Melbourne is so lucky to be a world leader when it comes to the arts, culture and design. The…read moreDonkey Wheel House may have a strange name but the businesses inside it are even stranger (that's a good thing!). School of life offers classes in philosophy and being a better human. They also have one of the best gift shops in town for that hard to buy for person. You can enjoy a coffee in their nice cafe too. Kinfolk are a social enterprise cafe where they put back a lot of the profits into great causes. Then there is HUB, a coworking space and home to creative mornings (a worldwide gathering once a month of creatives). They also have a gallery space in the basement for emerging artists. All in all Donkey Wheel is a fantastic old building and showcases some of the best of creative Melbourne. Check out their website for current goings on because it changes quite a lot.

Very big salvos store with a huge variety of clothing and other articles…read more What I liked is that they have a big shoes selection. The staff is very friendly too - one of the sales assistant helped me to take the dress off a mannequin for me to try it on. It's right at the end of the outlets strip on Smith street but I'd suggest to start with this store if you're looking for something as the process are lower than in most outlets and sometimes you can end up getting a brand new article here almost four nothing.

I may not be able to get on board with the religious side of The Salvation Army's work but I do…read moreadmire their initiatives aimed squarely at the pernicious effects of poverty, homelessness and addiction. Oh, and of course the Salvo's sometimes brilliant charity shops. Located way down the Queens Parade end of Smith Street, this particular Salvation Army store is a spacious affair stocking a range of womens and mens clothes, shoes, accessories and jewellery along with furniture, homewares and books. I can't say I've found anything brilliant at this particular charity shop. Clothing stock is largely drawn from the annals of Kmart's back catalogue - and the occasional suburban label that is rarely seen within the fashionable confines of Melbourne - and homewares are largely of the budget variety, but given the store's charitable credentials, it's definitely worth a browse.

Love the concept!!! As a Bay Area Californian visiting Melbourne, I was pleasantly surprised to…read morefind this place. I was given a ton of Berkeley / Oakland vibes (except this place was a ton cleaner, ha). Not sure what else I can state that other reviews haven't stated below, but Lentil As Anything is a donation based restaurant. $12 AUD covers the meal, which you can pay in either card or cash at the end of your meal. Everyday the menu changes (for this location) and its buffet style which is nice! I would say classic etiquette is to not take more than what you can eat, as you're always welcome to go back and grab more food. Drinks are extra - but they have a nice variety of coffees and a juice that changes daily. Vibe here was great; everyone was so nice and friendly. Also loved that it was in Abbotsford Covent where there's outdoor seating for you to enjoy a sunny day.

Amazing concept with food to match. Pay as you feel but done right!…read moreThe food is all vegan and served by volunteers; all of whom wear a happy smile and are always happy to have a chat. There is live music sometimes and on a nice day the courtyard / outdoor area is super pleasant. A must visit if you are touring the Coventry :)

When Southbank and Bourke street branches combine you have the modern day version of draculas food…read morefactory. Place where people turn up, roll up their sleeves and get a biscuit and a milkshake in return. Good deal all around. But if you want to do a good thing and earn some karma points plus have a legit excuse to forget calories for a few minutes then a visit here is a must. Just bring a jumper - the aircon is efficient.

From the owner: Whether it's a major natural disaster or a personal crisis in your home, Red Cross is there to give…read moreimmediate and practical help.