A guide to autumn in Melbourne

When it comes to dining in Melbourne, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Head north of the city to trendy Gertrude Street and treat yourself to an unbeatable (and always surprising) meal at Cutler and Co – chef Andrew McConnell’s sleek fine-diner that underwent a complete overhaul in 2017. For something a little more spicy, Fitzroy’s brand new South Indian restaurant Madras Brothers does the trick (our tip: order a Chai Martini). If the weather’s warm, toast a cheers to your Melbourne adventure with a cocktail on Fitzroy’s latest rooftop, the Provincial.

Staying in the city? One of the most anticipated openings of the year was Thai restaurant and bar Longsong – and it's well and truly lived up to the hype. For a Mexican feast you won't soon forget, make your way to Bodega Underground for mezcal cocktails, incredible tacos and great tunes. For a real hidden gem, make sure you check out the recently opened Beneath Driver Lane – the cocktail bar located in an old bank vault, serving Reuben sandwiches at 2am.

If you're feeling adventurous, head to Melbourne's buzzy inner-west suburb of Footscray and check out two of the city's most exciting recent openings. The nearly-hidden Mr West offers 26 local and rare beers to try, not to mention killer cocktails. Get your slice of top-notch pizza from the nearby Harley and Rose, helmed by two of Melbourne's brightest chefs.

Melbourne is unbeatable for its range of shopping options, from small boutiques selling work of local designers to precincts packed with international brands. Start in the heart of it all, Emporium in the CBD – and head straight up to level two, where you’ll find one of the largest collections of Australian designers. One of Melbourne’s most diverse shopping strips is Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, home to the likes of local favourites Gorman, Alpha60 and Bul, plus a host of vintage shops. The adjacent Gertrude Street is dotted with quirky design boutiques to suit every taste.

Melbourne is also famous for its design and second-hand markets, where you can pick up pre-loved treasures and fashion by local makers. Our top picks are the Rose Street Artists' Market, Footscray Finds and the Heide Makers' Market.