Visit Melbourne

Melbourne’s cafes are becoming increasingly innovate with their ingredients, catering to those who want to break their fast with fare that is fresh, flavoursome and friendly (to the animals, their bodies and the planet).

Oh, and it has to photograph well  in #foodpics. Here are 10 of the best:

Combi A stalwart of the clean eating movement, Combi has been serving up raw, vegan and superfood fare before the hipster brigade knew it existed. Since 2008, they’ve been providing the Elwood crowd – and their 62,000 Instagram followers – with some of the best fresh, tasty, healthy eating inspo going around. 1/140 Ormond Road, Elwood, +61 3 9531 0084.

Happy Place Recently opened by celeb nutritionist Lola Berry, Happy Place sits inside the South Melbourne Market, and has become immediately popular with both the market and post gym crowd. The health philosophy here goes beyond just good nutrition – be prepared to receive a flower-infused crystal with your smoothie order (it provides emotional and spiritual balance). Stall 56, South Melbourne Market, Cecil St, South Melbourne, +61 402 503 969.

Heal.thy Self Co. This cleverly named café focuses on free range, organic and fair trade dishes, with lots of options for those avoiding gluten or animal products. The superfood bowls bring traditional dinner vegetables to breakfast and lunch, while sweet tooths will be satisfied by their range of raw treats and smoothies. 26 Ballarat St, Yarraville, +61 431 300 984.

Hunters’ Roots Hunters’ Roots provides diners with a clean-eating experience, serving cold-pressed juice, smoothies, and healthy breakfast and lunch options along with healthy sweet treats. The timber-clad décor makes the interior just as light and clean as the food served. 26 Katherine Place, Melbourne, +61 3 9629 9587.

Matcha Mylkbar The hottest name on Melbourne’s clean eating scene is definitely Matcha Mylkbar. Diners happy to wait up to two hours for a table are rewarded with Instagram-worthy vegan dishes that taste as good as they look. Aside from being plant-based, many dishes also have matcha (green tea) incorporated into their ingredients, making their dishes that bit healthier – and turning them a beautiful emerald hue. Regular visitors know that the beetroot and mushroom lattes are nowhere near as scary as they sound. 72A Acland St, St Kilda, +61 3 9534 1111.

Nutrition Bar The philosophy is in the name, with Nutrition Bar having a strong focus on clean ingredients – smoothies are their specialty, with protein bowls coming a close second. And for those who want to treat themselves, but still remain virtuous, there are raw treats such as snickers and bounty bars. 121 Swan Street, Richmond, VIC, +61 3 9995 4329.

Raw Trader At Raw Trader, acai bowls and green juices sit alongside caramel slice, black forest cake and blueberry cheesecake, but these are desserts with a difference. This tucked away café specialises in treats that are organic, raw, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten free, dairy free and sugar free. And even with all the ‘naughties’ being taken out, the results are delicious – being good for you is a bonus. 10 Sutherland Street, Melbourne, +61 4 78 692 008.

Seratonin Dealer A café that promises happiness? That’s exactly what’s on the menu at Seratonin Dealer, where the food and drinks on offer are designed to release serotonin – a chemical responsible for maintaining mood balance. The “positive pancakes” the basis for which is flour made from ground bananas. As well as being good for you, the café’s dishes are gorgeously Instagrammable. 52 Madden Grove, Burnley, +61 3 9428 8256.

Seedling Café This busy city health spot specialises in nutrient-dense, paleo, refined-sugar free, clean food. Those who like their food free of gluten and animal products, are also well catered for. Think super food smoothie bowls and salads, vegan and/or paleo soups (just like the cavemen used to make), chia puddings, smoothies, golden lattes, and grass-fed butter lattes, and you’re on the right track. 275 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Shokuiku You know a venue is serious about clean eating when their menu is entirely raw. And when you can name a trending health food (even the more obscure ones) and it’s on the menu. And Shokuiku has them all. In fact, in their Ultimate Smoothie, they’re combined into one smoothie – albeit it with a $25 price tag: coconut water, coconut meat, berries, hemp, cacao nibs, goji berry, ashwagandha, astragalus, MSM, camu camu, fulvic acid, reishi, maca, marine phytoplankton, mega hydrate, vanilla, and lakanto. Phew. 120 High Street, Northcote, + 61 403 569 019.

