February 2012

FUNKY MELBOURNE

The Flinders Lane area is home to the city's celebrated boutique retailers, cutting-edge restaurants and quirky cafés

9am: Wake up in the historic Grand Mercure Melbourne (321 Flinders Ln, +61 (3) 9629 4088), at the epicentre of the city's trademark laneway retail and café life.

9.30am: Head to Degraves Street and Centre Place famed for the tiny bustling sidewalk cafés with dependably high-quality espresso. After breakfast, check out quaint shops like lingerie seller Elegantly Scant (6 Degraves St, +61 (3) 9654 2073) and The Little Bookroom (5 Degraves St, +61 (3) 9654 4104).

11am: Take some pictures in the famed Hosier Lane — a colourful streetscape covered in graffiti art.

11.30am: Check out the behind-the-scene operations of some well-established Aussie artists at Flinders Lane Gallery's Studio Show, 28 Feb-17 Mar 2012 (137 Flinders Ln, +61 (3) 9654 3332), including works by Claire Bridge and Christophe Stibio.

1pm: Have lunch at Federation Square overlooking iconic Melbourne landmarks. Taxi Dining Room (Transport Hotel, Federation Sq, +61 (3) 9654 8808) is much acclaimed for its fine dining Modern Australian cuisine.

2.30pm: Explore the hidden fashion boutiques of the magnificent Cathedral Arcade (37 Swanston St). Harry Wragg (Shop 7) specialises in pre-loved vintage while Alice Euphemia (Shop 6, +61 (3) 9650 4300) sells Australian designers like Sara Phillips and Batson.

5pm: From Swanston Street, take a free tour of the city on a heritage City Circle tram. The full circuit takes about an hour, but it's also worth getting off and exploring places like Bourke Street, Collins Street and the Docklands.

8pm: One of the city's best loved restaurants, Ezard (Adelphi Hotel, 187 Flinders Ln, +61 (3) 9639 6811) offers an inspiring modern menu of 'Mod Oz' dishes — a nod to the city's strong foodie culture.