City Breaks in Melbourne

Cool, refined and oh-so glamorous, Melbourne knows how to let its hair down and have a good time. Try some of these for a backstage look at city life.

Best garden stroll

On the fringe of the city centre, Fitzroy Gardens are a showpiece of green-fingered expertise, featuring a flower-filled conservatory, 150-year-old avenue of mag-nificent elms, miniature Tudor village, and fairy tree. You can also visit Cook’s Cottage, once the home of Captain James Cook’s parents, relocated from England.

Best afternoon tea

Aristocrat of Melbourne’s 5 star elite, the swanky Victorian-era Windsor Hotel in Spring Street is the place to go for a traditional afternoon tea served with all the trimmings.

Best secret bars

Melbourne’s back lanes are becoming famous for their anonymous bars, whose locations are passed on like secret-society handshakes. Meyers Place is home to the long-running Waiters’ Club, famous for once being the only place in town to get an after-closing drink; as well as a street-level bar that doesn’t have a name, let alone a sign.

Best window shopping

Synonymous with style, the leafy end of Collins Street is home to the likes of Chanel, Tiffany & Co, and Louis Vuitton – and if the prices are a little steep, just enjoy the splendid architecture.

Best outdoor dining

The eateries at Federation Square are a gourmet’s delight, and a great place to take in the buzzing street atmosphere. Included in the line-up is Reserve Restaurant, home to hot-shot chef George Calombaris; Jacques Reymond’s latest venture, Arintji; and the revamped Botanical, where you can sample the culinary wizardry of chef Paul Wilson.

Best market

A Melbourne institution, the Queen Victoria Market is a colourful, sprawling bazaar with more than a thousand traders offering everything from fresh vegetables and fish to handicrafts, souvenirs and clothing.

Best espresso

From Christy Turlington to Kevin Sheedy, everyone visits Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar at 66 Bourke Street for a shot of espresso and one of their super pasta dishes.

Melbourne City Accommodation and hotels