Take a tour Explore the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk on the hallowed arena and experience where legends play by taking a guided MCG tour!  Guided MCG tours depart regularly between 10.00am and 3.00pm daily, and take approximately 75 minutes.

Test your sporting skills at the National Sports Museum Australia’s largest collection of sporting memorabilia is on show at the National Sports Museum.   The museum features memorabilia from some of the country’s biggest heroes and highlights moments that have shaped the traditions of Australian sport. Within the museum, Game On! is an interactive gallery for all ages, where visitors can test their skills and have fun.  The National Sports Museum is open every day from 10am - 5pm.

Catch a game The MCG plays host to a range of national and international sporting events throughout the year including AFL, Cricket, Rugby and Soccer.  Come and experience all the action and excitement – on and off the field – that is One Day International cricket this December when Australia takes on New Zealand - Friday 9 December.  Get your tickets now.

Come along to Open Day A free event, MCG Open Day allows visitors to gain rare access to the famous hallowed turf of the MCG for a kick-to-kick with family and friends, as well as explore otherwise off-limits areas of the stadium, such as the player change rooms and historic MCC Long Room. Open Day attendees will also be able to visit the National Sports Museum at a significantly reduced entry price of just $5 per person, as well as enjoy a range of entertainment activities for the whole family.   MCG Open Day will take place from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Sunday 2 October.

Beyond the lively buzz of the city lies Victoria’s diverse regions. There’s many a scenic road to drive, town to explore or small village to nestle into for the evening. Give yourself time to explore and relax, there’s lots to look at, take in and visit.

Escape to the Yarra Valley for indulgent food and wine adventures, encounters with fascinating Australian wildlife, a dose of local history and some invigorating walks in stunning parks. The best part is, it’s less than an hour from Melbourne.

It’s no secret that one of the best ways to see the Yarra Valley is from above at sunrise, floating high over the vineyards in a hot air balloon. And the best way to see the neighbouring Dandenong Ranges’ lush fern glades, towering trees and eclectic villages is on Puffing Billy, Australia’s beloved steam train. Fortunately, there’s no age limit for this escapade.

It’s Ballarat’s immaculately preserved heritage backdrop that’s so enticing, but scratch the surface and you discover a thriving hub of contemporary arts, events, food and wine – just 80 minutes from Melbourne.

No visit to Ballarat is complete without a visit to Sovereign Hill open-air museum and historical park, where you can relive life during the 1850s gold rush. The gold rush is responsible for the regional centre’s magnificent architecture and wide, tree-lined boulevards. Take a self-guided heritage walk to take it all in. Alongside all the old world charm and grandeur, you’ll find excellent accommodation options, fine food and wine, stylish boutiques, and contemporary arts and culture. It truly is the best of both the past and present.

Breathe in the fresh sea air, sample local cuisine, and soak up the relaxed beachside lifestyle of the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour from Melbourne. The compact region packs in plenty of activities.

Indulge in a relaxing thermal spa and play golf on a cliff-top course. Reconnect with nature in pristine national parks, or boost your adrenaline in, on and around the water by surfing, scuba diving or bush walking. Travel alone, or book a tour and discover the peninsula’s best from knowledgeable locals. Whichever way you go, you’re bound to sample the renowned wines and gourmet delights – and feel better for it.

So you’ve decided to take the family over the ditch for a holiday. Melbourne offers a great range of experiences for the young and young at heart. From native animals to native views, historic immersive experiences  to number one sports venues. The choice is yours to make!

Swap the Melbourne city centre for a safari on the African savannah and enjoy a unique zoo experience just 30 minutes out of town at Werribee Zoo. Tick off everybody’s bucket list with a Slumber Safari sleepover, featuring dinner and drinks, a private animal encounter, night tours, a personal guide and luxury glamping. Wake up early for a sunrise like no other.

