Romantic weekend - Melbourne

Description:

One of the most exquisite restaurants in Melbourne, Circa (The Prince) is the last word on a theatrical dining experience. The decor is classy, complete with leather banquettes, pink curtains and basket lights. The spectacular view of the Port Philip Bay is the icing on the cake and we haven't even come to the cuisine yet. The food is primarily eclectic with influences from the French and the Mediterranean. The entrées include everything from quail to red mullet to hold your breath, eel. Vegetarians have asparagus, sprouts, goat's cheese and more to pick from. The main course, a deliciously whipped up combination of the best meat, veggies and flavors is as inspiring. The Prince sure makes you feel like a King.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Prince is an elegant and stylish base in one of Melbourne's most sought after destinations: St Kilda. With the renowned Circa restaurant and the Aurora Spa Retreat next door, the temptation to indulge is overwhelming.

Description:

One of the signature landmarks of St Kilda, the Prince of Wales Hotel has been extensively renovated into a truly groovy venue, complete with designer cafe bar, band room, restaurant and hotel--The Prince. Epitomising style, the Prince has the right look, the right attitude and the right names behind the designs (how about a Premier Suite with a Phillipe Starck bathtub?) It is one of a chosen few hotels named in the international publication Hip Hotels of the World.

Our Local Expert Says:

TarraWarra Estate is the most visitor friendly wineries in the Yarra Valley. Set off early with an empty stomach to get the most from the café, art museum and wine tastings.

Description:

TarraWarra Estate is the simplest way to enjoy Victoria's Yarra Valley. Complete with a fine dining restaurant, museum of art and of course, an open cellar door, it's the perfect country escape.

Sit hillside in the WineBar café and let the Allen Powell's carefully crafted architecture carve the landcape views for you. Powell won the inaugural Premier's Design Award for his work on the Museum, the architecture growing seamlessly from the landscape. With a menu built to compliment the current vintage, this is no snack bar. Be prepared for a serious culinary experience and remember to book in advance.

The popular Tin Cows wine focus on vibrant fruit and pure varietal character, and are named after the permanent metal cow sculptures in the gardens. An easy hour-long drive from Melbourne, pity the designated driver who can't get stuck into the plonk. But there's plenty of non-alcoholic entertainment next door at the TarraWarra Museum of Art.

Our Local Expert Says:

Melbourne’s premiere outdoor cinema, the Moonlight Cinema makes for a cultural picnic spot. Get there early to ensure a good position.

Description:

Snuggle up to your sweetheart, or possibly a possum, for some outdoor cinema at Melbourne's Moonlight Cinemas. If the on-screen action isn't enough to capture your attention, enjoy the skyline views and the lush surrounds of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens.

An eclectic film program showcasing cult classics as well as new releases, the Moonlight Cinema is the perfect place to welcome summer with a picnic spread, some champagne, and a rented beanbag if you're ill prepared for the garden floor seating arrangement.

The sweet rose breeze definitely pushes a romantic element, but the Moonlight Cinema is also frequented by larger groups of friends, enjoying a sunset six-pack and the permission to eat noisily and whisper during films without the glare of someone in a black beret in the next row down.

Only a hop, skip and a jump from Melbourne's CBD, take the No. 8 tram from Flinders Street Station and remember your mosquito repellent. Tickets can be booked in advance or purchase at the gate.

Our Local Expert Says:

A hospitality industry haunt, the Supper Club Bar is at once charming and hip. It's the best place in Melbourne for a low key, late night drink.

Description:

Its location adjacent to the Princess Theater puts the Melbourne Supper Club in the more sophisticated side of town. Laid-back, cool and subdued, it is paradise for late night revellers wanting to relax in style. The upmarket yet welcoming decor has a wood theme complemented by deep leather couches arranged for comfortable conversations. The music is background, the patrons are discerning and demand the best in service and fine drinking. Tapas-style snacks and sweets are available. The drinks menu is simply stunning but the prices reflect the high quality.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Prince is an elegant and stylish base in one of Melbourne's most sought after destinations: St Kilda. With the renowned Circa restaurant and the Aurora Spa Retreat next door, the temptation to indulge is overwhelming.

