5 Things That Prove Collingwood Is Melbourne’s Coolest Inner Suburb

Carlton, Fitzroy, Brunswick- I thought I was familiar with all of Melbourne’s coolest inner suburbs. That was until I stumbled across Collingwood. Nestled in between Fitzroy and Abbotsford, Collingwood is one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets and although small, there are plenty of reasons to visit. Need some inspiration? Here are 5 of my favourite things to do in Collingwood.

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You can have a $6 beer in an old rooftop train overlooking the city

Standing out in a city that boasts as many quirky and game-changing bars as Melbourne is hard. However walking past rooftop burger bar, Easeys, is sure to stop you in your tracks.

Housed in a rooftop train carriage overlooking Melbourne’s CBD, Collingwood’s Easey’s is undoubtedly the quirkiest place to grab some burgers and drinks. Best of all, a trip to this Melbourne institution needn’t be expensive with cheap drink deals meaning you can enjoy the view with a beer or cider for just $6. What’s more, Easey’s burgers are rated some of the best in the city- and their vegetarian burger (your mate) is one of the best I have had in my life. Just be sure to book a table for a guaranteed spot.

You can try some of Melbourne’s best coffee at Proud Mary

Known not only for serving the best coffee in Collingwood but also some of the best in the whole of Melbourne, Proud Mary is one cafe that you’ll definitely want to stop by. Their house-roasted coffee and freshly made pastries are just the start of it all. Proud Mary also offers an all-day breakfast menu that features the likes of lemon curd hotcakes and salted caramel french toast, meaning that this innovative cafe is bound to make it on to your list of Melbourne favourites.

You can hunt out great street art

Street art is everywhere in Melbourne but perhaps some of the cities lesser-known murals are located in the inner city suburbs like Collingwood and Fitzroy. So, don’t forget to bring your camera while you take a stroll around the area and be sure to wander around the lanes and alleyways that go off of Smith Street in order to find some of the best artwork.

You can reinvent your look at Vintage Garage

Melbourne boasts its fair share of vintage and op shops but perhaps the creme de la creme of them all is Collingwood’s Vintage Garage. This eclectic shop is a fantastic mismatch of vintage party wear, everyday clothes, old records and other bric and brac. It’s an easy place to pass a few hours and you’re bound to come away with a lot of things that you just didn’t know you needed.

Have brunch in a plant shop at Cibi’s

Last but not least, Cibi’s is a cute little Japanese cafe and plant shop and it’s one of Collingwood’s best-kept secrets. Although the cafe has fantastic food, serving up a modern take on healthy Japanese breakfast and lunch dishes, what Cibi’s is really known for is its gorgeous decor. Set in a gorgeous open-plan setting, Cibi’s is an eclectic mix of a cafe, a plant shop and a speciality grocery store, meaning that you can get all of your errands done in one go.

In a city where there is as much to do as Melbourne, It’s so easy to never leave the city centre. However, suburbs like Collingwood prove that some of the city’s best-kept secrets lie in the outskirts.

What’s your favourite inner city or outer suburb of Melbourne? And more importantly, why? Share your thoughts in the comments below or alternatively get in touch.

Solo In Bangkok: Survival Tips

Whether you’re starting out on a solo backpacking trip around Asia or you’re just simply passing through, the idea of being alone in a city as busy as Bangkok can be a little overwhelming.

I remember that when I first set out solo travelling a couple of years ago, it wasn’t until I was in that hotel room in Bangkok’s city centre that reality really set in: I thought, what the heck am I doing here? Since then I’ve been solo in the city a few times and I can vouch for the fact that not only is Bangkok an easy city to be a solo traveller in, it’s a really fun one too.

So, if you too are feeling daunted at the prospect of being alone in the busy Thai capital, don’t stress. Here are my top tips on how to enjoy Bangkok as a solo traveller.

Book a hostel

That moment that I mentioned, where I was alone in a nice hotel room in Bangkok freaking out about things, is exactly the reason why you should book a hostel if you are a solo traveller. While having a luxurious hotel room is nice, backpacker hostels offer the chance to meet people who you can explore the city with and have some fun. What’s more, hostels are generally cheaper, better located and fully equipped to help you sort out all of your travel arrangements.

