Monday
9am- 2pm- Chadstone Shopping Centre- Is a newly opened shopping centre, over 400 places to shop and eat, there is no way you can miss out on visiting this place! Plus there is the added incentive that any interstate or overseas visitors- collect free visitor passport at one of the customer service desks for discounts of up to nearly 30%! Chadstone is only 12 minutes from Melbourne CBD on Citylink.
3pm-5pm- Windsor Hotel for High Tea. The Windsor Hotel is an exquisite hotel on 111 Spring St. Every afternoon between 3pm and 5pm, warm scones, jam and cream, exquisite pastries, and finger sandwiches and served. On arrival you receive a flute of Rose, and as much tea and coffee afterwards as you wish. $45 pp, bookings advised.
7 pm- MoVida- Is a delicious tapas restaurant on 1 Hosier Lane. Described by Australian Gourmet Traveler as, “[...] the best Spanish restaurant in the country”. Open daily 12pm- late, dinner bookings essential and it is suggested you book well in advance on (03) 9663 3038.
Tuesday
Morning- Shopping in the city- We recommend visiting the Burke St arcade, Myer and David Jones (especially the cosmetic halls) and a store called Bison on Little Collins Street (they have great handmade ceramics and some fantastic home wares).
Late lunch- GPO Café - situated on the verandah of the GPO arcade.
Afternoon- Browse the GPO- bounded by Bourke St Mall, Elizabeth and Little Bourke Streets. You will also enjoy just admiring the amazing architecture here. Mandarina Duck, Mimco, Camper, Veronika Maine, Wayne Cooper and Zimmermann are just some of the amazing shops on offer.
Dinner- Journal Canteen is a fantastic Italian restaurant located at Shop 1, Level 1, 253 Flinders Lane. Phone (03) 9650 4399 to book a table.
Wednesday
Morning- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Visit the Dali exhibition (on until Oct. 4) 10 am- 9pm, closed Tuesday.
Lunch- Persimmon Cafe/ Bistro set in NBV's Grollo Equiset Garden. Open 11 am - 4pm daily.
After Lunch- Browse the gallery's great gift shop.
Afternoon Tea- Lindt Chocolat Café on 271 Collins Street is definitely worth a visit, especially for the chocoholics amongst us! They serve everything from chocolates, cakes, ice-cream to indulgent hot chocolates. Is sure to address those flagging mid afternoon sugar levels!
Dinner- Palette is in QV Square, Shop 20, Swanston St (Cnr Lonsdale St) and is a great place for flavoursome and vibrant Italian food and wine. Call (03) 9663 3797 for bookings. Open 6pm - 10 pm daily.
Thursday
All Day- Warehouse/ Factory outlet shopping tours. Take you on a bus to various factory outlets around Melbourne. A bargain hunter's delight!
Dinner- Red Emperor on 3 Southgate Ave, Southbank, has great Chinese cuisine. If you are stuck for what to order, I would recommend the Yum Cha. For bookings call (03) 9699 4170. Open 6pm - 11.30 pm daily.
Friday
Morning- Wander around the Royal Botanic Gardens, and pay a visit to their gift shop, The Gardens Shop, which is open 9.30 am- 5pm daily.
Lunch- The Terrace which is located in the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Open at 9 am - 5 pm.
Afternoon- Take a trip to Chapel Street where you will find the majority of the designer stores- if only to look and dream! These stores have the most beautiful window displays, and if you are lucky you may come across a celebrity or two!
Dinner- Idea restaurant in Chinatown- 146-148 Little Bourke St. Very affordable, but truly delicious Chinese cuisine. The Peking Duck and Spicy Calamari are recommended. Phone (03) 9663 8829 for bookings.
After: Visit the Chi Lounge for a few yummy cocktails after dinner- Level 1-3, 195 Little Bourke Street. This bar has a fantastic style, secret corners and extensive "book" of a drinks list -very exciting cocktails!
Saturday
Day- Pamper yourself at the exclusive and sophisticated Crown Spa. They offer a range of services for individuals or groups alike. For an appointment call (03) 9292 6182. Situated within the Crown Towers Hotel, in the Crown Casino Complex.
Dinner- NOBU Restaurant within the Crown Casino Complex, serves delicious Japanese cuisine. Open 6pm - 11pm on Saturday nights. Be sure to try one of the passionfruit and white chocolate martinis- sublime!
After- New Gold Mountain. Open 6pm - 3pm on Saturdays Level 1 & 2, 21 Liverpool Street
This place is a bit tricky to find - but well worth the trip. The only indication of this great little bar is a bicycle hung above the door, and a big 21 on the door. It looks like someone's house, but venture up the stairs, past the black and white photos and take a possie in front of the roaring fire. Then choose a decadent drink of your choice and don't forget to look up, this place is decorated floor to ceiling!
Later- Return to the hotel, but not before visiting the food hall at the Crown Casino- which consists of a number of fast food outlets including KFC, MacDonald’s, Krispy Kreme, and Shark Fin. Open to the early hours of the morning to satisfy any late night munchies!
Sunday
10.30- noon- Wander down to Southgate for brunch at BearBrass. Open from 9 am on Sunday, and serves breakfast until 11.30 am. Great coffee and view of the Yarra River. Located at Shop GR3A, River Level, Southgate.
Noon- 3pm- Wander around the Sunday Markets spread along Southbank and the forecourt of the Victorian Arts Centre. Here there are some amazing handmade hats, jewellery and wrought iron works. Also visit the Queen Victoria Market on the corner of Elizabeth & Victoria Streets. There is an amazing variety of fresh produce, great fruit and vegetables, cheese and breads on sale throughout the week. On Sundays also turns into a general goods market with just about everything you can imagine!
Dinner- Maze- the newly opened Gordon Ramsey Restaurant within the Crown Casino Complex.
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