Description:

One of the signature landmarks of St Kilda, the Prince of Wales Hotel has been extensively renovated into a truly groovy venue, complete with designer cafe bar, band room, restaurant and hotel--The Prince. Epitomising style, the Prince has the right look, the right attitude and the right names behind the designs (how about a Premier Suite with a Phillipe Starck bathtub?) It is one of a chosen few hotels named in the international publication Hip Hotels of the World.

Description:

A humble bakery has become the ultimate fashion accessory with Il Fornaio. Slick, cool interior with chrome tops and plenty of natural light inside - this bakery perfectly complements its neighbours within the newly renovated Prince of Wales complex. The freshly baked bread is great too and so is the espresso machine. As the Latin motto on the wall says 'companis' - those with whom you share bread become your friends. No need to be shy - hang around and share Il Fornaio bread with some of your friends.

Description:

Melbourne is proud of its landmark Eiffel Tower, a sight to be seen, especially at night as birds attracted by the light circle the spire. The spire sits atop the Theaters Building, comprising a series of gallery and Theater spaces. You can wander through and visit the State Theater, the George Adams Gallery and the Performing Arts Museum. There is also the Hamer Hall, a venue for major artists and the base for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. You can relax on the sloping lawns outside, where free concerts are held during summer. Admission is free unless attending a show.

Description:

Named after Mornington in Ireland, this Peninsula is Melbourne's summer playground, being just over an hour's drive from the city suburbs. The greatest draw is the cluster of Peninsula's beaches-both safe family beaches (the front beaches on Port Phillip Bay) and wilder rugged beaches (the back beaches on the ocean side). The limestone lighthouse, rugged cliffs, secluded beaches and tea tree forests of the Mornington Peninsula National Park also tempt many people. Inland are the rural towns of Red Hill, Balnarring and Langwarrin, which herald quiet dairy farms and bustling country markets. The naval establishment at HMAS Cerberus is located at another sleepy hollow, Hastings. There are plenty of accommodation options in the seaside resort towns of Frankston, Mornington, Sorrento, Portsea, Rosebud and Dromana for those wanting more than a day trip.

Our Local Expert Says:

Melbourne’s culinary experience begins at the Queen Victoria Market. Get there early in the a.m. for the freshest produce, and a naughty donut breakfast.

Description:

With no harbour to swoon over, Melbournians pride themselves on cultural pursuits; particularly the kind you can eat. Food is serious business in Melbourne, and the biggest place to shop all things delicious is the Queen Victoria Market. We're talking the usual market chop; hustling hawkers screaming gibberish about a kilo of cherries and fish mongers casting out their catch of the day, but in a city that takes its cuisine with a side of snobbery, it's refreshing (not to mention fun) to see where all the grass roots action takes place.

With endless rows of stalls pushing everything from organic fennel to trashy clip-on koala toys, the vibe is both local and touristy. Young socialites select the perfect harvati for that night's dinner party whilst backpackers flock for a cheap feed from the Bratwurst shop in the Deli Hall.

If you've bought more food than you can carry, skip a couple of aisles over to the Retail Stalls section where clothing and accessories run the show. Tourists delight in Australiana paraphernalia such as sheep skins, moccasins and 'I HEART Melbourne' t-shirts (note: under no circumstances are these to be worn in Melbourne).

Accessible by the any tram heading north from Elizabeth or William Street, and only a short stroll from Melbourne's CBD, the Queen Victoria Market is the perfect place to see real Melbournians savour their favourite past time. Go early to avoid the crowds and take a basket to fill with cheeses, sausage and pastries and savour your spoils in a picnic in the nearby Carlton Gardens.