Tripping your way through Melbourne in 6 experiences.

Weekends in Melbourne are the perfect escape from Sydney... There is nothing like escaping to somewhere different to explore. Lane ways, football games, 5 star hotels, delicious food, breweries, wine bars and shopping. How could you go wrong! 

If you are feeling lucky book a Mystery Wotif Hotel Deal. We were pretty lucky and stayed at the Grand Hyatt on the 21st floor which had beautiful views over the city. 

1. Little Creatures Brewery

This place does awesome food & beer. Pizza (made onsite), sliders, beetroot salad and humus dip just to name a few. Service is pretty good. If your not a Little Creature expert try the 4 tasting ponies for $14. If you are already a fan go for the pint. 

Shopping is found along Brunswick St. We usually walk there from the hotel,  shop a little then go for lunch. 

https://littlecreatures.com.au/venues/2-melbourne-dining-hall 

2. Go to an AFL game

The fans are amazing down here. Everyone in their supporters gear ready to celebrate. Family friendly and all out for a good time. It's a little different to Sydney as the food queues are longer then the drinks. That would never happen in Sydney! Make sure you stay for the song of the winning team. And maybe down a pie & chips.

"Cheer Cheer the red and the white!" I might be a swans fan.

3. Visit Chloe at The Young & Jackson

An Australian Icon which is a nude portrait of Chloe. Been in the pub since 1909. Found on level 2. Maybe leave the kids at home for this one. Head up to the roof top to visit the cider bar after giving Chloe a visit.

http://www.youngandjacksons.com.au/home

4. Movida

If you like to share your meals then this Spanish Tapas is the best! We went to Movida Aqui but they have similar menus. I love to try a little of everything. The highlights were TARTAR- Raw Wallaby, Cracked Wheat and Tuna Alioli on a Sesame Cracker, BOCADILLO DE CALAMARES - Calamari sandwich with Basque guindilla & mayonnaise, MONTE Y MAR-  Calamari Stuffed with Pork, Spinach, Currants and Sunflower Seeds.  I also had a salmon on pancake dish that was nice but not sure what it was called. Next time I wish to get the selection of cured meats, the beef cheek & Churros. Definitely on my list to go back too. 

http://movida.com.au/movida-aqui/movida-aqui-menu/

5. Hardware Lane

Awesome lane full of restaurants which serve Italian, steak, seafood, platters and all sort of yummy things. You're doing well if you get a free round of drinks before you enter the restaurant. We went to Grill Steak Seafood. We had the surf n turf platter for 2 which was full of King prawns, Barramundi, calamari, porterhouse steak, lamb cutlets, marinated chicken , Sicilian style mussels and steak fries. Lots of delicious food to prepare you for the wine bars you will visit after dinner. 

Just like on Lygon St in Carlton but closer to the CBD (not that Carlton is far), you have to work the spruikers out front. Make them work and walk the strip back and forth and let them know what offers they have to beat for your patronage.

http://www.grillsteakseafood.com.au/

6. Chin Chin

Serves South East Asian food. This is a very busy restaurant and you can't book so I recommend you turn up at odd times unless you are patient. It is designed to be like the hawker halls in Asia. Good food for sharing. We turned up at 11.30 and had no trouble getting a table. All delicious food. If your really hungry say "Feed me" and you will get Chin Chins favourites for $69pp. One day I'd love to do this. 

• Walk in restaurant.
• The bigger the group the better so you can try more dishes.

http://www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au/