Melbourne: a girl's guide to the best shops, hotels and restaurants

For some of the most authentic – and utterly delicious – tapas outside of Spain, head to Movida, a local institution. Try Movida Aqui, the newest of three über-hip venues (movida.com.au)

TarraWarra Estate, with its striking architecture, is exceptional for lunch – seasonal food, lovely wine and sweeping views of the Yarra Valley (tarrawarra.com.au)

Drink

After supper make Curtin House your top priority. Cookie, on level one, is a dim cocktail bar and beer hall with fabulous décor, and the Toff in Town, on level 2, consists of train carriage-style booths – the atmosphere and drinks are divine. On a warm night head up to the rooftop bar (252 Swanston Street)

This is a city of coffee connoisseurs and you’ll struggle to find a flat white that isn’t a cup of perfection. Brother Baba Budan serves a particularly smooth roast – and has chairs all over the ceiling! (359 Little Bourke Street)

Shop

Scanlan & Theodore is a well-established Melbourne label that produces elegant, keep-for-ever pieces, such as printed silk dresses and edgy accessories (285 Little Collins Street)

For a brilliant selection of fresh Australian fashion, from designers such as Josh Goot, Sass & Bide and Dion Lee, Green with Envy is your go-to boutique (268 Flinders Lane)

Don’t miss high-street favourites Witchery and Country Road

Spa

Go for a dip in the thermal pools at Peninsula Hot Springs, on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula. The natural mineral water relaxes and revives. From £15 (peninsulahotsprings.com)

Do

Watch the sunrise over the city from a hot-air balloon. It’s a very early start, but this serene way to enjoy breathtaking views is worth it. £199 (globalballooning.com.au)

Hop on a tram to the beachside suburb of St Kilda. Try a treat from one of Acland Street’s famous cake shops or brave the old wooden rollercoaster at Luna Park

See

Gertrude Street, in boho Fitzroy, mixes grittiness with oh-so-cool boutiques, galleries and restaurants, such as Cutler & Co (cutlerandco.com.au)

Fly with

Qatar Airways flies daily from London to Melbourne, via Doha, from £833 return (qatarairways.com/uk)