Use Grab or Uber instead of taking a taxi

Whenever I travel alone, that initial getting from the airport to my accommodation is the thing that I always find the most stressful. Bangkok is notorious for its taxi scams so save yourself the hassle (and the money) and download one of the ride apps such as Grab or Uber. You can order a car from the airport by connecting to the wifi or alternatively pick up a cheap sim card once you land. This way you have a price set before you get in the car and you don’t have to stress about being scammed or the driver not knowing where they are going.

Eat a lot

Bangkok is a great city to be solo in because you could basically spend the entire length of your day eating. Seriously, the Thai capital is a metropolis of mouthwatering spicy street food and sweet treats, all of it for very little money. Being a solo traveller means that you don’t have to comprise with anyone else so you can eat what you want- when you want it. What’s more, Bangkok’s incredible street food scene means that you could even grab your food to go if you feel stressed about dining alone.

Walk wherever you can

The best way to get orientated in Bangkok is to walk as much as you can. Many of the cities main attractions are in walking distance of each other so try and save getting a tuk-tuk or the Skytrain for when you’re travelling long distances. If you are looking for walking routes in the city, I’ve included a few links to some self-guided walking tours of Bangkok here.

Find a pool

Wandering around a city as hot and humid as Bangkok can get pretty tiring after a few hours. So, if you’re looking recuperate after a busy day out then I really recommend finding a pool. I stayed at Mad Monkey Backpackers hostel which had its own pool. However, if you don’t mind parting with a little more money then the rooftop pool at the Sofitel hotel is supposed to be incredible.

Do a cooking class

Travelling solo but don’t particularly want to be alone? Booking a class is a great option. There are loads of companies running them throughout the city and not only are they a lot of fun, but they are a great way to meet like-minded travellers.

Be alcohol savvy

Lastly, on a more serious note, remember to look after yourself when it comes to going out. Bangkok has a wild party scene- and as fun as it is to drink out of buckets and dance to your heart’s content, remember not to get too carried away. The best thing to do is buddy up with a few people from your hostel and stick together. Don’t go home alone and make sure you get a taxi. When buying drinks, keep a hold of yours at all time and make sure that they mix the buckets and cocktails in front of you in the bars. Generally, though, going out in Bangkok has always been a laugh and I’ve never had any problems.

I hope that you found this advice helpful. If you’re planning a solo trip to Thailand and the rest of South-East Asia then trust me you’re in for a treat. I don’t think there’s a better or more exciting region to travel alone in.

Do you have any questions about solo travel or female travel in Thailand? Or any tips of your own that you want to share? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or feel free to get in touch with me here.

My New Weekly Ritual? Brunetti on Lygon Street

I have had a slight obsession with Melbourne’s inner city of Carlton ever since I first set foot there earlier this year. Primarily known for its unbeatable Italian food on Lygon Street, Carlton is an eclectic mix of award-winning restaurants, quirky cafes and boutique shops- basically, everything that I love in life. However, for an area that’s in such close proximity to Melbourne’s CBD, I don’t visit it enough. Today, I decided to right some wrongs and take a trip over there to indulge my sweet tooth.

After a couple of glasses of wine too many last night with my friend and following a run to make up for it in the morning, I had only one thing on my mind: cake. Now, I know that Carlton is jam-packed with chocolatiers, gelaterias and bakeries to choose from and I could have been more adventurous. However, when it comes to the creme de la creme of them all, Lygon Street’s Brunetti wins every time.

Living in Melbourne and not having heard of Brunetti’s is like living in England and not knowing about the royal family: ok well maybe not that extreme, but you get the picture. This Italian originated cafe is a local institution and despite the steep prices, it really is the place to go when it comes to eating out.

Walking into the Lygon street store is like stepping into sugar heaven. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted with cabinets and cabinets of all things sweet, cream-filled and wonderful. I’m talking counters of delicate pastries and individual cakes with a sheen so great you can see your reflection in it. There are homemade chocolates and gelato served in swirling piles. Walk further in and you can tuck into some freshly made pizza, handmade fresh pasta or indulge in some arancini. The individual mini cake portions mean its the ideal place to dine solo but the spacious seating and relaxed vibe also make it perfect for a catch up with friends.

I think I debated for a good half an hour before making my pick: a heavenly tasting oreo cheesecake and a pot of tea. I spend a good hour there devouring both my cake and book. Now I declare- Friday in Melbourne is my day- devoted to nothing other than myself and a good slab of something sweet.

