Culture

In the outer suburb of Bulleen is a grassy plot that was bought by John and Sunday Reed in 1934. Right up until their deaths (10 days apart) in 1981, they worked to enrich Australia’s cultural offering, housing artists such as Sidney Nolan, Joy Hester and Albert Tucker. The couple at one point sold the property and contents to the Victorian government so that it could be used as a public art museum. The top-notch collection makes it well worth tackling the tricky transport to get here. 

Fittingly, one of the country’s leading collections of contemporary art is housed inside an award-winning architectural sensation by Melbourne-based Roger Wood and Randal Marsh in the city’s Southbank arts precinct. Created in 1983 and housed here since 2002, the Acca has played a leading role in keeping Melbourne on the cultural map. With its eclectic mix of international exhibitions and locally focused fare, the acca is an unmissable stop-off. 

Eleven buildings across more than six hectares make up this delightful former monastic site, now a first-rate arts hub. The convent is run by a non-profit organisation and houses more than 100 artistic studios, two galleries, a cosy café and a radio station dedicated to fine local talent. This hive of artistic activity is even more abuzz in the warmer months, when picnickers flock to the lush gardens. It’s not often that such a historic space winds up in the hands of a group of art enthusiasts.