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.

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.

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.

A specialist bookshop that stocks a vast range of books relating to graphic design, photography and architecture, to name a few. Many hours (and dollars) can easily be spent here.

Milk Toast has the best muffins in Melbourne, they often sell out before 9:30am. My favourite is raspberry and chocolate if I can get one in time.