Melbourne, Australia

Once regarded as the poor man’s supporting act to Sydney’s glitzy lead role, Melbourne has come into its own of late, now heading up the parade of must-visit Australian capital cities.

With more than its fair share of stately Victorian-era architecture, a labyrinth of snug back laneways, and plenty of bars and pubs to sate all you thirsty kids out there, Melbourne is the closest thing to Euro-style you’ll find south of the equator. And with better weather, a coastline within range, and a world-class wine region on its doorstep, there’s every reason to get yourself acquainted with the classy minx that is Melbourne.

Come laden with freshly minted Aussie dollars ready to unload? Stop by the city centre for big-name local designers and quirky boutiques, or head to the very central GPO for a high-concentration fashion fix set in a faithfully restored former post office. Discount shopping galore can be found along Richmond’s Bridge Road, including antipodean icon Mimco flogging their barely-out-of-season wares at affordable prices. For quintessentially Melbourne souvenirs, fresh foods, and genuine ambience check out the Queen Victoria Market, or engage in a Sunday-morning meander a little further afield at the popular Camberwell Market, for second-hand scores and old vinyls.

There is no excuse for eating poorly here, with back-to-back cafes, gastro pubs and fine dining restaurants of all shapes and sizes. Melbourne’s steadfastly multicultural make-up and huge immigrant population means you can pick up anything from foie gras to Peking duck guaranteed to have you smacking your greasy lips with glee. For buttery fruit tarts and a neat spiral staircase, Laurent Patisserie on Little Collins Street is a little slice of frou-frou France in the heart of Melbourne. And while celebrity chef wars rage all over the city, Shannon Bennett’s painfully chic Vue de Monde adheres to its modern French menu whipped up using olde-worlde ingredients.

For late-night mischief, Madame Brussels is a little bit trendy and a little bit camp. Named for a local 1930s working girl, here you can sip Pimms, indulge in a cupcake and lounge around on outdoor furniture artfully positioned atop astroturf (yes, indoors). Seamstress on Lonsdale Street offers tasty morsels and cocktails with an Oriental twist, with cheongsams hanging from the rafters, intimate booths for the lovers, and a decent price point to boot. With a hundred-year history and a huge back catalogue of Aussie and international performers, the Esplanade Hotel is still doing what it does best cranking out live music, or for a more modern incarnation, St Kilda’s The Prince Bandroom is a local favourite by the sea.

While the city is noted for its nice-to-look-at Victorian cityscape and heritage-listed terrace housing, don’t miss Melbourne’s more natural face. Impressive green spaces can be found within easy reach of the city centre, including Fitzroy Gardens, resting place of Cook’s Cottage, Captain James’ family home. During the summer months, St Kilda’s sandy white beaches are a popular spot to cool off, with the area characterised by California-style palm tree-lined boulevards. An easy hour’s drive out of the city, why not wander through the Yarra Valley, Victoria’s premier wine producing region and a cosy country escape. Nestled in native tall timber east of Melbourne, the Valley’s big-hitting wineries churn out excellent chardonnays and are supplemented by ample places to rest a sleepy head.

Check out more from Melissa at her blog: http://morningelectric.wordpress.com/