Melbourne is renowned for its Street Art and Graffiti. It's rare to see a lane way in the city with blank walls. Stencils, paste ups, stickers, grafs, little sculptures, anything goes really. I like walking through the city lane ways discovering new pieces. Especially where I least expect to find something. Occasionally I add something of my own.

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.

Free lectures held in a cosy bars around Melbourne's inner north. This wonderful organisation runs weekly courses on a range of topics, purely for the pursuit of knowledge. The perfect antidote for a post-grad like myself who often misses lectures and class discussions. Uni with a glass of red wine - yes please.

Communal benches & an open kitchen create a buzzy setting for Asian-inspired cuisine.

Mr Kitly is a shop and gallery specialising in ceramics, books, plants and textiles. Much of the stock is from Japan, and everything makes you want to weep because it's so charming and pretty. The hanging plants are amazingly affordable too.