Australia

Melbourne

Nature

Architecture

CS + Kreme are experimental duo Conrad Standish and Sam Karmel.

The two producers are operating out of Melbourne, and are known for their unpredictable approach to sound: ranging from the off-kilter experimentalism of their 2022 LP 

 to the dubby, hallucinatory tapestries that can be heard on 2020’s 

. Their ethos to music making doesn’t follow a specific philosophy or sound, but channels a more fluid approach.

Over the past few years, they’ve shared a string of disparate albums and EPs across a global range of labels such as Canadian imprint Total Stasis, the UK-based Reel Torque and London’s Trilogy Tapes.

As producers who are embedded within Melbourne’s creative scene, we asked them to share their tips on where to go within the city. Use this as a definitive guide for tapping into Melbourne’s cultural underbelly. Below you’ll find tips on where to get the best homemade noodles and dumplings, the best drip from an Australian fashion brand and – for the vinyl enthusiasts – where the new record stores are within Melbourne.

Excellent resource for niche interest books and publications, as well as architectural, art, design and esoteric stuff. New and out of print material. Located in the city's iconic Chicago school Nicholas Building.

There's hundreds of fancy wine and food bars in Melbourne, but Embla just always seems more delicious.

Also housed within the Nicholas Building, this is Melbourne's latest and greatest new record shop. Experimentally focussed, superbly curated – vinyl, CDs and publications.

Situated in a weird, grimy walk-through arcade in Preston, cooking homemade dumplings and noodles with delicious slow-cooked broth.

Stunning 100 hectare arboretum of both native and exotic species, not far from where I live, in the Dandenong Ranges. You'll probably find me walking my dog here or foraging for something. Beautiful sequoia plantations and lush native fern gullies. Good place to picnic or just meander around and get lost.

A mysterious, strange and eerie clustered rock formation on Wurundjeri/Dja Dja Wurrung/Taungurung country just outside of Melbourne. Truly interesting, beautiful energy to literally get lost in.

Not technically in Melbourne, but if you've made it this far, you may as well go an extra couple of hours for the most beautiful, varied, sometimes alien landscapes that Victoria has to offer. Home to my favourite Victorian beach, Fairy Cove. A really nice (long) day trip, but the overnight camping situations here are even better for the secret secluded stuff.

Amazing, delicious tapas and no frills vibe situated near my place.

For all your drip requirements! Located in the iconic Curtin House in the city – once home to Melbourne's communist party.

R.J. Hamer Arboretum

Related Guides