What’s your favourite place for coffee and cake in Melbourne? And do you have a weekly ritual that you just couldn’t do without? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

9 Insane Melbourne CBD Bars That Only Locals Know

Melbourne In 48 Hours: A 20-Something's Travel Guide

I had some doubts about whether I should write this post: should I give away the secret drinking spots that Melbournains have compiled over the years? Then I figured- duh, of course. So, in this blog, I’m going to share all of my favourite drinking spots with you guys, that I’ve found throughout my time living in the city centre.

Melbourne is the best place to be young, largely because of its extensive choice of bars. From hidden bars to specialist and rooftop ones, there’s no end of places to get drunk in the city. However, like all of the best things in Melbourne, finding the good spots is all based on word of mouth. Here are a few of my favourites

1. Bar Americano

A cocktail bar, barely the size of a cupboard, that pays homage to the golden age of drinking? Only in Melbourne, I assure you does such a place exist. Complete with chequerboard floors, a complete lack of seats, a ‘we’ll mix you up what you fancy menu’ and a no photo policy, Bar Americano has to be one of the quirkiest drinking places around.

2.NGV Friday Nights

Because when else can you get dressed up, peruse art and simultaneously get drunk to a live DJ? Hosted at Melbourne’s National Gallery Of Victoria, on Friday nights from 6pm onwards, the downstairs of this venue transforms into a bar. Attracting a crowd of arty types and young professionals, NGV lates are the perfect networking opportunity and the ideal place spend a couple of hours enjoying the exhibition, tucking into dumplings and letting your hair down.

3.Gin Palace

Tucked in a quirky basement lounge, dimly lit with jazz music playing in the background is Gin Palace. As its name suggests, Gin Palace pays homage to everyone’s favourite drink, sporting a book-sized menu with a selection of gin and tonics from pretty much any country you could name.

4.Darts Bar

When you want to get drunk with your friends but also do something a little bit more creative, Darts Bar is a good bet. This small venue is set up into sections centring around dart boards so you and your friends can grab some beers, split into teams and see who’s aim gets progressively worse as they drink.

5.Whitehart Bar

Date? Post-work drinks? Friday night? Whitehart Bar is always a good bet. Tucked down the end of an alley off of Lonsdale street, this classy rooftop has a bustling atmosphere and is a little bit chicer than some of Melbourne’s other drinking establishments.

6.ABC

When you think ‘friday night drinks’, ‘lets go to the shopping centre might not be the first thing that comes to mind. That would be the case at least if you were in any other city than Melbourne. However, located upstairs in Melbourne Central shopping centre is ABC, the go-to place when it comes to cheap drinks out. ($6 Spirits and $9 beer jugs- need I say more?)

7.Garden State Hotel

There was a time where I religiously went to the Garden State Hotel every Friday evening but you can see why- because everyone in Melbourne is doing the same. As soon as 6 pm hits, everyone flocks to this large, sophisticated bar for post-work drinks and they stay there until the early hours of the morning. Offering an extensive drinks selection, light bites to eat and a large open plan seating/dance area, it’s the only place to get drunk and make a fool of yourself in front of your friends.

8.Campari Bar at Brunetti

Walk into Brunetti on Flinders Lane and the cabinets packed full of cream puffs, profiteroles, cheesecake and gelato is enough to stop you in your tracks. However, venture through to the very back of this Melbourne institution and you will find a secret Campari Bar. Serving a range of Cocktails and spitzes, it’s the perfect place to go for aperitvo hour: I dare you to try and make it out the door without picking up dessert.

9. Rooftop Bar at Curtin House

A rooftop bar in the CBD that serves Aperol Spritzes all day, every day for just $12? The rooftop bar at Curtin House is hard to beat. Located on the 7th floor of this non-descript building, getting to this bar is a bit of a trek up the many flights of stairs, past an eclectic mix of salons and shops. However once you make it to the top, you’ll find one of Melbourne’s best-hidden secrets: a fantastic rooftop bar and open-air cinema with unbeatable views if the CBD.

Are you interested in checking any of these places out? And more importantly, do you have any other favourite bars in the CBD? Share your thoughts in the comments below or feel free to get in touch. More Melbourne related suggestions for the CBD and beyond coming soon.

5 Of My Favourite Spots In Canggu

It’s easy to see why so many backpackers in Bali fall in love with Canggu. Consisting of just three main roads and surrounded by rice paddies, Canggu is a little hippie oasis nestled on the coast in Bali. It’s filled with chilled beach bars and a seemingly endless choice of holistic style cafes and restaurants, each equally as good as the last.

