A mini break in Melbourne

A couple of weeks ago I took a mini break away in Melbourne and completely feel in love with the place. There are endless things to fill your time with in Melbourne, from amazing shops to incredible food to breath taking day trips. I thought I’d share with you my favourite moments as I would recommend to anyone making them moments that they may choose when next visiting Melbourne.

My favourite FOOD moments:

Gyspey and Musquito. 382 Bridge Road, Richmond.

This is a cute little cafe with great food and coffee. They have a good selection of healthy & hearty breakfasts & lunches.

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Brunetti. 198-204 Faraday Street, Carlton.If you’re a sweet tooth, you’ll be in heaven. You name it, they make it and you won’t be sorry.

 Fonda Mexican. 248 Swan St Richmond.
Authentic Mexican that is out of this world. I’m a massive Mexican food fan & this is up there with the best I’ve ever had.

Auction Rooms. 103-107 Errol Street North Melbourne.
Best coffee I tasted in Melbourne & good quality & tasty breakfasts. Architectural funky building which is really popular so I recommend getting there early.

Moroccan Soup Bar. 183 St Georges Road Fitzroy North.

No it’s not a bar that sells soup; it’s a Moroccan banquet taste sensation. You pay per head & experience some great tasting dishes to share. The cheesy chick pea dish is the best I’ve ever eaten. They don’t take bookings and as it is very popular it’s best to get there before the 6pm open time so you don’t have to wait for a table.

My favourite DRINK moments:

Der Raum. 438 Church Street Richmond

You have to book to visit Der Raum & it is expensive ($24 + per cocktail) but it is really worth it even just to go for one drink. If you like the idea of having your own personal barman who mixes you what I think is more an experience than a drink then this is your sort of place. All drinks are served in different fancy bottles, vases & glasses & have different types of fruits & ingredients that your average bar probably wouldn’t consider using which makes these drinks truly unique.  I had a white chocolate, lavender & Malibu drink which was out of this world. 
  

Long Play. 318 St Georges Road Fitzroy North

A retro looking, quite setting were the staff are really lay back & friendly. This place is just down the road from the Moroccan Soup bar so it could be a good idea to tie them both in together on the same night.

Chokolait. 318 Little Collins Street Melbourne.

Hands down the best chocolate drinks you will ever indulge in. The drinks are made fresh to order by the chocolatiers with pure chocolate to your liking. (The chocolate % you like, the flavours, the mix in’s etc)

Issus Cafe. Degraves Lane, Melbourne

If you can handle any more chocolate this is the runner up for hot chocolate. Ask for the Italian dark hot chocolate – amazing! They also do great tasty all day breakfast and it’s a great spot for people watching which is always fun in Melbourne city.

My favourite SHOPPING moments:

The Mill Market. 105 Central Springs Rd, Daylesford.

When I walked into this place I almost died. I was in retro / antique / vintage heaven. It’s is massive and really well priced. If you are a collector or into the old stuff it’s worth the drive out to Dalysford for. Plus it’s a beautiful country town that screams romance. I wish I had more time to spend here so I really do hope to visit again soon.

Gertrude and Smith Streets Fitzroy.
These two streets are full of unique stores with one off pieces, geat home wares and hand-made clothing as well as all the retro and vintage stuff that you know I love. Make sure you visit Mulbury at 65 Smith Street.

Dangerfield. 224 Flinders Street, MelbourneMy favourite clothing store in Melbourne city for girls and guys. Great outfits and funky gifts and bits and pieces for the home.

Ugly Duckling. 194 Burnley St, Richmond.
As seen on the TV show The Block. This is the home-ware store that the 2011 contestants Jenna & Josh got a lot of there one off quirky pieces from.  

My favourite EXPLORING moments:

City – Degraves Lane.

A good little place to walk around and explore the graffiti and street art. Good spot for taking photos and some nice cafes around this area too.

Morning Peninsula.

A beautiful drive where you will discover many wineries and the famous Hot springs.
Springs Lane (formerly Devonport Drive) Fingal (Rye), Mornington Peninsula.
The hot springs were great. You can swim in multiple hot spring pools that reach up to 42’ degrees. There is also a cold plunge pool, a sauna and day spa treatments; all in a beautiful outdoor setting nestled amongst trees and stunning views. There website is worth a look - http://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/en_US/welcome.html

Daylesford.

As mentioned in the shopping section, Daylesford is a beautiful, romantic town full of antiques, gift shops, country bakeries, cafes, old fashion pubs and the lavender farm where you can sample lavender infused foods and drinks.

St Kilda.

Home of the Brighton Bathing Boxes, the beach, Luna Park, great cafes, bars and cake stores and lots of beautiful terrace homes to walk around and admire.

Well that just about sums up my favourite moments in Melbourne. I'm very much looking foward to planning my next trip down there and I recommend that you get out and explore Melbourne some time very soon too.