Tully Smith is a reality television star and social media phenomenon best known for her appearance on “Big Brother Australia 2013.” (Tully was the most talkedabout housemate, trending on Twitter worldwide five times.) Because of her love of the written word, Tully majored in journalism and cut her teeth writing for publications such as “Marie Claire,” “FHM” and pop culture hub, Pedestrian.tv, before moving into social media strategy for some of Sydney’s top advertising agencies. These days, this travel blogger and PR chick explores her love of travel, fashion, health and pop culture through her various blogs, including her flagship blog, Young Blood Travel.
What are some of the reasons you love your city?
Although I'm born and bred in Sydney, I followed my heart (and an ex-boyfriend) and moved to not-so-sunny Melbourne about a year and a half ago. There's a bit of rivalry between the two states, and I'm often asked which one I love more, but they're so beautiful and different in their own right ... I never pick sides. Melbourne is a bustling, thriving city jam packed full of culture, friendly, creative people and some of the best food and coffee in the world.
Tully sips an expertly crafted capuccino at Pillar of Salt.
Are there any particular trends around town catching your eye?
As a bit of a foodie, I've spent a good portion of my time here checking out all the insane restaurants, bars and cafes Melbourne has to offer. At the moment, it's all about the ginormous milkshake trend where cafes are topping milkshakes off with donuts, cupcakes and any other delicious dessert you can imagine, sometimes reaching 30 centimeters in height! Johnny Pump in Essendon has produced some of the most daring.
Where do you go for a low-key night with BAE?
I live just off Chapel St. in Prahran, which (in my opinion) features some of Melbourne's best restaurants. A low-key night out with a loved one would probably result in a movie up at the Jam Factory followed by dinner at Mr. Miyagi or Toko and then some cocktails at Borsch Vodka & Tears or Sweetwater Inn.
What do you recommend visitors do to have the quintessential Melbourne experience?
That's a tough one—there's so many different sides to Melbourne! I'd probably suggest a long weekend down here. On a Saturday, you could head into the city for a famous graffiti and street art tour before hitting up Chin Chin for dinner and then rooftop bar for drinks. Melbourne has a couple of great rooftop bars that give you sprawling views of the city, including The Emerson, Naked for Satan and Madame Brussels. On a Sunday, I'd either suggest a day trip up to the wineries in the Yarra Valley or even down the coast to Portsea or The Pillars at Mount Martha. There are some seriously beautiful beaches and swimming spots down here, you just have to drive a little further to get to them.
Where do you go for healthy eats and where do you go when you want to break your diet?
If I'm being a good girl, I'll probably go grab a juice at Pressed Juices or something yummy and paleo at Palate on Greville St. If I'm being naughty (which is more often the case) I'll grab a burger at either Huxtaburger or if I'm feeling extremely bad—Cafe 51. Their burgers are HUGE.
Hobba's ambiance and food take on a modern spin on comforting classics. #Exposedbrick anyone?
If you had a friend coming to town, which hotels would you recommend? In which areas of the city should they stay?
It's funny because before I moved here, I'd always stay in the Central Business District (CBD), which in hindsight is weird as there isn't a whole lot happening in there, nor do you get a vibe for Melbourne. My favorite hotels are the Art Series Hotels. The Cullen and The Olsen are just up the road from me, so I'd probably suggest one of them—that way they're close to me and close to all the yummy restaurants!
The Prahran neighborhood of Melbourne features some of the city's most stylish restaurants. Hobba is no exception.
When you want to break a sweat, where do you go?
I’'m a pilates fiend...I go to Kaya Health Clubs on Chapel St. for my pilates and yoga fixes but also do one-on-one sessions at Gript Personal Training for the high-intensity workouts.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry
1. Mr. Miyagi
2. Pillar of Salt
3. Hobba
4. Bond Lounge Bar
5. Royal Saxon
The Royal Saxon's cocktail menu blends traditional Italian ingredients with local favorites.
You could flip through the restaurant's seven-page wine list or order this baby, the Strawberry Field.
Head chef Simone Righetto draws his inspiration from his home town of Veneto, Italy.
Try This
1. Day trip up to the Yarra Valley wineries, including Domaine Chandon
2. Graffiti tour with Melbourne Street Art Tours in Melbourne CBD
3. Weekend away down at Portsea or Lorne
4. Rooftop bar crawl, including The Emerson, Naked for Satan and Madame Brussels
5. Food tour up Chapel St., hitting Fonda Mexican and Morris Jones Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Stay and Play
1. The Olsen
2. Daylesford
3. St Kilda
4. The Cullen
5. Melbourne CBD
Even if you're not staying at The Olsen, the pool and accompanying sunroom are worth a visit.
Tully explores her love of travel, fashion, health and pop culture with ease and viral success through her various blogs, such as Young Blood Travel, and on her Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channels at @tee_smyth.
