Muslim-friendly guide to Melbourne

By Amy Fraser

Muslim-friendly things to do in Melbourne

Get to know the heart of Melbourne by wandering the city’s iconic laneways, where vibrant graffiti walls meet creative corners and hidden shops. Start at Union Lane and grab a bite to eat at the Halal-certified Roti Bar before exploring Melbourne’s ‘laneway HQ’, Flinders Lane. Alternatively, join a walking tour to discover laneway secrets. 

When it comes to museums and art galleries, Melbourne never fails to impress. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia’s oldest and most visited gallery, or spark your creativity at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). At the Islamic Museum of Australia, located in the suburb of Thornbury, you can browse contemporary works by Australian Muslim artists and historical Muslim objects.

Just 25 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, the beach suburb of St Kilda is well worth a day trip. Release your inner child at Luna Park, take a dip in the ocean or head to neighbouring Brighton Beach, where colourful bathing huts line the white sand. Modern Malaysian diner Chinta Ria Soul serves plenty of Halal options in the shadows of Luna Park.

If time permits, explore the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. On the 240km (149mi) stretch, you’ll wind past celebrated surf beaches framed by dramatic cliffs, friendly coastal towns, the Otway National Park and the iconic 12 Apostles rock formation. 

For a wilderness getaway, hop over to Phillip Island, located 90 minutes from Melbourne. Watch the island’s native little penguins waddle ashore as they return to their boroughs from a day’s fishing. Take a wander through the Koala Conservation Reserve to spot koalas, birdlife, wallabies and echidnas rustling (or snoozing) in the woodlands. For a change of pace, try your hand at motor racing with a professional driver or take a tour of the island’s official Grand Prix Circuit.

Halal-friendly restaurants in Melbourne

Melbourne is enriched by the many migrant cultures that have settled in the city and beyond. Among eateries offering an array of vegetarian and seafood options, you’ll find authentic Halal cuisine served in every corner of the city, from trendy cafés to lavish sit-down experiences and no-fuss authentic restaurants. There are many concentrated along Sydney Road in Brunswick, in particular.

Mosques in Melbourne

Victoria is home to more than 200,000 Muslims, represented through The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV). Melbourne Airport boasts two multi-faith prayer rooms available to all travellers.

In 2022, Victoria’s biggest mosque, the Melbourne Grand Mosque in Tarneit, opened its doors. The mosque lies just 25km (15mi) west of Melbourne’s city centre and features prayers in English.

Melbourne West Mosque and Preston Mosque are associated with the ICV and hold prayers in English and Arabic. The second-largest mosque in Melbourne is Broadmeadows Mosque in the city’s northeast which provides services in Turkish.

Shopping in Melbourne

For shopping, head back to Melbourne’s maze of laneways where you’ll find a network of small and quirky shops. The elegant Block and Royal Arcade, both constructed in the mid-19th century, frame Little Collins Street and are well worth a visit. 

For a lively market experience, try Fitzroy’s Rose Street Artists’ Market, the place for artworks, jewellery and clothing by local artisans. Dedicate a few hours to perusing Queen Victoria Market, the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere.

In the southeast of Melbourne, visit the Chadstone Shopping Centre, which has a quiet room to use for prayer. It’s the biggest shopping centre in Australia and known as ‘The Fashion Capital’, boasting over 530 stores. Highpoint Shopping Centre in the northwest of Melbourne also features a multi-faith room.