Just five minutes from Melbourne’s laneways live over 320 species of the weirdest and wonderful animal species in unrivalled natural enclosures at Melbourne Zoo. Wander past lemurs sunning themselves, venture into the Lion’s Den and be tickled by butterflies landing on the tip of your nose. You’ll feel like a kid again – with actual kids free on weekends and public holidays.

No age is too great to dissolve into giggles at the sight of the world’s smallest penguins waddling along the beach at sunset at the Phillip Island Nature Park. Watch them from the sand and along the boardwalk, then take a multimedia trip through the Antarctic Journey. As a bonus, you’re close enough to be back in Melbourne for brunch the

There’s something about seeing a city from on high that’s almost impossible to resist on the top of Eureka Sky Deck. It’s even more enticing when it’s the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck , offering breathtaking views of Melbourne and far beyond. Don’t miss The Edge, a switchable glass cube that slides out from the building – with you inside.

Get a glimpse of life in Australia’s 1850s gold rush. Named Australia’s best major tourist attraction in 2015, Sovereign Hill recreates the colour and excitement of the gold rush. By night, see the sound-and-light spectacular, ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’. You don’t even need to leave – on-site accommodation is at Sovereign Hill Hotel.

Know your sports? Then the MCG and National Sports Museum tour is a cricket swing away from the city centre. Immerse your family in sporting history, channel your best Benaud in the commentary boxes, see a 3D Shane Warne, and let your kids realise their dreams by stepping onto the hallowed turf

Melbourne is well known for its array of zoo’s and conservation centres. Some of Australia’s most loved animals including Penguins, Koalas,Kangaroos and Echidnas can be seen up close at these treasured attractions.

No age is too great to dissolve into giggles at the sight of the world’s smallest penguins waddling along the beach at sunset at the Phillip Island Nature Park. Watch them from the sand and along the boardwalk, then take a multimedia trip through the Antarctic Journey. As a bonus, you’re close enough to be back in Melbourne for brunch.

Fancy seeing the local Australian fur seal colony and Phillip Island’s rugged and spectacular coastline? The Eco Boat Tour on the Island will allow you to watch the antics of playful seals as they surround the boat, ducking their heads in and out of the water. On return, stop by the National Surfing Reserve at Cat Bay before heading back to Cowes jetty in time for the world-famous Penguin Parade.

Swap the Melbourne city centre for a safari on the African savannah and enjoy a unique zoo experience just 30 minutes out of town at Werribee Zoo. Tick off everybody’s bucket list with a Slumber Safari sleepover, featuring dinner and drinks, a private animal encounter, night tours, a personal guide and luxury glamping. Wake up early for a sunrise like no other.

Just five minutes from Melbourne’s laneways live over 320 species of the weirdest and wonderful animal species in unrivalled natural enclosures at Melbourne Zoo. Wander past lemurs sunning themselves, venture into the Lion’s Den and be tickled by butterflies landing on the tip of your nose. You’ll feel like a kid again – with actual kids free on weekends and public holidays.

Wine tour where someone else drives? Do the smart thing and let someone else do the driving to the Yarra Valley, otherwise known as Melbourne’s food and wine paradise with the Australian Wine Tour Company.

Book a private tour or join a small group and follow a wine wizard guide on an adventure to some of Victoria’s best wineries, local produce provedores and award-winning restaurants.

History and Heritage from Sydney to Melbourne Chart a course from Melbourne to Sydney on The Sydney Melbourne Heritage Drive via the nation’s capital, Canberra. Travel through historic gold rush towns, hit the greens on local golf courses and sample varietals at award-winning wineries. Venture across the Goldfields region and continue on to the mighty Murray River, home to the world’s largest fleet of paddle steamers. A trip well worth it for the scenery alone!

Relax on board with the chance of seeing a Dolphin Climb aboard the car and passenger ferry service that links the pristine waters of the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine Peninsula with the Mornington Peninsula’s wineries, with Searoad Ferries. The 40-minute journey takes you through three marine national parks, passing spectacular coastal scenery and cliff top mansions. Keep an eye out for dolphins frolicking alongside the ferry.

