Not to sound biased, but we think Melbourne might just be one of the most inspiring cities in the world.
With its blend of stunning architecture, thriving art scene, and rich cultural diversity, it’s no wonder this city is a magnet for creatives looking to spark ideas and refine their craft. It’s also no surprise that photographers from across the globe flock here to capture Melbourne’s unique energy through their lens.
We love welcoming international photography students to our four Melbourne campuses, and we especially love seeing them take to the city streets and create art they couldn’t make anywhere else.
So, with the help of the Collarts Photography team, we’ve put together a list of 10 spots around Melbourne to take the perfect shot for your creative portfolio or Instagram feed. Whether you’re new to the city or just looking for new places to whip out your camera, here’s our tips on where to head.
Photography Program Leader Rikki Bunder’s recommends starting with a photo tour through Melbourne’s iconic laneways - the perfect way to see the city through your lens. Known for their twisting layouts, interesting textures and vibrant street art murals, the laneways are a great chance to test your skills while also getting to know the city.
Check out the well known Hosier Lane, as well as spots like Centre Place, Tattersalls Lane, ACDC Lane and Duckboard Place. Or just start walking around the city and see what hidden gems you stumble upon.
If architecture is your muse, Photography Coordinator Christina Simons’ recommends spending a day wandering through Melbourne’s Arts Precinct. Located just over the bridge from Flinders Street Station, the area is home to some of the most beautifully designed buildings in the city.
Spend some time at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Arts Centre Melbourne, the National Gallery of Victoria, and Hamer Hall – all spots worth capturing both inside and out.
You’d be hard pressed to find a more iconic Melbourne sight than the front steps and clock tower of Flinders Street Station. If you’re travelling anywhere in the city on public transport, there’s a high chance you’ll end up there. So take the opportunity to put your own creative spin on one of the most photographed spots in Melbourne.
On top of capturing the beautiful heritage architecture, Flinders Street is a great place to practice street photography. It’s a central hub for all the city’s denizens, so you’ll encounter all sorts of people to photograph.
While we’re talking about iconic Melbourne imagery, we’d be crazy not to mention trams. You could stand on just about any street in the CBD and capture some great visuals of trams in motion. But to get that quintessential Melbourne shot, it’s worth tracking down one of the yellow and green City Circle trams.
Find a spot along its looping route to snap a few shots as the trams pass (with some great city buildings in the background for a double whammy), or jump on board for free and see what you find as you travel.
The State Library on Swanston Street is pretty impressive from the outside, and all the more wonderful once you step through the doors.
Try getting a few shots of the La Trobe Reading Room in the centre of the library. Head upstairs a few floors for the best view of the symmetrical reading space down below, or shoot up from the ground floor at the beautiful domed roof.
We’re fortunate here in Melbourne to have a pretty big slice of nature right on the CBD’s doorstep. The Royal Botanic Gardens are home to over 38 hectares of trees, gardens, lakes and lawns, offering plenty of opportunities to hone your nature photography skills.
The huge variety of plant and animal life within the gardens means there’s always something new to catch your creative eye. So set aside some time to wander through one day and see what inspires you.
To test your skills in a bustling hub of activity, head to the Queen Victoria Market. This large and sometimes chaotic spot is home to great food, produce, souvenirs and trinkets, and has a unique look and feel compared to much of the CBD.
Whether you like photographing people, architecture, or interesting little knick knacks and details, there’s bound to be something in the market to get your creativity flowing.
The Chinatown stretch of Little Bourke Street is unlike anywhere else in the city. It’s a narrow stretch of road lined with towering archways and tall, skinny buildings that house some of the best Asian restaurants in Melbourne.
Head there at night when the street glows with neon signs and dangling lanterns, creating a great opportunity to experiment with creative lighting treatments.
Just a short trek from the CBD, you’ll find the lush and whimsical grounds of Fitzroy Gardens. They’re smaller and less densely packed than the Royal Botanic Gardens, but are full of interesting sights both historical and fantastical.
Capture the picturesque pathways lined with elm trees, explore a model Tudor village built in the 1940s, or hunt down the 300-year-old Fairies’ Tree covered in intricate carvings.
If you’re looking to zoom out and capture the city skyline in all its glory, make your way to Princes Bridge. From this central spot right near Flinders Street Station, you’ll get a 360 degree view of the CBD – letting you knock off a few of the photos on this list, as well as capturing shots of the Yarra River, Eureka Tower, the MCG and more.
Or you can find yourself a prime position along the river and photograph the bridge itself.
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