Postcards Summer Series: 6 December

Coachmans Quarters
Every once in a while you find a real gem and the recently opened Coachmans Quarters is a perfect example. This charming property is an 1870 heritage protected coach house that has been stunningly transformed into a French provincial style cottage. You enter the property down a laneway behind a terrace once owned by the late legendary antique collector William Johnston and if you want a day out why not venture around the corner to where his collection of fine arts is on display.

Coachmans Quarters
88 Gipps St, East Melbourne
Ph: 03 9419 9350
www.beautifulaccommodation.com/coachmansquarters

Best Burgers
Shane checks out some of Melbournes best burgers, starting with a very posh version at The Botanical in South Yarra. They use Wagyu beef which is regarded as the best eating beef in the world along with a duck egg making the $29 experience worth every penny. For some, this next burger is practically a religious experience and people have been making the pilgrimage to Andrews Hamburgers in Albert Park since 1957 when current owner, Gregs uncle Andrew bought the joint. The burgers are big at this old school traditional burger joint. And finally, if youre looking for a high-end burger experience on a low-end budget, then head right down the road to the newly renovated Hotel Nest for their $16.50 tasty treats.

The Botanical
169 Domain Rd, South Yarra
Ph: 03 9820 7888
www.thebotanical.com.au

Hotel Nest
111 Victoria Ave Albert Park
Ph: 03 9699 9744
www.hotelnest.com.au

Andrews Hamburgers
144 Bridport St, Albert Park
Ph: 03 9690 2126

Piper St - Kyneton and Tuki Retreat
Kynetons Piper Street is an absolute treasure trove if youre looking for something out of the ordinary. This street is dotted with shop after shop of local art, antiques and home wares. Theres also a great buzz about the food with everything from designer cup cakes to wood fired pizzas. It seems local chefs have certainly raised Kynetons foodie profile. If youre looking for a place to stay then about an hours drive from Kyenton is Tuki Retreat. Located in Smeaton, these stone cottages are certainly worth a visit. Not only is there a wonderful view but inside there is a gorgeous lounge area with a cosy open fire, a master bedroom with queen size bed and a very private ensuite. Overnight accommodation at Tuki starts from $130 per night per couple.

Tuki Retreat
60 Stoney Rises Rd, Smeaton
Ph: 03 5345 6233
www.tuki.com.auor www.kyneton.org.au

Kilmany Park
For a long time Kilmany Park, which was once a boys home, has been a bit of a mystery even with the locals. But over the last 12 years its undergone a full scale restoration to bring it back to its former glory. If the Mansion doesnt really float your boat you can stay in the original farm house cottage that sleeps up to 10 people in comfort. This beautiful federation style mansion sits on 350 hectares in Sale, with the gardens providing the perfect sanctuary for those looking to unwind.

Kilmany Park Bed & Breakfast
Settlement Road, Sale
Ph: 03 5144 2345
www.kilmanypark.com.au

James Brayshaw
We watch him on The Footy Show, we hear him call the Football and we know hes Chairman of the Nth Melbourne Kangaroos. Were talking about the very busy James Brayshaw who kindly offered to show us some of his favourite spots around town recently. Apart from spending time at his precious North Melbourne, Jamess enjoys a stroll down Church St in Brighton where he takes Suzie on a tour kicking off at fresh veggie store, Crisp and Green and the best local fish and chips at Fish Tank. Next stop was one of James favourite spots for lunch in Brighton, Florentines. You can see J.B. in action every Thursday night on the ALF Footy Show.

North Melbourne Football Club
Arden St, North Melbourne
Ph: 03 8327 0300
www.kangaroos.com.au

Café Florentine
22 - 24 Church St, Brighton
Ph: 03 9593 1214
www.florentine.com.au

Crisp and Green
7 Church St, Brighton
Ph: 03 9592 6412

Fish Tank
20 Church St, Brighton
Ph: 03 9592 0697

What's On

The Suzuki Night Market
If you're looking for some late night bargains go to the Suzuki Night Market held on Wednesday's at The Queen Victoria Market over summer.
Where: Queen Victoria Market
When: 26 November - 25 February
More: Ph 03 9320 5822 or visit www.qvm.com.au

Tattersalls IDSF World Latin Championship
The city will sizzle with competitors at the World Latin Championships burning up the dance floor at Vodafone Arena all of next week. Tickets are available through Ticketek.
Where: Vodafone Arena
When: 8 - 14 December
More: Book through Ticketek 13 28 49 or visit www.ticketek.com.au

Vision Australias Carol's by Candlelight
Bring a blanket and sing carols under the stars at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Christmas Eve as part of the celebrations of this year's annual Carols by Candlelight.
Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl
When: 24 December
Ph: 1300 558 458 or visit www.carolsbycandelight.com.au