Do You Know Melbourne’s Hidden Secrets?

After packing in one conference, 300 bloggers and a private city tour I was ready to spend my last day in Melbourne just hanging out.

Rather than wander round like a lemon missing everything fabulous and getting sore feet I followed a hot tip from The Tailor travel agent.

The Tailor’s top dog Drew is a font of knowledge on Australian travel for the well heeled and he recommended I explore Melbourne’s lanes so I did.

Melbourne is famous for its network of lanes and arcades which are home to some of the best designers, independent store owners and local characters.

But the lanes are as twisty and extensive as a rabbit’s warren so Drew put me in touch with Fiona from the Hidden Secrets Tour. I’d just missed one of her tours but friendly Fiona gave me a short self-guided walk which made me feel like a Melbourne travel insider and gave me a real feel for what it means to be a Melbournian. Or is it Melbournette?

Here’s a photo tour for you.

Start out at Federation Square, the epi-center of Melbourne. Here a happy crowd laughs at a busker's show.... or maybe they were laughing at me?

Walk past Flinders Street Station and check out the clocks. Now, when a Melbournian arranges to meet you under the station clocks you know where to go.

Nip into De Graves Street to check out the cafe culture.

See the street art in Centre Place

Duck into the Block Arcade

Drool over the cakes at the Hopetoun Tea Rooms

Visit the Captains of Industry for some urban cool. Gents can also go to the on-site barber, shoemaker or bespoke tailor. Just like everyone in Melbourne the waiter is lovely and friendly but Fiona and her tour group had already eaten all their cakes.

Have a wee drink with some other (mostly) travel bloggers at the Abbotsford Convent. These lovelies are: me (in stripes), Torre @FearfulGirl, Dave @DriftingKiwi, Bree @theBlogStylist and Christine @Camorose - Find them on Twitter and visit their blogs.

I got a really good feel for Melbourne city on my flying visit but I’m keen to go back. Next time I need to get out of the city too and travel along the Great Ocean Road.

If you visit Melbourne don’t forget to get in touch with Drew to organize your accommodation or a tour in or around the city.

Then you’ll know where to go next time you’re hanging out in Melbourne.

My Splendid Sponsor

I was thrilled to be sponsored by The Tailor for my trip to the Problogger conference in Melbourne. The Tailor is a luxury travel company that creates and organizes Australian and African travel experiences for discerning travelers.

Thanks to the Tailor I spent four nights at The Lyall Hotel in Melbourne and toured the city.

This is my last update about Melbourne. I hope you enjoyed the experience as much as I did.

Tell us about any hidden Melbourne secrets I missed or some in a city you love.