Much more than a soapie, Neighbours is a national institution, as important to music fans as it is to TV addicts. What music lover could resist seeing the place where talents like Kylie Minogue, Delta Goodrem, and Natalie Imbruglia got their start? If thoughts of Erinsborough have you dreaming of a Melbourne holiday, here’s how to make the most of your stay.
Book a Neighbours Tour
A Neighbours tour is the best way for you to really discover what Neighbours is all about. Bunyip Tours operates the original official Neighbours tour. It will take you to Global Television film studio in Nunawading. There you’ll see the Lassiter’s Complex, Fitzgerald Motors, Harold’s Store, and of course Charlie’s Bar where so many great acts like Ben Lee and The Wombats have played over the years. You’ll also get a Neighbours postcard to take home as a souvenir.
Visit Ramsay Street
Image via Flickr by snoozeuk
The exterior shots of Ramsay Street aren’t created in a studio though. All the houses you’re familiar with are actually in a place called Pin Oak Court in the Melbourne suburb of Vermont South. Remember that these are real residences, so you should be respectful of the people who own these homes. They’re used to tourists though, so they won’t mind you snapping a photo or three.
Head to Erinsborough High
There have actually been a couple of Erinsborough High Schools over the years. Blackburn English Language School and Coburg Senior High School have both been used for exterior shots. Since they’re real schools you won’t be allowed on the grounds, but you can admire them from the street.
Put Your Neighbours Trivia Knowledge to the Test
Image via Flickr by timparkinson
Discover whether you’re a true Neighbours buff at the Neighbours trivia nights held most Mondays from 7 at St Kilda’s Elephant & Wheelbarrow. Neighbours stars mingle with fans during the trivia questions, so it’s a great opportunity to get a photo with your favourite actor. Don’t get too distracted by the stars though; there are big prizes on offer like trips to The Whitsundays and New Zealand, so it pays to have your wits about you.
After three rounds of trivia, Alan Fletcher (Dr Karl Kennedy) entertains the masses with his band The Waiting Room. Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson) often jams with the band too. Tickets for the Neighbours trivia nights are available at the Elephant & Wheelbarrow door on the night for $40.
Stay in the City
You might think you need to head to the suburbs to get closer to fictional Erinsborough, but it’s actually smarter to stay in the centre of Melbourne. Bunyip Tours’ Neighbours tours leave from Flinders Street, so you can walk to the meeting point if you stay at Holiday Inn Melbourne on Flinders or the Great Southern Hotel. The trivia night also runs a courtesy bus which will pick you up from inner-city accommodation. These hotels aren’t just well located, they’re also very affordable unlike so many Melbourne accommodation options!
This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. What Neighbours musical moment did you love most?
I just love 
Every now and again you encounter a voice that stops you in your tracks and songs that tug at your heart. You listen to them and instantly you want to tell everyone you know that they have to hear them too. I’m lucky, because I have a blog and I can share not just with the people I know, but a whole bunch of strangers. Because I don’t care if I know you or not; I need to tell you about 
“We are excited to showcase our industry’s products and the wealth of local talent that Melbourne and Australia has to offer,” said Australian Music Association CEO Rob Walker. “We seek to grow our guitar community, educate and entertain.”