This small island is definitely big on fun. Animals, adventure, high-octane motor sport, cruises and fishing charters, it’s got the lot. Plan your days carefully so you don’t miss a beat.

Day 1 Kick off your Phillip Island escape at the seaside fishing village of San Remo. Arrive before midday to see the daily feeding of the pelicans at the San Remo wharf, before heading over the bridge and onto Phillip Island. Arrive on the island and go directly to Cape Woolamai – one of the state’s best surf beaches and a great place for a walk through the rugged coastal scenery. Make time to visit historic Churchill Island for a tour of the historic 1870s farm, homestead and gardens.

Have a bite to eat here, or head into Phillip Island’s main centre at Cowes for a café lunch or a pub meal by the water. Spend your afternoon eye-to-eye with the koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre, where you can see the cuddly creatures at close range from a treetop boardwalk. Wander along the beach at Rhyll and absorb the relaxed atmosphere of the esplanade. Venture into Rhyll Inlet and observe the many species of birds.

You’ll be impatient for night to fall so you can get in position for the nightly Penguin Parade, the highlight of any trip to Phillip Island. Witnessing hundreds of little penguins returning to their burrows on Summerland Beach after a day at sea is an unforgettable experience. The Penguin Parade includes tour options for any taste and budget - including self-guided general viewing and the exclusive Penguins Plus and Underground Viewing.

Day 2 Scoff a bumper breakfast at a Cowes café then head to the Nobbies Centre for the virtual Antarctic Journey tour. ‘Pat’ a penguin or ‘stroke’ a seal with the augmented reality technology.

The adventurous can climb aboard the Wild Ocean EcoBoat for a ‘fast-boat’ adventure to see the playful seals at Seal Rocks, Australia’s largest fur seal colony, as well as the explosive Nobbies blowhole and the rugged cliffs of Phillip Island’s South-West Coast. Back on land, grab some fish ‘n’ chips and spend a few lazy hours on the island’s calm north-facing beaches. Rev-heads should zoom to the world-famous Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit. Catch major events including the Moto GP and V8 Supercars or rev up on a go kart. For something different visit A Maze’N Things and challenge yourself to puzzling activities.

Take two days to really let the peninsula’s stunning location get under your skin, traveling at the slow pace that the region inspires. That’s not to say you can’t squeeze a lot in – the options are endless.

Day 1 If golf’s your game, Mornington Peninsula is your mecca. Tee off the first morning at Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Moonah Links Resort or Rosebud Country Club. Grab an after-golf ale and lunch overlooking the water at the Portsea Hotel. Toss a coin and spend your afternoon on the water or tasting the region’s finest wines. Or head onto a different course and play until the sun sets over the bay.

If you’ve chosen to splash around the water, the Peninsula’s vast coastlines are made for you. Swim alongside whiskery seals or frisky dolphins with Polperro, and snorkel with the sea dragons or dive old shipwrecks with Fish ‘n’ Ships, or take a Moonraker or Bayplay cruise to just enjoy life on the water. You can even gallop along the shore with Gunnamatta Trail Rides. Or you can save the watery antics until tomorrow,  and spend a leisurely afternoon tasting some of the region’s finest wines at Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, Eldridge Estate, Port Phillip Estate, Yabby Lake and Polperro. Try them all or stick with one or two, it’s impossible to make a bad choice. That’s probably enough for one day – and you haven’t had dinner yet. Follow your appetite to any of the world-class restaurants creating innovative meals from delectable local produce.

Day 2 Your second day is for everything you couldn’t squeeze into Day 1. Drop back a gear and discover local maritime history at Point Nepean, walk to Cape Schanck Lightstation, or roam diverse Australian landscapes at the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens’ Australian Garden. Enjoy close encounters with koalas, kangaroos and wombats at Moonlit Sanctuary. Kids of all ages will love playing hide and seek at the Enchanted Adventure Garden and enjoying the views from Arthurs Seat.

