Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 11 . MELBOURNE
The Forum Theatre The Forum hosts well-known bands and international
comedians. Tables and chairs are set up in cabaret-style booths, from which you
can order drinks and meals. 154 Flinders St., City. & 03/9299 9886.
Her Majesty’s Theatre A fire destroyed the original theater here, but the
current structure still retains the original facade and the Art Deco interior added
during a 1936 renovation. Musicals, such as the Australian premier of Chicago,
frequent the boards. 219 Exhibition St., City. & 03/9663 3211.
The Princess Theatre This huge facility hosts extravagant productions. The
theater opened its doors in 1886, and it still retains a dramatic marble staircase
and ornate plaster ceilings. 163 Spring St., City. & 03/9663 3300.
The Regent Theatre Built in 1929, the Regent fell into disrepair, and its
stage was dark for 25 years. Now, after a recent A$35-million (US$23-million)
renovation, it’s been restored to its former glory. Tickets are available in the
United States through ATS Tours at & 800/423-2880. The theater offers a
range of dining packages. 191 Collins St., City. & 03/9299 9800.
Sidney Myer Music Bowl This huge outdoor entertainment center is run
under the auspices of the Victorian Arts Center Trust, and hosts opera, jazz, and
ballet in the warmer months (and ice skating in the winter). It underwent extensive
renovations in 2000. King’s Domain, Alexandra Ave., City. & 03/9281 8360.
CINEMAS
Most of the city cinemas are situated within 2 blocks of the intersection of Bourke
and Russell streets. Tickets cost around between A$9 and $14 (US$5.90–
US$9.10).
There are also some fine independent cinemas; one that stands out is the Astor
(& 03 9510 1414), in a superb Art Nouveau building at 3 Chapel St., East St.
Kilda, corner Chapel and Dandenong Road, showing well-chosen classic movies.
THE CLUB & MUSIC SCENE
Melbourne’s nightclub scene used to be centered along King Street, and while
this area is still known for large dance venues, the city is now awash with hidden
bars and clubs each conceived in a unique way by their owners but all catering
to the enjoyment of Melbournians and visitors alike. Those seeking will find!
It’s best just to follow the crowds or in some cases that couple slipping down a
side lane and disappearing into a dimly lit entrance. Otherwise, the following
options are more enduring in their appeal.
Bella Vista Social Club Owned by the team at Becco, BVSC is upstairs
above this perennially favorite restaurant. Ultra modern in a micro-suede kind
of way, this place jumps with a late night crowd of many splendored hues—arty
young things mingling with the suits, and all watching the goings on in the lane
below via a large screen hookup. 11-25 Crossley St., Melbourne. & 03/9663 3000.
Bennetts Lane Jazz Club Simply the best venue in Melbourne to listen to
jazz, often exceptional and always varied. This back lane venue is a little hard to
find but is everything you always imagined a jazz club to be and will always
delight. The best international players seek it out. 25 Bennetts Lane, Melbourne.& 03/
9663 2856. www.bennettslane.com. Cover: A$10 (US$6.50).
Cicciolina Back Bar A softly lit and very alluring hideaway complete with
plush leather booths and a fine range of cocktails. Add in a particularly attentive
staff and you have one of the best little bars in the greater St. Kilda region. 130
Acland St. (enter from arcade), St. Kilda. & 03/9525 3333.