Take it from a woman who knows: a facial at the Sanctuary Day Spa (preceded by a steam and a swim) is one quality treatment and an hour of sheer bliss.
Saturday Evening: Dinner at Italy 1
27 George Parade, Melbourne 300 t 03.9654.4430
italy1
Located on a narrow lane off Collins Street, this favorite of the culinary elite is intimate, dimly, and warm. In a true testament to Italy 1’s quality—and longevity—I have only good memories of the locale, despite having dined there with a variety of ex-boyfriends.
Sunday Morning: Power Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens (“the Tan”)
This three-kilometer circuit—home to sweeping lakes and lawns, heritage walks, and more than 350 species of plants—covers Melbourne’s most precious environment.
Sunday at Noon: Brunch at the Botanical
169 Domain Rd, South Yarra 3141 t 03.9820.7888
Running almost parallel to the Royal Botanic Gardens is a très slick restaurant of the same name. The Botanical—winner of the prestigious Best Wine List 2005 award—offers a charming brunch menu, including fresh juices and hot rhubarb porridge.
Sunday Afternoon: Federation Square
Federation Square, located in the heart of Melbourne, is a tribute to one hundred years of Australian history. Standing proud between the Yarra River and Spencer Street Station, you can’t miss it. Check out the Ian Potter Center, which houses a comprehensive collection of Australian art; the square is also home to twenty restaurants, cafés, and bars. You can find more good shops and restaurants in Southbank, just across the bridge.
Museum buffs should make time for the nearby National Gallery of Victoria, which routinely exhibits major works (ngv.vic.gov.au). If sport is more you’re thing, well, Melbourne has it all! The city hosts the Australian Tennis Open every January, the Australian Football final in September, and in October 2009 the World Masters Games.
General Information
Arriving
Quantas Airways flies daily from major hubs, including Los Angeles, London, and Hong Kong.
Getting Around
Melbourne is easy to navigate. The tram system runs through the city, from South Yarra to St Kilda. Taxis are easy to flag down, and are reasonably priced. (Although compared to London and Washington, D.C., I guess any cab is reasonable!)
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