What if you could hop on a free tram through a city lined with hidden laneways, sip one of the best oat lattes in the world, and find vegan food from every corner of the globe — all in one day?
In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, Brighde chats with Dr. Lee Hawkins, a retired IT professional, mathematician, and long-time volunteer with The Vegan Society. Lee has called Australia home for over 25 years and lives on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, just outside Melbourne. Together, they dive into Melbourne’s famous coffee culture, creative neighborhoods, and vegan food scene that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.
Why Melbourne Is a Vegan Foodie’s Dream Destination
Melbourne sits on Australia’s southeastern coast and offers a cooler climate than most of the country. Its mix of sunshine, sea breezes, and lively neighborhoods gives the city a “big town” feel despite its five-million-strong population.
Lee describes Melbourne as “understated but full of character,” where art, food, and community blend beautifully.
For vegan travelers, the options are endless. In the inner suburbs of Fitzroy, Brunswick, and Collingwood, nearly every street hides a plant-based café, a vegan bakery, or a spot serving creative fusion dishes from around the world.
“You can try pretty much any cuisine on earth in Melbourne — and find a vegan version of it.”– Lee Hawkins
Melbourne vs. Sydney: Which City Wins for Vegans?
While Sydney might have the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Melbourne wins hearts with its warmth and creativity.
The difference, Lee explains, is in the pace.
“Sydney feels like London — busy, bright, and bold. Melbourne feels turned down just enough so you can breathe.”– Lee Hawkins
That relaxed rhythm extends into its famous laneway culture, where cafes, street art, and tiny shops bring the city to life. The laneways — like Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane — are must-visits for colorful murals, live music, and hole-in-the-wall eateries.
The Laneway Revolution: Where to Find Melbourne’s Best Vegan Eats
When it comes to food, Melbourne knows how to impress. Lee’s favorite vegan gems include:
Union Kiosk: The Iconic Vegan Jaffle
Union Kiosk is a cozy café tucked into the city center, famous for its “jaffles” — toasted sandwiches with gooey vegan fillings. Grab one and a flat white before you wander through the laneways.
Red Sparrow Pizza & Smith and Deli: The Fitzroy Legends
Over in Fitzroy, Red Sparrow Pizza serves creative vegan pies, while Smith and Deli adds old-school charm with deli sandwiches that taste just like the real thing.
Funghi e Tartufo: Vegan Italian Perfection
Funghi e Tartufo is an all-vegan Italian restaurant nestled in lively Hardware Lane. With soft lighting, cobblestone streets, and delicious handmade pasta, it’s a true laneway treasure.
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, head to Goje in Yarraville for vegan frozen yogurt — the perfect treat after a day exploring the inner suburbs.
Melbourne’s Coffee Culture: Why It’s the World’s Best
Melbourne’s coffee reputation is legendary.
Decades ago, Italian migrants brought espresso to the city, and it grew into a craft that’s now part of daily life. Locals are loyal to their favorite baristas, and the city’s cafés take oat milk as seriously as the beans themselves.
Lee has even turned his passion into a project — a coffee blog called In Search of the Perfect Oat Latte. Through it, he celebrates Melbourne’s barista artistry and tracks down the best oat lattes across Australia and beyond.
“You can even find great Australian-run coffee shops in London!”– Lee Hawkins
Beyond the Plate: Culture, Sports & Coastal Drives
Melbourne offers more than food — it’s packed with experiences for every traveler.
Visit the Melbourne Skydeck for 360-degree views, stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, or explore Federation Square and the National Gallery of Victoria for a dose of art and culture.
Sports fans shouldn’t miss a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground or the Australian Open Tennis.
At sunset, wander to St Kilda Pier to spot penguins — it’s free, magical, and far less crowded than Phillip Island.
When you’re ready to escape the city, take the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Stop in Anglesea to see kangaroos on the golf course, or head to Port Fairy, a charming seaside town perfect for a quiet getaway.
Closer to Melbourne, the Bellarine Peninsula and Daylesford offer vineyards, spas, and lake walks — ideal for slow travel days.
Navigating the City: Free Trams & $11 Day Trips
One of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets? All trams in the central grid are free.
You can hop on and off to explore without worrying about tickets, making it one of the most tourist-friendly cities in Australia.
If you’re heading further out, regional trains are capped at $11 per day — an amazing deal for day trips to Ballarat, Bendigo, or even the coast.
And if you need a riverside break, visit Ponyfish Island, a hidden bar tucked under the Southbank footbridge, floating right on the Yarra River.
Final Thoughts: Melbourne’s Heart and Soul
As Lee puts it, “Melbourne is remote, but still accessible.”
It’s a city that celebrates creativity, community, and connection — and welcomes vegan travelers with open arms. From its innovative cafés to its artsy streets and coastal escapes, Melbourne proves that vegan travel in Australia can be both exciting and effortlessly easy.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a month, you’ll leave inspired — and probably craving another oat latte.
📍 Places Mentioned in This Episode
- Hosier Lane & AC/DC Lane – Famous Melbourne laneways filled with cafes, street art, and boutique shops.
- Portarlington Ferry – Bellarine Peninsula – A scenic trip from Docklands to vineyards and seaside towns.
- Union Kiosk – Cozy café in the city serving vegan jaffles and oat lattes.
- Funghi e Tartufo – All-vegan Italian restaurant on lively Hardware Lane.
- Jack Rabbit Winery – Panoramic bay views and delicious vegan dishes on the Bellarine.
- Home Grown Port Fairy – Local favorite offering organic, seasonal meals with vegan options.
- Melbourne Skydeck – Stunning 360° views of the city skyline.
- Ponyfish Island – A floating bar tucked beneath the Southbank footbridge on the Yarra River.
Plan Your Vegan Adventure in Australia
✨ Share your favorite vegan Melbourne spot with us on Instagram @WorldVeganTravel!
🔗 Get Lee’s reviews of oat lattes around the world – including in Melbourne – on his blog: theperfectoatlatte.au
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Discover why Melbourne is often called Australia’s cultural capital and a haven for coffee and creativity.
- Hear Lee Hawkins share his search for the perfect oat latte and how coffee became part of Australian life.
- Explore Melbourne’s top vegan spots, including Union Kiosk, Funghi e Tartufo, and Red Sparrow Pizza.
- Find out how to ride free trams around the city and plan affordable $11 day trips across Victoria.
- Get travel ideas beyond Melbourne — from the Great Ocean Road to Port Fairy and the Bellarine Peninsula.
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Japan Vegan Travel Food Guide | Ume Helps Vegans in Osaka
- Vegan Budget Travel with Calen Otto | 200th Episode
- Vegan Helsinki Guide | Finnish Saunas, Pies & Northern Lights
- England Travel: Discover Haye Cornwall’s Vegan Retreat & Animal Rescue
