Le Magazine Accor Hotels
a day in the life of

Melbourne as seen by Mike Wilson

Mike lives in Melbourne, Australia. His dedication to visual storytelling has seen his work recognised with multiple international awards in the craft of art direction and design. More recently, his love of creating compelling images has seen him develop his voice as a photographer. His images are often a stylised documentation of the features that make our cities and the lives we lead in them. Today we invite you to discover Melbourne as seen through the eyes of Mike Wilson.

Mike Wilson

Mike Wilson - Website

11:15
AM
Williamstown
mike-wilson-williamstown

0:00

Melbourne is often referred to as the ‘City by the Bay’. And my favourite way to get across Port Phillip Bay is by ferry. If you board from the charming little seaport of Williamstown, you will be treated to stunning views of the magnificent Westgate Bridge, the River Entrance, Southbank and the colourful Docklands marina. Taking the ferry to and from the city can be both mesmeric and calming while offering views that’ll make you fall head over heels for Melbourne.

12:15
PM
Docklands
mike-wilson-docklands

0:00

Docklands is a slick harbour precinct framed by sparkling architecture, bustling restaurants, and a marina populated by speedboats and superyachts alike. And if you’re in the mood for a waterside wander, then I recommend doing so with a gelato in hand. It really is the best way to explore the numerous examples of public art and the nearby shopping destination: The District. And when you’re ready to explore the city, the free tram is only a few minutes walk away.

01:00
PM
Little Bourke Street
mike-wilson-little-bourke-street

0:00

At the heart of Little Bourke Street is an enclave of luxury fashion brands bookended by the vibrancy of Chinatown and an eclectic collection of eateries, camera stores and motorcycle workshops. This seemingly odd mix highlights Melbourne’s inner city charm; contradictory, diverse and yet fully demanding of discovery. Today I saw strident shoppers toting precious finds, streetwear fashionistas trading looks and everyday Melburnians traversing the one lane street across town.

3:30
PM
Flinders Lane
mike-wilson-flinders-lane

0:00

Come mid-afternoon you’ll find me in Flinders Lane with only one thing in mind: coffee. While waiting for the barista’s blend to work its magic, I like to take in the beginnings of ‘golden hour’. Around this time the light manages to negotiate its way between buildings and into Melbourne’s laneways. Cinematic silhouettes seem to be ever-present and the city’s core takes on a filmic aesthetic. To me, this is when Melbourne looks her best

6:45
PM
Yarra River
mike-wilson-yarra-river

0:00

Night falls fast in Melbourne. Witness its descent and you’ll notice the city and its inhabitants morph into a collection of simple shapes drenched in Australia’s sizzling summer sunset. Find yourself a seat at one of the hundreds of restaurants along the Yarra River, sip something cold and cast your gaze west to see it all unfold.

7:30
PM
Yarraville
mike-wilson-yarraville

0:00

As light loosens its grip, my neighbourhood transforms from a city-fringe village into something all together more cinematic. The boisterous basketball court has given way to the crunching of gritty stones under foot and the distant horn of a departing train. Headphone-clad passengers scurry to awaiting cars, while others swap heels for sneakers and start their stride home. Within minutes you are left with a tranquil, painterly scene - the perfect antidote to a busy day.

Did you like it? Share it!

Want to know more?

Continue the journey

OUR HOTELS IN MELBOURNE

At random

More travel ideas

Find your dream destination

With the Dream Detector

Use our Detector