Naarm/Melbourne Neighbourhoods Stories, Walks and Miscellany

Discover the Stories Behind Melbourne’s Villages

Take a stroll through the heart of Naarm/Melbourne with local writer and historian Dale Campisi as your guide in Melbourne Neighbourhoods—a vibrant exploration of the city’s diverse suburbs and the stories that shape them.

From the lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Traditional Owners to the legacy of Robert Hoddle’s street grid, and from iconic South Melbourne dim sims to hidden laneway gems, this book brings Melbourne’s rich tapestry of history and culture to life. Each neighbourhood reveals a unique facet of the city, while also connecting Melbourne to broader national and global narratives.

Having lived and worked across the city, Campisi offers insider insight into what makes each community special—especially poignant in the wake of Melbourne’s pandemic-era lockdowns, which reshaped how locals experience their own backyards.

Complete with maps, photography, and self-guided walking tours, Melbourne Neighbourhoods invites readers to not just read about, but walk through the city’s many faces—uncovering the quirks, characters, and histories that make Melbourne one of the world’s most liveable cities.