Couples escape: Melbourne and beyond 

Time for a spontaneous weekend getaway, minus the kid(s)? Reconnect and rediscover Melbourne this summer. Attend exclusive major events and linger over romantic meals in the light of the playful summer sun. Breakfast alfresco, poke around artisanal markets, explore fun festivals, and end the day with drinks and dinner at award-winning bars and restaurants. Sleep well, rise rejuvenated and do it all over again. Experience the best of a Melbourne summer.

Friday night

Kick off with a tipple at hatted Russell Street wine bar Embla, before immersing yourself in fine Italian fare at the elegant Grill Americano in Flinders Lane, the latest venture from feted restaurateur Chris Lucas.

Saturday

Begin your day with a hearty brekkie at one of Melbourne's best cafes, Higher Ground, a three-minute walk from Southern Cross Station.

From flagship stores to Collins Street boutiques and vintage basement bazaars, breeze through Melbourne’s arcades and laneways on a retail spree. Or rent a bike and notch up some leisurely kms, on e-bikes or tandems, along one the Yarra’s top bike paths.

Dinner for two? Check out La Madonna, a glitzy eatery with a menu of decadent flavours, or Farmer's Daughters' homage to fresh, regional produce – a venue lavishly spread over three storeys with rooftop bar views. Adjacent to the famed theatre district, both are a perfect pitstop for pre-show drinks or dinner ahead of taking in a blockbuster stage show such as & Juliet or Phantom of the Opera.

Or, venture nearby to beloved inner-city neighbourhoods and experience Melbourne from a local's perspective. Fuel up with a hot beverage from Market Lane Coffee at Queen Victoria Market before hopping on the 96 tram.

Alight in Fitzroy and linger over a delicious brekkie in the kitschy comfort of Archie’s All Day. Spend the afternoon perusing the stalls at the Rose Street Artists Market, where you can pick up an artisanal trinket or two.

Savour expert wining and dining at King and Godfree or the Carlton Wine Room and end the night with a rooftop nightcap at Johnny's Green Room as you watch the sun set over the city.

Sunday

Head to the NGV International to view the fashion-tastic exhibition Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse, celebrating the incredible body of work of one of the most iconic and controversial designers of the modern era.

Seek out more city discoveries and learn about Melbourne’s hidden laneways with local artists on Blender Studios' CBD Street Art Tour, or dial it down and relax in the summer sun on an instaworthy picnic with AmazingCo.

Pop in to Big Esso by Mabu Mabu in the heart of Federation Square, to soak up the contemporary Indigenous culture. Dine alfresco and watch the world go by as you immerse yourself in a seasonal menu that heroes native Australian ingredients.

Dine into the night with some Latin American flair at laneway restaurant Pastuso, for your fill of Peruvian grill, ceviche, street food and traditional desserts.

Extra day

Taking a long weekend? Hop on the ferry from Docklands to Portarlington. Sample the best of the Bellarine Peninsula during an epicurean day trip, filled with wine, cider, food and fun.