Don’t forget refreshments! Savour lunch in village eateries, or opt for a winery lunch to remember at Foxey’s Hangout, Ten Minutes by Tractor or Stillwater at Crittenden Estate. Relax even more and slip into a luxurious day spa. Try Endota at Mornington, Red Hill or at Peppers Moonah Links, the sublime Peninsula Hot Springs, or the spa retreat at Woodman Estate.

Talk about a rich history - Ballarat was established during the famous gold rush of the 1850’s.  

Day 1 Arrive in Ballarat and tuck into a hearty brunch to prepare for your journey back into the 1850s at Sovereign Hill. Saltbush Kitchen’s bush food menu will give you the taste of Ballarat. Try the iced wattleseed instead of run-of-the-mill iced coffee.

You’re now ready to tackle Sovereign Hill, though where to begin will take some deliberation. There’s real gold to be panned – and it’s ‘finders keepers’, an underground gold mine, street theatre and the opportunity to meet costumed goldfields characters. See a spectacular $150,000 gold pour and chat with skilled craftsmen at work in the blacksmith’s forge, the candle works, the wheelwright’s plant, the coachbuilder’s and the confectionery factory. Explore the gold museum and dress up the family in period costumes for a sepia snap to treasure forever.

By night, Sovereign Hill presents its spectacular, multi-million dollar sound-and-light show, ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’, the legendary story of the 1854 Eureka Uprising, a great Australian drama. It’s bound to send shivers down the spine of the whole family – in a good way. And if you still haven’t had your fill of Sovereign Hill, you can even stay the night at the Sovereign Hill Hotel. Other, more twenty-first century accommodation options include The Loft self contained cottages and the luxury Provincial Hotel.

Chances are it’s the lure of fine wines and delicious local produce or unbearably adorable local wildlife that’s drawing you to the Yarra Valley. After all, the region is known across the world for its wine and as the home of Healesville sanctuary - a bush haven for Australian wildlife. Either way, it’s easy to combine both options, and there’s plenty more besides, all conveniently close to Melbourne.

Day 1 If it’s Australia’s best pinot noir and sparkling wines you’ve come to enjoy, set out early to get in as many wineries as you can (there are over 55 in the region, 40 offering wine tastings and cellar door sales), as well as an unhurried lunch and an afternoon of indulgence.

Include the cellar door at Domaine Chandon, and, revered stalwart De Bortoli.  Where you can take lunch at the winery’s Locale restaurant. Other options include the boisterous yet scrumptious Innocent Bystander, Oakridge Wines for chef Matt Stone’s delectable dishes, Teage Ezard’s gastronomic ezard @ Levantine Hill, or TarraWarra Estate where you can combine contemporary art, fine wine and delicious food.

A stroll to a waterfall in the Yarra Ranges National Park is a good way to walk off all that indulgence. Spend the night at Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa.

And the best way to see the neighbouring Dandenong Ranges’ lushfern glades, towering trees and eclectic villages is on Puffing Billy, Australia’s beloved steam train. Fortunately, there’s no age limit for this escapade.

Day 2 Start your day at dawn floating over forests, farms, and vines in a hot air balloon before landing for a breakfast of sparkling wine and local produce at a winery.

Tall not so dark and handsome - Gotta get a selfie with these animal A-lister’s and start off your Great Southern Touring Route adventure with a bang at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Make a local surfer feel like a pro at Bells Beach – They may have put their wetsuit on backwards and not be able to make it past the shore break but everyone loves a photo opportunity and with this much surf culture everyone looks like they have stepped out of a surf mag.

Look I am picking up one of the 12 Apostles - get creative and use perspective to capture your unique interaction with Port Campbell’s very own “Rock Stars.” You may not be the first but you just might be the most creative.

You and the Gap – The Grampians are all about space and some of that space is going to be a long way below you. Climb to the top of the Pinnacle or Boroka Lookout for a safe selfie that will still terrify your mother.  

6 OF THE HOTTEST EVENTS IN MELBOURNE THIS WINTER

Art and culture are a big part of Melbourne’s soul. Winter presents itself with a fantastic line up of exhibitions, musicals and shows. A perfect excuse to dust those warm woolen coats off, enjoy a mulled wine and head out into the bright lights.

