Melbourne Survival Guide: Places/Things to do

Myki

Before I do start talking about where you can go visit, I highly recommend that you get a Myki travel card with a some travel money on it. Melbourne Olympic Park, where MEO is happening, is serviced by both train and tram, with Richmond Train Station and the Route 70 tram being within short walking distance. Public transport can be critical in getting in and out of the area of the event.

Mykis cost $6 for adults or $3 for concessions (do note that unlike other states, out of state university students cannot travel on a reduced fare and will require a full fare Myki). The maximum daily fare is capped at $8.60/4.30 during weekdays and $6.30/3.15 on weekends. Mykis can be purchased at all Major train stations, or at a series of retail locations throughout Melbourne.

GG EZ Bar

My top recommendation of where to go at night or to hang out is none other than GG EZ. The place to be when it comes to Melbourne and esports, GG EZ Bar was established almost a year ago, and has quickly become the premier esports hub and viewing site in both Melbourne and Australia.

Once you head inside, you’ll find yourself immersed in some of the best esports from around the world. Head to the bar and order yourself a pint or one of their famous alcoholic bubble cup teas, as well a top notch meal or snack inspired by Korean street food.

My recommendation is a PUBG Parma served with a pint of Gage Road Little Dove, followed up with a Jungle Cup, a Troll cup or the e-Spresso cup (yes it is styled like that to annoy people). Heading down to GG EZ can do you no wrong and you’re bound to have a great time. The bar is located at 95 Queens Street and is open from 5pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 4pm Friday to Sunday.

Bartronica

The other major gaming themed bar is Bartronica. Located at 335 Flinders Lane, Bartronica is a bar that serves great cocktails, a large range of some of the finest craft beers and you’re surrounded by retro arcade games and classic consoles. It’s open Sunday, and Tuesday through Thursday from 3pm, as well as Friday and Saturday from 12 noon.

Beta Bar

Beta Bar has been a Melbourne nightlife institution for a while now, and this year they’re going hard during MEO. The Beta Bar crew are holding two events this week: their regular Friday night event at the Hawthorn Hotel, as well as the official MEO Saturday After Party at the Royal Melbourne Hotel at 629 Bourke Street. More information about both events can be found here.

If none of the above tickle your fancy or are full, most Melbourne pubs and bars are not that bad, and unlike other cities (looking at you, Sydney) they are able to admit you until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights, so you will be able to find somewhere to go that you’ll be able to get a seat.

ZEN Gaming Lounge

Maybe you’ve been inspired by the great plays at MEO and it’s given you a bit of a gaming itch? Head on down the ZEN Gaming Lounge to scratch it! The ZEN Gaming Lounge is a multi-storey, well equipped gaming cafe with amazing staff located behind the Crown Complex at 280 City Road.

Open 24/7, ZEN has most major esports titles installed and all you need to do is bring your accounts, login and get ready for great session of gaming. Rates are also very competitive, starting at 5 dollars an hour for non-members.

Alley Walking

Looking for something to do that will cost next to nothing and is able to fill out a lot of time? Going alley bashing is my answer for you!

Alley bashing is the activity of walking through the Melbourne CBD while sticking to as much of Melbourne’s Lanes, Arcades and Alleys as possible. Many lanes in Melbourne that aren’t dead ends are filled with great cafes and shops that you would never discover otherwise.

My personal recommendation is to start with Degraves Street off Flinders Street and head north-west until you get to Lonsdale Street, before going south-east back towards Flinders Lane. Another great place to start is in the famous Hosier Lane, before heading north once again. Remember to stay safe while exploring!

ACMI

Another great place to visit that will cost next to nothing is a trip to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. ACMI is located in the basement of Federation Square and is host to both permanent and rotating exhibits.

ACMI is home to Screen Worlds, an exhibit on the history of Australian Film and Television, as well as the Games Lab, an exhibit on some of the biggest and groundbreaking video games from throughout time, with many of them able to be played. ACMI is open from 10am to 5pm everyday.