Gertrude Street is in the inner northern suburb of Fitzroy, Melbourne. In just one strip, you'll find bars, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, vintage wares, costume hire and old-school pubs. It's an inspiring, quiet and interesting experience just out of the city centre. Overall a great place to spend the day.

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.

La Paloma is my local, my regular stop for coffee and tortilla. The atmosphere is unpretentious and the handwritten menu is simple, fresh and delicious, featuring Argentinian empanadas, shakshuka, beans and churros.

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.

A secluded coastal town only a short road trip out of Melbourne. Nice place to wander around and go for walks up into the hills.