Melbourne is filled with accommodation to suit all budgets, often a destination on the backpacking trail there is no shortage of goof quality budget rooms but also catering to the cosmopolitan crowd ensures that those looking for a little luxury won’t be disappointed either.

For that taste of luxury the Westin Hotel is the place to stay, charming and elegant, filled with a bespoke collection of art, this hotel offers something a little different with your five star experience, showcasing the talent of local artists. Beloved by celebrities, the wealthy and those wanting something a little special, this hotel is most certainly the one to be seen at.

Hotel Claremont in South Yarra is the best option for those that want more than a hostel without paying the extra, the beautiful exterior contains clean well maintained rooms with all the amenities that you would expect from a budget hotel. The staff are friendly and are well known for serving up a great breakfast that will set you up for the day.

Melbourne is proud of its reputation as a city with great culinary credentials, and a less pronounced Asian influence than other Australian cities sets Melbourne apart, the emphasis is on its European roots; great produce, locally sourced and eaten in season is the key to the excellent food that is not only readily available but is taken for granted.

Cutler & Co manages to successfully blend the tradition of great food and well established restaurants with an innovation that will wow. The menu changes daily to reflect the availability of local produce, budget busting and often booked up, a table at this great restaurant will be a memory to cherish for many years to come.

At the other end of the scale the Pearl Café serves some great European influenced gems, the young and trendy crowd flock here giving a vibrant buzz around the tables, particularly great for a hearty breakfast or lunch that will set you up for the day.

Melbourne is a city teeming with culture, art galleries line the Great Ocean Road Region, showcasing the talents of locals and those that are inspired by this beautiful city. The museums of the city are plentiful with a diversity that reflects the city itself, whether you have an interest in wool, maritime history or surfing there is a museum for you. Melbourne celebrates its history and provides top class museums for you to do the same.

Travel just outside the city to see some of the wildlife that Australia is so well known for, koalas, kangaroos and emus can all been seen within a short drive from the city centre. Visit Tower Hill State Game Reserve, a 30,000 year old extinct volcano crater, now the home to lakes, islands, creeks and vegetation; a mini ecosystem filled with native trees and wildlife – well worth leaving the city for.

Melbourne is often seen as a city of unpredictable weather and with good reason, during the spring and summer the oceanic climate leads to some intense thunderstorms and sudden heavy rain, these are often short lived but are almost impossible to avoid, so the only solution is to be prepared for anything.

The summer months bring with them the beach culture, whereas spring and autumn have their own beauty, even the winter months (June – August) rarely see temperatures drop below averages of 57F making Melbourne a great city to visit at any time of year. There really is always something to do no matter what the weather throws at you.