Ultimate music nerd's guide to Melbourne

Dive into Melbourne’s essential music spots. Whether you're after new tunes to spin, or tech to make your own sounds.

Discover a secret CD store

Play Music & DVDs

Enter Play Music & DVDs down a Melbourne laneway and you’ll find floor-to-ceiling shelves packed with CDs, records and more. Browse through stacks of old and new music. Have a good dig around for rare vinyl for your collection. Or grab hard-to-find albums including out-of-print items.

Upgrade your gear 

Music Swop Shop 

Ready to trade in that keyboard for a sweet '80s synth? Local musos know Carlton icon Music Swop Shop is the first stop to buy and sell second-hand gear. Trusted by Melbourne muso’s all over the city, you’ll find everything from steel guitars and prayer bowls made in Nepal to high quality amps and speakers.

Listen to records in a moody music room 

The Music Room at Her

Located on level one of the multi-venue vertical playground Her, The Music Room is a beacon for audiophiles and vinyl collectors alike. Thousands of handpicked records line the walls. This soundproof listening bar is a sanctuary from the buzz of the rooftop above. Settle in with a whiskey and let the guest DJs and selectors spin your soundtrack until 3am. 

Browse for vinyl 

Wax Museum 

If you’re after that rare ’60s soul record or looking for hip hop albums from the ’90s head straight to Wax Museum. Located in the basement at 250 Flinders Street, this music-lover's paradise is perfect for an afternoon of digging. And while you’re at it, check out the in-house label for releases from local acts.  

Naturestrip

Melbourne’s newest record store can be found in the iconic Nicholas Building. Wander up to level 8 to flick through vinyl at Naturestrip. Proudly genre-agnostic, the store stocks new and vintage experimental sounds. As well as records you'll find CDs, cassettes and books. A simple space, the timber shelves on the wall let those colourful album covers shine. 

Grab a vintage band tee

Retrostar

Forget fast fashion merch, there’s no faking that true fade. Pick up vintage deadstock '80s, '90s and Y2K band tees at Retrostar. Unearth some original Metallica and tie-dyed Grateful Dead apparel. Or hunt for hip hop archives. You might even find that rare Tupac, Biggie Smalls or TLC t-shirt.

Vintage Sole  

Located on the ground floor of Melbourne’s famous Nicholas Building is Vintage Sole. It’s the go-to spot for all things retro, including hard-to-find music tees. We’re talking Made in the USA Jimmy Hendrix apparel, rare Motley Crew tour merch from the ’80s and more. When you've found the one, complete your fit with some Levi's jeans and a corduroy button up. 

Hone in on your craft  

The Music Gym 

Start with the basics or pick up where you left off with The Music Gym. Sign up for singing lessons and fine tune your vocal chords. Channel your inner Kenny G at a saxophone session. Or enrol in a guitar class and learn something other than Wonderwall by Oasis.

Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio  

If you're keen to mess around with electronic noise and synths, check out MESS. This sound studio and school has heaps of workshops and free video resources. Make a booking and drool over the epic electronic collection for inspo. 

Shop for sound systems 

Carlton Audio Visual 

New to the turntable game? Turn to the experts at Carlton Audio Visual. They’d love to help you find the perfect record player and the right amp. And don't forget the stylus brush. Or if you've got a hand-me-down that's looking worse for wear, they'll point you to the replacement needle you need. 

Wwave Audio Visual 

For serious sound systems, mics and more check out Wwave Audio Visual. Event hire is usually their bread and butter, but you'll find heaps of industry-standard tech for sale too. Pick up some disco lighting and live stream your set for the people.