Melbourne’s secrets in a day

Morning:
Howey Place
If you are in the market for that something special to wear, head for Howey Place. This tiny inner city laneway has established itself as a designer destination, with the most sought-after fashion labels taking up residence in the narrow pedestrian strip. Check out the colour of the Alannah Hill boutique, Bettina Liano style, and smaller designers such as Jacqui Fernandes.

Howey Place can be located off Little Collins Street between Swanston and Elizabeth streets behind the Collins 234 shopping complex from Collins Street.

Lunch:
Degraves Street
Often described as one of the city’s hotspots, Degraves Street is perfect for a lazy summer lunch, with its outdoor seating – recycled cinema seats – fresh and healthy foods, and the added bonus of value for money. The coffee at Degraves Espresso is also a feature.

Car-free, café-lined laneway with a streak of gently undulating umbrellas hiding patrons from the midday summer sun (or mid-winter drizzle).

Degraves Street can be accessed from Flinders Street or Flinders Lane in between Elizabeth and Swanston Streets.

Afternoon:
Menswear in Little Collins Street
Little Collins Street is the Italian men’s catwalk transported to Melbourne. There’s a large concentration of the latest designer fashion labels including Versace and Armani, plus local designers, including Roy. The stores are tiny, but the experience is huge.

The menswear strip of Little Collins Street is located between Swanston and Russell streets, Melbourne.

Evening:
Secret Bars
There are some bars that even Melburnians have trouble finding. Scattered throughout the city, they are tucked away in narrow lanes and alleys, behind obscure doors, or at the top or bottom of staircases. For a taste of Melbourne watering holes:

Croft Institute
21–25 Croft Alley

Robot
12 Bligh Place

Cherry
103 Flinders Lane

Canary Club
6 Melbourne Place

New Gold Mountain
Level 1, 21 Liverpool Street

Tony Starr's Kitten Club
Level 2, 267 Little Collins Street