After being in Australia for the last few months on my working holiday, I was excited to fly to Bali to meet my friends from home for a five-week backpacking trip. We didn’t know much about Indonesia but we decided to choose Canggu as the starting point for our backpacking trip as we’d heard such great things about it. I know so many backpackers get stuck in this little town, however, it was important for us to pack as much into our Indonesia trip as possible so we were just there for a few days in total.

If you too are planning a trip to Bali and have a few days to spend in Canggu, here are 5 places that you have to check out.

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Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple is a must do when visiting Canggu. It’s a stunning ancient Hindu temple that’s built on a rock jutting out into the ocean and it really is one of the most spiritual and romantic places that I’ve visited.

The best way to get there is by local taxi or online taxi such as Go-Jek or Grab (which is cheaper). If you want to save the hassle, try negotiating a price with your driver so that they wait for you while you explore the temple and then drive you back. A reasonable price is around 100,000 an hour (around £5).

Crate Cafe

When it comes to good food, sticking out can be hard in a place like Canggu; Crate Cafe has got it nailed. Featuring an extensive breakfast and lunch menu with everything from brunch classics to buddha bowls on offer, Crate never disappoints. What’s more, the prices are considerably cheaper than other places in town and the cafe’s open space layout means it’s the ideal spot to get chatting to other travellers.

Matcha Cafe

Matcha cafe was another breakfast spot that I really loved in Canggu. It’s a really chilled spot to spend an hour or so and they serve some of the best smoothie bowls around.

The Beach Parties

For such a chilled place, Canggu has a pretty crazy nightlife. There are loads of chilled beach bars to choose from but the most popular place to start the evening off is at Old Man’s Bar. It’s a nice place to watch the sunset earlier on and it gets packed later on into the night. After it closes, the party tends to spill out on to the beach until the early hours of the morning.

The Sunset from La Brisa

La Brisa was by far one of my favourite beach bars in Canggu. This beach bar has a fantastic vibe with unparalleled views of the ocean and a large selection of drinks and food to choose from. It’s the nicest place to spend a chilled day soaking up the sun and there is no minimum spend price so it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Just be sure to make it until the sunset- it’s spectacular.

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Do you have any more questions about things to do in Canggu? Or questions about 20 something travel in Bali in general? Feel free to drop me a message here and remember to sign up via email to receive more travel tips.

Melbourne: Favourites Of The Week

Sakuratte, brunch at Operator 25, Australian Footy and cheap eats at Dodee Paidang

The week is fast approaching that I was set to end my working holiday in Australia, leave Melbourne and head back home. However, I have a surprise for you- I am leaving to travel around Asia for a few weeks with my best friends from home but then, guess what- I’m coming back to Melbourne.

This recent turn in events wasn’t actually an easy decision to come to. Staying here means that I won’t get to see my friends and family for that bit longer and it means that I’m swapping a warm summer in the UK for a cold Australian winter. However, when it came down to it- I’m having way too much fun in Melbourne to go home and quite simply, I’m not done here yet.

Anyway, my upcoming trip to Asia brings the chance to take a break from working, an opportunity share my adventures with you guys on the blog and then a fresh new start when I return to Melbourne mid-July. So, in the meantime, I’ve been soaking up as much of my favourite Australian city as I can and I wanted to share a few of my latest discoveries with you guys. So here we go.

Brunch at Operator 25

Last week, my friend and I decided to spend a hungover day like all true Melburnians do- by going for brunch. We decided to check out one of the city’s favourite brunch spots, Operator 25.

This quirky cafe is housed in Melbourne’s first phone switchboard and it has an eclectic menu with everything from peanut butter caramel french toast to a Japenese octopus omelette on the menu- so Melbourne, I know. I went for the Matcha and Avocado smoothie bowl and my friend for the pulled pork benedict. Both of which were good and very aesthetically pleasing.

Thai Food on a budget at Dodee Paidang

Another foodie outing I took last week was to Dodee Paidang- a budget Thai eatery housed in an underground basement and that’s repeatedly hailed as one of Melbourne’s best cheap eats. I got here for an early lunch by myself but there was already a queue- looks like it’s a favourite with office workers on their lunch breaks. However, once I sat down my Pad See Ew came almost right away and I was in and out in about 30 minutes. What’s more, lunch only set me back $10.

