.hopetountearooms.com.au From Elizabeth Street, turn right and walk past the junction with Little Collins, until you reach Royal Arcade on the right. Opened in 1870, this is the oldest surviving arcade in ➤
Left: Hopetoun Tea Rooms; Above centre: Royal Arcade; Above right: The Block Arcade
T H E C U LT U R E D T R AV E L L E R
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