Believe it or not, if you drive far enough from the city, the Yarra River is a beautiful place to spend a Summer's day swimming. Warrandyte is a haven of shady gumtrees, flowing rapids, and rocks to perch yourself on while the water rushes past. Bring beers, but esky optional - the water is cool enough to keep them chilled all day.

Each evening at dusk, thousands of bats fly from the park to feed on fruit trees all over Melbourne, in what seems like an endless stream. It's an incredible display by nature in a city environment.

The Chapel Street Bazaar is a vintage wonderland. Over 70 stalls densely packed with finely selected vintage treasures. Full of everything you really want and nothing you really need. It’s a great place to take a stroll back through time and for gathering inspiration.

Serves two of my favourite things in awesome amounts of excess. Platters of fried chicken (the best one is coated in chilli sauce) accompanied with barrels of house beer.

My favourite commercial gallery in Melbourne, Utopian Slumps represents a group of early to mid career Australian and New Zealand artists. Exhibitions are always intriguing and the opening nights are great for people watching.