Japenese Sakuratte at Little Rogue

Next, I went to one of my favourite Melbourne coffee shops: Little Rogue. I usually come to this cute little cafe for their delicious matcha lattes but last week I decided to try something different and ordered the Sakuratte.

If you’re wondering what I’m talking about- a Sakuratte is a milky drink made out of Japenese Sakura Cherry blossom. The drink comes with the blossom syrup drizzled in it which you then have to mix, turning the drink a greyish colour. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I really liked the subtle sweet taste of the drink and it was a really enjoyable caffeine alternative.

Experiencing my first Australian Footy match

You’ll be surprised to hear that my last big Melbourne experience of the week was not food related (well not entirely). I finally made it to an Australian footy match. This had been on my Melbourne bucket list for a while so I was really excited.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this unique Australian sport- let me try and enlighten you. Footie is a contact sport that’s played on an oval-shaped field between two teams of eighteen players. Points are scored by kicking the oval ball between the goal posts (which are essentially large poles with no net). You get six points for a goal. You can also score a behind in between the back posts (worth one point). The team with the highest number of points at the end of the game wins. What’s interesting is how much of a hybrid between football and rugby this game is- with contact between players and handballing allowed.

I was lucky enough to watch the game at the MCG- Melbournes most impressive stadium, where the atmosphere was insane. I also got myself a meat pie with ketchup on top and a cider- neither of which are my favourite things but I was advised this was how the Australians do it- All for the cultural enrichment, right?

Living and working in a city like Melbourne is so much fun and getting to explore this city slowly is one of the many benefits of doing a working holiday in Australia. Do you have any questions about life on working holiday or suggestions for things to do in Melbourne? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Melbourne In 48 Hours: A 20-Something’s Travel Guide

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I’d go as far as to say that Melbourne is my favourite city ever. Yes, even out of the grandeur of New York, the glamour of Paris and the chaoticness of Hanoi, there’s just something about this Australian city that ticks all the boxes for me.

After living and working here now for six months on my Working Holiday, I can vouch for the fact that two days isn’t nearly enough time to spend in Melbourne- I mean, in my opinion, half a year hasn’t been enough. However, if you’re only visiting for a long weekend, let me take the research and getting lost out of your Melbourne city break for you.

So, with everything from rooftop bars to street art and markets to choose from, it’s time to start exploring. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Melbourne.

Friday Night

Eat dumplings in Chinatown for under $10

You touch down in Melbourne on a Friday night and there can only be one thing on the agenda: drinks. Well, food then drinks. First stop should be Chinatown which is primarily located on the eastern end of Little Bourke Street. There are loads of places to pick up a cheap, quick dinner here especially when it comes to a Melbournian favourite-dumplings.

See the city from a hidden rooftop bar

As you’re in the area, next head to the Rooftop bar on Swanston street. This fab bar is located in an unassuming building but it has great views once you get to the top, and it even doubles up as a rooftop cinema. My advice? Go for the Aperol Spritzes which are only an affordable $12.

If you fancy carrying on drinking, there are loads of great bars in the city. A few of my favourites are the Carlton Club rooftop, Garden State Hotel and Whitehart Bar.

Go ‘out out’ in Chapel Street

There are so many options when it comes to going out in Melbourne but for 20-somethings, Chapel Street is a firm favourite. You can get there by tram, or even easier by Uber, and there are loads of clubs and bars to choose from such as Lucky Coq and Melbourne Institution, Revs.

Saturday

I hope you didn’t get too wasted last night because there’s a lot to explore.

Stop by Flinders Street Station

To orientate yourself, head to the architectural beautiful Flinders Street Station, the centre of the city.

Treat yourself to Brunch in Degraves Street or Centre Place

From here cross over Flinders Street and explore two of Melbourne’s best Laneway’s, Degraves Street and Centre Place. There are loads of cafes and brunch restaurants here so it’s the best place to fuel up for the day. Melbourne is famous for its coffee so don’t forget to order a Flat White while in the city.

Stop by Melbourne’s Victorian tea rooms in the Block Arcade

The next laneway up from Centre Place is Block Arcade. This beautiful arcade was build in the Victorian era and it gets its name after an old tradition that locals used to do before a football match, in which the men would ‘walk the block’ in one direction and the women in the other.

