Melbourne launches new mobile guide
It's always better to visit a new city when you have a local to show you around - someone who can dodge all the tourist trails and show you all the hidden corners of the city you wouldn't have a hope of hunting down yourself. Now, with Tourism Victoria's latest launch, you can get all the insider know-how sent straight to your phone...
The Insider's Guide to Melbourne is a free guide featuring information about some of the city's coolest and most up-and-coming Bars, restaurants, shops, cafés and events and includes a short description, contact details and a map showing how to get there.
Giving visitors to Melbourne the lowdown on what's happening and offering a round-up of the latest events and attractions, the guide is sent direct to your mobile, making it the ultimate pocket guide.
Tourism Victoria will launch four editions of the guide with each season and the spring edition is available for visitors now.
Claire Golding, Regional Manager UK & Europe for Tourism Victoria, said, "Melbourne is constantly evolving and there are always new things to discover - many of which are tucked down hidden laneways or behind nondescript doors.
"The guide gives suggestions on how to immerse yourself in the city's
culture by highlighting the best places to eat, drink, shop and sightsee."
The Insider's Guide to Melbourne is free and can be downloaded to compatible
mobile phones by texting the word 'guide' to 0448 848 433 (04488 GUIDE).
Straight from the heart
I'll give you my own personal Melbourne bar recommendation. Two, in fact, both of which I frequented whilst living over there.
The first is the fabulously kitsch Gin Palace at 190 Little Collins Street, a stones throw from Flinders Street Station in the heart of the city.
The hidden entrance is hard to find (it lies off Russell Place) but it's well worth a look. The interior is the ultimate posh Granny's living room with mismatched floral armchairs, faded velvet curtains (and fantastic cocktails.) And if you don't like gin, don't panic. There are plenty of other drinks on the extensive menu, including wines from all over Australia.
The other bar well worth a visit is Antique at 218 Glenhuntly Road in Elsternwick, about 20 minutes from the city Centre.
This quirky little bar does a great selection of red wine and is perfect for whiling away the hours tucked into a cosy corner.
To see what else Melbourne and Victoria have to offer check out the 'Visit Melbourne' website.
Picture of Flinders Street Station in Melbourne by Joe