Went today for the first time in ages and it was too hot. Hubby had to sit down and then left to…read morecar. I couldnt even visit the stores I wanted to. I felt like I was going to pass out and then one escalator was out and I had to walk even further. Never again

I have to say that this shopping centre is a bit of a maze. In fact it is a lot of a maze, meaning…read morethat it can be quite easy to end up getting lost in it. I guess this is what happens when shopping centres start off small and they just keep on adding more and more to it, until such a time as it is an absolute monstrosity, and you need a GPS to be able to wander around. Still, as a shopping centre it isn't too bad, and it has quite a good range of services, including a half decent pub.

A great shopping mall! This place has really picked up over the years! Lots of amazing shops! A…read moreplace to get some great buys! I go here often for my lunch break and head back to work with bags of shopping. I just can't help it. There is always new shops and new items to buy! Omg I love sales racks! :-)

This is a bit of a tricky one to review as there is pretty high store turnover so if anything I…read moremention here appeals, check online that it's still there before you visit. If jewellery is your thing and you're on a tight budget, check out Lovisa. They have a great range of classic and cool styles. Much of it is a lot cheaper than their normal stores. Thanks to their outlet, I now own more pairs of earrings than I will probably ever wear. The Cotton On outlet is enormous. In addition to the standard Cotton On men's and women's ranges, they also stock sister brand Rubi Shoes. They often have cute shoes crazy cheap eg. 3 pairs for $10 deals are not uncommon. Look out for the cute $2 tote bags too. As the normal Strandbag stores are pretty reasonably priced the savings at the outlet don't tend to be massive but it is still worth a look. The outlet has a great selection and I've always been really happy with the quality of what I brought there. If you're into stationery don't miss checking out Typo. They often have great journals and notebooks on sale. I really need to stop buying those! Trade Secret is an interesting store to have a browse in. They stock a very large range of assorted fashion and home-ware items from a range of designers. There isn't many of each particular item so it takes a bit of rummaging through the racks. Personally I haven't had much success in there but you're a size that a lot of designers like to make for you might get lucky.

If you live in Carlton North, Brunswick or Fitzroy North, then Barkly Square Shopping Centre is an…read moreabsolute godsend if you want to shop frugally for your weekly/big shop. It pretty much has everything you need irrespective of what you are after. There are a few supermarkets with a Coles and a Woollies. There is also a butchers and a seafood place that often have higher quality and better value fresh meat and seafood than the supermarkets have to offer. That solves the problem where you are usually let down by supermarkets. The KMart is absolutely massive, so you can just about find everything you need. Did I mention a liquor land too?The only thing it is really missing is a Bunnings. Nevertheless with so much parking and fairly late opening hours, this is a winner. Way cheaper than shopping at Piedemonte's.

Oh how I love Sparkly Bear! It's the little suburban shopping centre that has everything you need -…read moremultiple supermarkets, Kmart, grocers, butchers, a baker, pharmacy, bottle shops, a $2 shop and even a massage parlor. Personally, I think Sparkly Bear is one of Melbourne's ultimate hangover destinations - you can stuff yourself with McDonalds and then get a head massage before popping into one of Sydney Road's many pubs for a hair of the dog. But it's also good for doing extra big shops, preferably hangover free. As a Carlton resident, Barkly Square is the easiest place to get life's dull essentials like buckets or shower curtains (don't even mention the QV BigW - it's a nightmare!). The car park is big and not too anger-inducing because it is easily accessed without having to deal with the Sydney Road traffic. First hour parking is free!

Footscray park!!! Best kept secret in town. Bring a rug,…read morepicnic, plenty of free exercise equipment and a bicycle repair shop on weekends!!! Boating, rowing! No crocodile s!

I frequent many markets and Footscray market is one of the cheapest in town, hands down. If you're…read morean adventurous cook, lots of sometimes hard to find produce is available too. Live crabs, pork belly and Asian herbs and spices. Be prepared for crowds.

Quality/Quantity - 25 dining options. We chose the food…read morecourt for a quick snack. We did not know we were eating at Nobu later, so this was NOT a good idea. And we did not expect Nobu to have such large quantities. Because in the past, all the Nobu we have visited in the US were NOT as generous. See other reviews. 14 fine dining restaurants. 6 of which offer bar seating options. 2 cafes. 9 food court options. Atmosphere - Beautiful location, near the Yarra river, so why was this place so deserted? Did we come too early? Or are you more of an evening area? Also near the arts district. Many events, functions and activities; see website. Free wifi, I did not use it. Paid parking garage available. Service - Okay for the two food court places we ate at. Price - The food court was inexpensive. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1992. I see that you have gone through so many different and frequent ownerships...?

Attractive shopping center along the Promenade of the Yarro River. There is a food hall and many…read morerestaurants and bars. In the evening there are street performers and musicians. The area is bustling with people, there's a lot to see and do on the south side of the river.

Love the culture and the food. Not a huge fan of the car park, but this place works better on…read morepublic transport.

I love Melbourne Central. I love how it's a one-stop-shop for everything you could need…read more ~ Smack dab in the middle of the CBD. Need something you (for some strange reason) cannot find at Melbourne Central? It's probably 10 steps away from Melbourne Central/ ~ Stunning interior design and architecture. You have your tower underneath a glass cage. At first, I thought that this was a bit strange, but then accepted the fact that the tower probably did a lot of bad things in its life and needs a cage to control it. You can't let that thing free, man. ~ Nice selection of food. Nothing too fantastic, but my favourites: Menya Ramen, Lord of the Fries, Grill'd, O-Bento, and Harajuku Crepes. There's bound to be more food heavens that I haven't explored in that massive building yet, and I'm keen to be on the lookout! ~ Convenient public transportation. If you're on the go, trust Melbourne Central to have a train running to anywhere you want in Melbourne. Trust Melbourne Central to also have great food takeaways for you to enjoy yourself at before your train arrives. ~ Loads of entertainment! Try out Cho Gao - a great Asian Beer Cafe with a stunning view of the city. Now try out Cho Gao after catching a movie at Melbourne Central's very own cinema. Seriously - what CAN'T you do here?

A gamut of handbags and wallets from the like of AnnaPelle, Diana Ferrari, Levis, Jag and Fiorelli…read moreamong many others, this store is an efficient way to find the most beloved of women's accessories. Although there's also a range of largely high heeled shoes available, there's not nearly as many on offer as there are handbags. The stock changes over fairly regularly, and there's the odd sample hiding amongst the clones. The styles are as numerous as there are handbags, so you can find a plain work satchel-style bag as easily as a brightly coloured statement handbag. There's also a range of luggage down the back. The quality varies from brand to brand, and the odd leather bag may turn out not to be leather after all. Nonetheless, every purchase I've ever made from this store has been a magnet for compliments and my main handbag is still going strong after a year of heavy use. It's always the first place I go for a new handbag or wallet.

I quite like this little outlet. It's close to transport (Southern Cross Station, Skybus), and…read morethere is a logical flow to your shopping (horse shoe shape shopping!) - almost IKEA-ish ... but less complex ;) They have options - Typo, Suzanne Grae, Harris Scarf, Jay Jays, Peter Alexander, confectionary shops, sports shops, homewares shops etc. For a smaller place it packs a big punch. And the crowds aren't ridiculous either. Worth a look!