If you’re a wine lover visiting Melbourne, you simply must take a tour of the Yarra Valley vineyards, and the Yarra Valley Wine Experience is easily the best way to get there - there are no maps or hire cars to worry about - all you need to do is eat and drink, and possibly sleep on the way home! The guided tour leaves from several departure points in the Melbourne CBD, and includes all transport, tours of Domaine Chandon, Yering Station and Rochford’s Winery, tastings at each winery, and lunch at the famous Rochford’s Winery Restaurant (they even offer a vegetarian lunch!). This is a fantastic way to see the Yarra Valley!

» Bookings are essential - more information here

Bizzarr Beads is a unique interactive shopping experience offering customers an interesting range of purchasing options. Choose from a range of fabulous ready-to-wear jewellery pieces or have Bizzarr Beads custom-make your special creation to your own design and colour choice. If you’re making your own jewellery you might like to work at the workbenches in the store. You can borrow tools and accessories to help with your own special creation and Bizzarr Beads staff are available to help. Additionally, Bizzarr Beads manufacture formal accessories including tiaras, necklaces and earrings. They offer beads from around the world including sparkling Czech glass beads and colourful Indian glass beads, as well as a range of wire, leather, chain, elastic and jewellery findings.

Bizzarr Beads : 285 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Website : www.bizzarrbeads.com.au
Phone : (03) 9663 8662

John Fluevog is an independent designer and retailer of forward-thinking footwear. Since 1970 he has been steadfast in creating unique soles for unique souls that have been seen everywhere from the feet of Madonna and the Scissor Sisters to the runways of high fashion.

Fluevog : 124 Greville Street, Prahran
Website : www.soledevotion.com.au
Phone : (03) 9510 6844

The Paperback Bookshop is literally stacked to the ceiling with books, and stocks an extensive selection of new release and backlist titles, particularly fiction, Australian non fiction, history, poetry, classics, music books, cultural studies and travel. This is one of Melbourne’s hidden bookstore treasures.

The Paperback Bookshop : 60 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Website : www.paperbackbooks.com.au
Phone : (03) 9662 1396

Apartment 401 is a unique and stylish Melbourne apartment enjoying a premier CBD location in the historic Majorca House Building. Perfect for art lovers, foodies and shoppers - Apartment 401 overlooks the bohemian Flinders Lane and Degraves Street precinct.

Apartment 401 : Majorca Building, 258 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Website : www.apartment401.com.au
Phone : (03) 9428 8104

The Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is an dining experience like no other - not only a culinary delight featuring traditional silver and white linen service, but also a journey into a little piece of Melbourne’s past. As the classic 1927 tram cruises the scenic streets of Melbourne, diners can view the sites of Melbourne, enjoy fine cuisine and the best Australian wines - a truly Melbourne experience! The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant operates three tramcars with only 36 seats on each - so it’s highly recommended to book ahead online.

» Book online

Bellini is located in the heart of the corporate district, on the corner of Queen street and little Collins street in the ANZ HQ building. With flair and imagination, Bellini’s cafe/brasserie provides modern Australian cuisine using fresh local produce, combined with the exotic flavours inspired from around the world. The a la carte mezzanine dining room offers a variety of provincial style pastas, risottos, seafood and choices of meat dishes to cater for all tastes. This is one of Melbournes best little hideaways where you can relax and dine while the city’s hustle and bustle goes by. Both the cafe/brasserie and mezzanine dining room are also popular for functions such as cocktail parties, corporate meetings, conventions as well as family gatherings.

Bellini : 100 Queen Street, Melbourne
Website : www.bellinicaferestaurant.com.au
Phone : (03) 9670 8585

Tucked away in Campbell Arcade, underneath bustling Flinders Street, The Cats Meow has been making itself cozy since 2002 when Karen Bjornenak and Kylie Golsby-Smith first set up shop with their two labels, Kylie’s namesake Kylie-Jane, and Karen’s Berserk Clothing. Today, the independent clothing store has expanded to include around twenty other fashion, accessory and textile designers from Melbourne and Australia. Ranging from one-off original pieces, to practical everyday fashions, the garments and accessories from The Cats Meow always offer something a little bit different from the ordinary, and customers have come to expect attention to detail, originality and ‘real girl’ sizing. Because Karen and Kylie support independent businesses that care about quality and about people, The Cats Meow only stocks garments and accessories designed and made in Australia using registered companies and workers. This more hands-on approach to clothing design means production runs are small and stock arrives weekly so there is always a reason to venture underground!

The Cats Meow : Shop 9, Campbell Arcarde, Degraves St Subway, Melbourne.
Website : www.thecatsmeow.com.au
Phone : (03) 9654 3011

Tomodachi is famous for its modern Japanese cuisine, and is the location of Melbourne’s best sushi train. The food is fresh, fun and family friendly. You can watch expert sushi chefs prepare an amazing array of tantalizing dishes right in front of you – very fresh and very fast! The extensive a la carte menu boasts the best in Teriyaki, Katsu, Okonomiyaki dishes and Bento boxes. You can even watch the signature Sukiyaki or Shabu Shabu main meals being cooked at your table.

To accompany your meal, choose from an impressive selection of premium sakes, Japanese beers, and the house specialty, Japanese plum wine. Tomodachi is also family friendly – ask the staff for recommendations for children or book the restaurant for private functions. Catering can also be arranged.

Tomodachi : Melbourne Central Level 3, cnr. Swanston and La Trobe Streets
Website : www.tomodachimelbournecentral.com
Phone : (03) 9663 1940

Behind a sliding glass door tucked away on Collins Street lies a little piece of heaven on earth. The gorgeous beauty therapy salon and luxurious treatments make a visit to Pink Buddha a perfect retreat, to be totally revitalised. Pink Buddha offer all beauty services specialising in skin care, with their signature facial treatments and peels.

Pink Buddha : Level 2, 252 Collins Street, Melbourne
Website : www.pinkbuddha.com.au
Phone : (03) 9663 9660