Scorsese

Australian Centre for the Moving Image, 2 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 until 18 September, 2016

Degas: A new vision

NGV International, 180 Saint Kilda Road, Southbank, Victoria, 3004 24 June -  18 September, 2016

200 years of fashion NGV Australia, Federation Square, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, until 31 July, 2016

Matilda -  The musical

Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, until 11 November, 2016

Jurassic World -  The exhibition

Carlton Gardens, Nicholson Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, until 9 October 2016

Bendigo Art Gallery and Twentieth Century Fox present Marilyn Monroe

Historic Castlemaine is a bustling town renowned for its eclectic arts scene, rich gold rush history, and growing reputation as a fine food destination. Visitors can stop by local artists’ studio to find sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, paintings and textiles; experience the village’s artistic heritage at the Theatre Royal; or  see major Australian and international art works at Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum. A number of talented chefs have recently made the move to the area, so book a table and try some of the region’s finest food coupled with exceptional local wines.

Eat

The owners of Das Kaffeehaus bring over 50 years of Austrian family tradition and skill to the art of roasting and blending to Castlemaine. This grand Viennese-style coffee house is located under the towering red-brick chimney of the newly developed old woollen mill complex, serving traditional Viennese dishes as well as a coffee menu made from their house-roasted coffee beans. 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine, +61 3 5470 6270.

Housed in the Old Fire Station, The Public Inn is a hatted restaurant serving modern European styled foods with a focus on local produce. A stylish locale with white banquettes, chesterfields and a wine barrel wall, the menu is seasonal and the wine list, excellent. 26a Templeton St, Castlemaine. + 61 3 5472 3568

The Good Table is a local hatted restaurant that offers a daily menu that celebrates seasonal produce, shared food and wine with integrity in a stunning historic building. All food is prepared in an uncomplicated manner, influenced by the regional cuisines of Europe where the ingredient is king and the food is shared. The head chef and owner of The Good Table is born and bred Castlemaine resident Alexander Perry. 233 Barker Street, Castlemaine. Tel: +61 3 5472 4400

Stay

The Newnorthern is a stunningly refurbished boutique guesthouse and function venue established by celebrated table maker, Nicholas Dattner. Filled with antiques and original artwork, this old Australian pub has been lovingly fitted out to provide a luxurious and incredibly comfortable stay for guests. 359 Barker Street, Castlemaine. Tel: +61 3 5472 3787.

Built in the late 1800s, The Empyre Hotel is a boutique luxury hotel. The moment you step into the Empyre you are surrounded by the opulence that represents the very best of the 1800’s. The Empyre is home to a discreet wine bar, The Small Bar, which is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights (or seven days a week for guests). 68 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine, +61 3 5472 5166.

Play

Castlemaine’s newest attraction The Mill is a condensed version of the town itself, with something on offer for everyone. There’s Das Kaffeehaus, the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar (40 stalls of knick-knackery, bric-a-brackery, second hand curios, retro accoutrement and handmade finery), Platform No 5  featuring upcycled wares, organic Boomtown Wines, Castlemaine Brewing Company’s Taproom Bar and Brewery, Sprout Bread, St Cloud Cakes, Ice-cream Social, Hugh Makin Furniture, Black Sheep Trades Collective and a few more. 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine.

Voted Music Victoria’s Best Regional Venue 2015, Theatre Royal hosts great live gigs, the best of independent and blockbuster cinema, special film and writer events, and fine coffee, beer, wine and cocktails. It is also the longest continuously running theatre in Australia. 30 Hargraves St, Castlemaine. Tel: +61 3 5472 1196.

Castlemaine Art Gallery & Historical Museum is housed in a magnificent heritage listed art deco building. On display are significant works of the late 1800’s by artists such as Streeton and McCubbin as well as modern and contemporary artists.  Currently on display is one of Australia’s foremost contemporary artists Bill Henson’s exhibition Bill Henson: Landscapes. 14 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine. Tel +61 3  5472 2292.