This is like one of the Melbournian icons yet you do have to travel a little way to find it, though…read morenot too far. I'm not sure why it is so famous, though I suspect that it has something to do with it always being there. For a while it wasn't actually working, but it looks as if somebody decided that it would be a good idea to restore it, and now it basically does what it is supposed to have been doing, and that is show young girl playing skip rope. Sure, it might not be one of those fancy, modern type if images, but it does hail back to a time gone by, and continues to add that the character that is Melbourne.

So I worked on this piece of writing recently whereby I interviewed a bunch of people from…read moreAbbotsford Convent about their ghost stories from the place. There are plenty. The main kind of repeated story (four people told me independently of a similar experience) is of a sudden rush of anxiety when climbing the eastern stair well in the main convent building. The anxiety builds to a kind of terror as the people enter the nuns quarters and has forced people to avoid this part of the building altogether. I can't say I experienced this myself, but there are certainly some spooky nooks and corridors in this complex. The convent conduct a walking tour of the place on weekends and though they won't highlight the 'haunted' spots, the place has such an amazing history (from Indigenous meeting place, through the convent and girls-home years, and into its existence today as a buzzing arts and social hub) that it's well worth the few dollars. Alternatively, you can pick up a brochure from the office and take yourself to the south eastern breezeway that cuts through the former laundries of the girls home. Stay after dark... I dare ya.

If you are in need of a weekend away but can't manage it then may I suggest a visit to Abbotsford…read moreConvent? The Convent feels world away from Melbourne despite its proximity to the CBD. There is something about the spacious grounds, historical buildings and range of eateries that promotes relaxation and escape. Maybe it's just after the battle to find a parking spot in nearby streets anything feels serene in comparison. When exploring the various buildings and grounds of the Convent you feel as though you are discovering something new. Whether it be a new favourite dish, a new piece of art in the gallery spaces or a new view of the Yarra. This space is very hospitable. It hosts markets, conferences, tours and you can also book various area's of the Convent for functions. On my last visit a wedding was underway and the happy couple appeared to be in love with the location, and hopefully each other. Grab a table at the Bakery or a spot on the lawn and write me a postcard!

I'm impressed by this weekly event. We have a similar monthly event where I grew up, but the one in…read moreMelbs is every single week! You can sample various delicious foods, check out the local artwork, watch performers on the stage, or even watch a movie with some hot apple cider. There are a lot of vendors selling jewelry and clothing. I bought a very cute bracelet with custom charms and amethyst stones. I also got to try on some kimonos. Kimono stylist Sala Okabe will personally fit one for you. Just bring a smile and a camera. If you want to purchase, a kimono is only $20 -- cheaper than what I paid when I ordered mine online.

The Night Market is a mid-week cure for the winter hibernation blues. Imagine Mamak chefs…read morestretching paper-thin roti dough, young women decorating Taiwanese pancakes, and burley men pushing sugar cane through a press while touting the juice as a remedy for various ailments. The market combines food, crafts, and entertainment to brighten up the long winter nights. After you've selected a tasty treat, you can grab a seat at the pop-up cinema, check out the live music, or snap a picture with one of the roving performers. (On the night I visited one of these "performers" was a goat in an onesie. While I suspect he wasn't one of the official acts, he was the most popular.) There are plenty of hearty Melbournians out and about to create a festive atmosphere and it's not nearly as crowded as its sister, the summer Suzuki market. This makes it an easy place to meet up with friends and have a chat while browsing the stalls. Be sure to rug up! Fires and heat lamps keep the cold at bay, but it's an outdoor venue. If you're still feeling chilly, then wrap your hands around a toasty cup of mulled wine - it will warm you up inside and out!

Absolutely sign up for a guided tour to view this building. You start the tour at the museum next…read moredoor and then walk over to the Royal Exhibition Building. You get to walk in and take as many pics as you'd like. Then, you go down stairs into the basement. And then, on the way back you go up to the rooftop. The rooftop has great views of the city and surrounding areas. I took a ton of pics up there and we had a great time. After that, you'll walk back down to the 2nd floor and take more pics inside. I can't believe how much original stuff is still here. Great way to spend an hour.

Beautiful Heritage listed building that ins now over 140 years old. Great for photos. The…read moreMelbourne Museum is nearby, and there are many excellent cafes and restaurants just short walk away, Garry Image by Aspect Property Photography https://www.aspectpro.com.au/

No matter what I write here, no matter how well I describe it, nothing will ever EVER prepare you…read morefor Bobby McGee's. Bobby's used to be a club back in the 90's, but now operates simply as a function and event space. I was lucky enough to attend a function here and I won't be forgetting it in a hurry. The venue is set up as a small but very bright town of a bygone era with a sunken dance-floor in the centre. Around the outside area are different 'stalls with each 'stall' acting as a different bar including; a Beach bar, a diner, an automotive repair joint and even Roxy Nightclub. Confusing, yeah? Check out the website to get a better grasp of what I'm trying to say! Capacity is around 500 which is perfect for that big function you're holding. The staff are fantastic and incredibly helpful, they'll make your event extra special even offering dancers on podiums (the cool kind, not the skanky kind) and other little extras can be added to this already extraordinary venue. Like I said, I can't explain Bobby's well enough to give it the glory it deserves, it really is something you have to see for yourself.

The Public Purse is a huge granite and stainless steel sculpture. It was created after a contest to…read moredesign unique seating in Melbourne. It is a quirky place to have a seat for weary shoppers or tourists in the Central Business District. So fun!

I'm not really all that sure about this particular thing, though I guess it does serve to give…read moreMelbourne a bit of character. Mind you, I wouldn't go as far as calling it an icon, because it isn't as if people come to Melbourne just to see 'The Public Purse'. Yet, it is one of those places that could serve as a meeting spot, if it wasn't for the fact that there happen to be some clocks on Flinder's Street Station where people do the exact same thing.

Como House is a National Trust property in South Yarra. The house was built in 1947 and is…read moresurrounded by beautiful gardens inc a veggie patch with chickens! As well as being able to take tours of the historic house, Como also showcase exhibitions, provides function and wedding facilities as well as a year round cafe. The cafe provides quality food which is reasonably priced, as well as a dog bowl if you doggy friend has joined you to enjoy the garden. Throughout the year Como hosts a variety of events from vintage clothes sales to french festivals and all kinds of interesting bits and pieces. A perfect destination for locals to enjoy on a Sunday afternoon.