Make sure that you schedule some time to stop off at the Block Arcade’s Victorian Hopetoun Tea Rooms for cake at some point in your trip.

Enjoy Melbourne’s Famous Street Art

After this, it’s time to see one of the things Melbourne is most known for- street art. There is so much great street art around the city but the best laneways to spot it in are Hozier Lane and AC/DC Lane. Unlike in a lot of cities, in Melbourne, most of the street art is done by licensed graffiti artists meaning that the quality of work is very high. Because of this the streets kind of double up like an ever-changing art exhibition as new graffiti is added on top of the old constantly.

Walk to the Botanic Gardens

Now it’s time to relax so pick up some lunch and head back to Flinders Street Station. From here you can cross over the river and walk along it until you reach the Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens are by far tone of the most beautiful green spaces in Melbourne to relax and enjoy the sun.

See the city skyline for free at the Shrine of Remembrance

When you’re done, cross over the road and stop by The Shrine of Remembrance for fantastic views of the city skyline. Then you can hop on the tram back to Federation Square/ Flinders Street Station.

Make it to Southbank for happy hour drinks

For the early evening, you have to head to Southbank for drinks. There are so many great bars here to choose from, with lots of them offering happy hours, so if it’s cocktails that you’re after then that’s the best bet. My favourite one is the Arbory Afloat, although this is only up in the warmer months, as well as Pony Fish Island.

Stop by Lygon Street for Melbourne’s best Italian food

When it comes to dinner, you have to go to Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne’s Little Italy. DOC PIzzeria boasts the best pizza in the city and it even has it’s own mozzarella bar however bear in mind that it’s only open for dinner. Other popular establishments on Lygon Street include Pidapipo for Melbourne’s best gelato and Brunetti, the best cakes.

Finish off at the Eureka tower for panoramic city views

If you’re still itching to see more of the city, head up to the Eureka Tower observation deck for views over the whole city.

Sunday

Spend some money at the Queen Victoria Market

Sunday Mornings are made to spent at The Queen Victoria Market. Open 5 days a week, and also once weekly in the evening for the night market, the market is a Melbourne institution for foodies with everything from Turkish boreks, artisan chocolate, fresh fruit and all kind of nic nacks available. The market is great any day of the week but it stays open longer on a Sunday and has a lot more going on such as live music and giveaways.

Admire the State Library of Victoria

As you’re at that end of town, walk over to Lonsdale Steet and stop by the State Library of Victoria, one of the most beautiful libraries around.

Relax on the beach at St Kilda

No trip to Melbourne is complete without visiting the beach so from here hop on the tram to St Kilda. Melbourne’s most popular beach area, St Kilda boasts a long sandy beach, the historic Luna Park fairground and plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to keep you entertained.

Treat yourself to a boozy brunch

Sundays are made for bottomless brunch and there are so many places along the beach esplanade or on nearby Ackland Street to choose from.

Or admire the art at The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

If the weather’s not good, then alternatively head to the NGV gallery and spend a few hours wandering around and enjoying the exhibitions there.

Useful things to know

Getting around

Melbourne’s city centre is very walkable and there are free trams in the city centre. If you want to get the tram further out of the city to places such as Lygon Street or St Kilda then you need to purchase a MYKI. You can get these from Seven Eleven, the train stations or alternatively just use the mobile app. Then once you’ve loaded this up, just tap on when you get on the tram.
City Mapper and the PTV app are both useful apps when it comes to public transport.
If you need internet then you can use the free Vic wifi which works in most of the CBD. Melbourne’s CBD follows a grid structure so it’s fairly easy to orientate yourself.

Melbourne Hacks

There’s always another event or festival going on in Melbourne so if you want to be in the know, be sure to follow both Timeout and Concrete Playground on Facebook and Twitter.
If you want to find happy hours, then you need the app, the Happiest Hour.
The weather in Melbourne is changeable so bring layers and an umbrella.

More things to do

There’s so much to do in the areas outside of the CBD. If you have time then places such as Brunswick, South Melbourne and Fitzroy are all worth exploring.
Popular day trips from Melbourne include: The Great Ocean Road, The Grampians, Wine tasting in the Yarra Valley, Sorrento and Philip Island.

I hope that you have plenty of Melbourne related inspiration to help plan your city break. If you have any more Melbourne related questions then don’t hesitate to drop me a message or leave a comment below.