One habit this expat
picked up quickly, while living in Australia, is watching Channel Ten’s show ‘Offspring’.
The characters appeal to me, the script is laugh-embarassingly-loud funny but also touching, and
it is set in a bohemian and interesting suburb of Melbourne. When I had the
opportunity to visit Melbourne, I knew I had to see this neighborhood for
myself.
For those of you who are not familiar with this fantastic show, Offspring’s crazy characters live their lives around quirky Fitzroy.
The series follows the many dramas of obstetrician Nina Proudman, her mostly dysfunctional relationships, and crazy but supportive family.
Here’s my guide on where to go if you want to relive the Offspring drama
for yourself. (You can visit all these venues as a walking tour most easily if
you visit in the order they are listed below).
Carlton Gardens
Beautiful Carlton
Gardens is where Cherie breaks bad news to Clegg.
The characters
actions here may not be the most positive start to a tour(!) but planted with
European and Australian flora, Carlton Gardens is a grand green space in the
centre of Melbourne and a great spot to visit on a sunny day. The Victorian
garden design is elegant and the gardens are also home to the Exhibition
Centre.
Radio Bar and
Café
79 Gertrude
Street
Nina and Billie
often catch up on the latest family drama over a drink here.
Despite the radio
perched on the windowsill, Radio Bar is one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets. Radio
Bar is understated and easy to miss. The bar has exposed brick walls, a
cityscape wall, and a leafy courtyard.
Northcote Social
Club
376 Brunswick
Street
Mick and Roseanna
perform at the Northcote Social Club, and Zara’s waters break there.
The club is a cosy
little venue that showcases live music in funky surroundings and tends towards
indie.
Mosaic bench
Corner of
Victoria Street and Brunswick Street
Nina and Chris have
a frank discussion on this eye-catching bench one evening.
A classic example
of Fitzroy’s quirky character, there are a few of these mosaic street benches,
designed by Giuseppe Roneri. They are a great example of the street art found
in Fitzroy.  |
| Victoria Street mosaic bench, Melbourne, Australia |
Blackcat
252 Brunswick
Street
Chris and Nina
discussed the possibility of them having a relationship over coffee by a vast
window over Brunswick Street.
Offspring’s
depiction of Black Cat is a little misleading because seeing Chris and Nina at the
window-seat table makes it seem like a cafe that would be busy by day, but in fact the
venue is more geared towards being a bar and a nighttime hangout. They’ll fix
you a local coffee during the day but you’ll want to return to enjoy the atmosphere in the courtyard later.
 |
| Garden Street Bench, Brunswick Street, Melbourne |
Garden street
bench
252 Brunswick
Street
Zara told Jimmy
about her pregnancy on this bench.
The very private-seeming
bench covered with a canopy of foliage is in fact just outside the entrance to Blackcat, facing the road. While it looked fairly intimate onscreen, it is actually very visible.
Madame Sousou
231 Brunswick
Street
Chris took Nina
here on their first date.
This eclectic
French bistro serves beautiful food in lovely surroundings. The bistro has huge
windows and it is lovely to sit and gaze at the world passing by on the street
as you enjoy your food. It is a great stop for lunch or dinner.
 |
| Madame Sousou, Brunswick Street, Melbourne, Australia |
The Union Club
Hotel
164 Gore Street
The Union Club
Hotel is the Proudman family’s local pub and so much happens there I don’t know
where to begin! Jimmy works there and key moments include Mick singing the song
‘A six at best’ (horrifyingly embarrassing for Nina), Billie and Mick’s
wedding, Mick and Roseanna’s first performance and Kim giving birth on the pool
table.
 |
| Union Club Hotel, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia |
Belle’s Diner
150 Gertrude
Street
Nina and Patrick
say goodbye outside the diner, after his leaving party at the bowling club.
Belle’s Diner is
an all-out American diner serving burgers and milkshakes. There is a pavement
seating area for meals during the day. It attracts a young crowd.
The Everleigh
156 Gertrude
Street
Patrick and
Eloise discuss the difficult working relationship they had in the past over
drinks at the Everleigh.
The Everleigh is
an atmospheric evening venue, with elaborate furnishings and an up market vibe.
It’s a great place for a few drinks in the evening.
 |
| Luna Park, Melbourne, Australia |
Other places that
are nearby
Geraldine
Proudman’s house
79 Delbridge
Street, North Fitzroy
The Family home
can be seen from the street in Delbridge Street.
Nina and
Patrick’s apartment
7 Emma Street,
Collingwood
The quirky
building our favourite characters shared is easily identifiable from the
street.
Luna Park
St Kilda
waterfront
One of Nina’s panic
attacks take place, somewhat symbolically, on the scenic rollercoaster at Luna
Park.
Although not
actually in Fitzroy (you can get a direct tram from Fitzroy though), Luna Park
makes a memorable appearance in Offspring. Melbourne’s Luna Park shares the same
crazed-face entrance as Luna Park in Sydney and offers rides and seaside
entertainment. There are lots of restaurants and cafes nearby for a feed
afterwards too.
Have you ever
visited places that you have seen on television or in the movies? Where did you
go and what did you see?
Photo credit: Offspringonten
Photo credit: Offspringonten
