View of a Local in Melbourne, Australia

Originally from Istanbul, Sibil Oksayan emigrated to Melbourne, Australia at the age of 10. Now a young woman she shares her Melbourne insider tips in this View of a Local interview.

Briefly, please could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m 21 years old, studying Biotechnology at Monash University. I’m in my final year of undergraduate, I’ll be doing Honours next year. I moved to Melbourne when I was 10 years old, so I’m just over the halfway point between Istanbul and Melbourne.

What do you like most about living in Melbourne?

The parks, the nature, THE COFFEE, the friendly people

Is there anything you do not like about living in Melbourne?

The nightlife could do with an improvement - especially considering the new modifications like 2am lockout and increased taxes on premixed drinks. Not to mention an inability to smoke almost anywhere! The public transport system is also not brilliant.

Why should travellers visit Melbourne?

Because it’s a unique city - so close to the suburbs, but still with plenty of metropolitan activity in the city centre. There’s water (Docklands, Port Melbourne, Southgate), shopping strips (Bourke St. Mall), heaps of small but great coffee shops, boutiques, eateries. It’s a city that’s worth discovering. The number of different cultures, the various ’social suburbs,’ the clean air! How many other cities give you the beach (extremely swimmable), mountain ranges, bush and parks, etc. all within 40 min drive of the city center?

What do you wish travellers would do or stop doing when they visit Melbourne?

[Stop] try[ing] to see Melbourne like a tourist - the ‘main attractions’ are really not worth it as much as just losing yourself in the city and finding tiny coffee shops, or taking a walk in the botanical gardens or one of the many parks.

What are your top 3 insider tips for visitors to Melbourne?

• When looking for a restaurant, ask locals for their suggestions (I’m not advertising here!), because the majority of the time those listed in websites and ‘top ten’ lists are just not worth it for the quality of the food.
• Take some time to wander through the city. You won’t really get lost, it’s a big grid, and it’s small enough to cover on foot. You will undoubtedly find some interesting things!
• Don’t get stuck in the CBD [Central Business District] - there is so much more in Toorak, Fitzroy, Brunswick St, Mt. Dandenong, Port Melbourne… get out there!

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Our View of a Local series consists of interviews with local people in various towns and cities in different countries.

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TAGS: interview, travel, view of a local

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