Few Australian creators have captured the imagination of readers quite like Graeme Base. The Melbourne author and illustrator is best known for the internationally acclaimed Animalia, the modern classic that has sold millions of copies worldwide. This month, Animalia celebrates its 40th anniversary with the release of a stunning new foiled collector’s edition and a colouring book with a limited-edition print to colour and frame. Across more than 27 children’s books, Base has delighted generations of readers with favourites including The Eleventh Hour, The Waterhole and The Tree.
Since arriving in Melbourne from England as a child, Base has drawn inspiration from the city’s creative spirit throughout his career. In 2026, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to children’s literature as an author and illustrator. Here, he shares the places that continue to inspire him in the city he calls home.
My local is the aptly named Local Taphouse on Carlisle Street in St Kilda for a beer and burger, and Park Bar a little further up the road in Balaclava for delicious Korean-Japanese fusion.
The best new thing I’ve found is Hugh Allen’s amazing Yiaga – a flawless confluence of fine food, brilliant architecture and aesthetics. The attention to detail in all aspects of the space, service and food is just stunning.
When I want to celebrate an occasion with a special meal, I assume the mantle of tongmeister for a big barbecue cook-up at home with meat, fish, veggies and salads from the South Melbourne Market.
When I want to show off the city to friends from out of town, I head for Cumulus Inc, Supernormal or Gimlet, all offering unbeatable food quality and service.
There’s no better value in the city than pho at Saigon Eats on Chapel Street, St Kilda. It’s nothing flashy but delicious and well-priced. Also, yummy pizza at Gemma Simply Italian in Carlton.
And I wish more people would experience the excellence of bakeries including Baker Bleu, Calle, Bread Club and Woodfrog.
My defining food moment in Melbourne was a wedding anniversary dinner at Vue de Monde in the early 2000s when they were still on Little Collins Street. The wine-paired degustation was terrifyingly expensive but absolute perfection in every detail. Unforgettable. We also loved Mietta’s in Queenscliff back in the day – magical memories and a divine location. And how could we forget the stunning Middle Eastern delights of O’Connell’s in South Melbourne when the legendary Greg Malouf was at the helm.
If there was one thing I could change about eating and drinking in Melbourne it would be free public transport. No parking hassles and no having to lock in a designated driver.
But the thing I hope never changes here is the astounding variety of cuisines from around the world readily available to everyone, everywhere in Melbourne. Long live multiculturalism!
Animalia 40th Anniversary Edition (Penguin Random House Australia, RRP $29.99) is out now. Discover more about Graeme Base and his work at graemebase.com.au. Animalia 40th Anniversary Edition is available at such excellent independent Victorian bookstores such as Readings and Hill of Content.