Susie Youssef takes on Melbourne’s Bay Trail, a walk from St. Kilda to Brighton’s iconic beach boxes. Along the way, she meets a diverse group of individuals, including comedians, musicians, and writers such as Geraldine Hickey, Rachel Berger, crime writer Katherine Kovacic, and singer-songwriter Kutcha Edwards.
Youssef, a Sydney native, starts her journey along Melbourne’s foreshore, meeting the award-winning Indigenous singer-songwriter Kutcha Edwards near the iconic Hotel Esplanade. For decades, this hotel has been the go-to destination for live music in Melbourne. Continuing her walk, Youssef passes The Palais, reminiscing about her childhood obsession with the Comedy Festival, which was hosted at this venue. The Palais has also graced a galaxy of stars, including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Kylie Minogue.
As she reaches St. Kilda’s famous Acland Street, Youssef crosses paths with fellow comedian Rachel Berger, who grew up above her parents’ delicatessen on this very street. Berger provides insight into the street’s history, explaining how it attracted post-war Jews who had survived the Holocaust.
The two comedians step into the Monarch cake shop, where, over a delicious plum strudel, Berger shares stories of the street’s transformation into the heart of Jewish Melbourne after World War II. She recalls a memorable encounter between two men who hadn’t seen each other since the war, an event that became talked about by the entire street.
Great Australian Walks: Bay Trail in Melbourne airs on ABC Australia on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
