DAY 1 | FRIDAY
8.45pm: Depart Townsville to Melbourne + Settle in
Depart Townsville at 8.45pm on the direct Jetstar flight to Melbourne. After the 3 hour journey, catch a cab to the newly opened QT Melbourne. QT, located at Russell Street, will leave you speechless with its industrial chic design with a modern edge. Go for a night cap at Hot Sauce – a rocking laneway bar attached to the hotel.

DAY 2 | SATURDAY
9am: Breakfast on the go + Retail therapy
Grab a coffee and sandwich on the go from The League of Honest Coffee, specialising in international coffee. Try the Ethiopian or Kenyan blend and if you really need a caffeine hit, ask for the double ristretto. Then begin your shopping spree. Try places such as Emporium Melbourne or Melbourne Central, both within walking distance and with many retail shop selections.

12pm: Spread your wings
After shopping until you have dropped, head to Wings of Glory in South Melbourne, serving authentic American style chicken buffalo wings and beer with a local Australian twist. The American and Canadian regulars swear by it. Not into eating food with your fingers, no problem, boneless wings are also available, as are vegetarian style wings if that is your preference. Be sure to also try the hand cut Aussie home grown potatoes, sliced and crisped to perfection. Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the city.

6pm: The Lucy Express + A night out at the theatre
Conveniently located close to QT on Oliver Lane, Lucy Liu’s is the ideal venue for a pre theatre meal. Lucy Liu’s serves up Asian fusion delicacies and for a quick option, go for The Lucy Express – something cold, something hot, something steamed, something wokked. A five-minute walk will have you arriving at the heritage listed Regent Theatre, having housed many successful musicals over the years. See ‘We Will Rock You’, created around the big hit songs of Queen. The show will have you feeling elated and ready for a big night out. My recommendation – best to pre book your tickets so you don’t miss out.

11pm: Hit the iconic laneway bars
Melbourne is renowned for its laneway bars. And one that is a local favourite is Eau De Vie, situated at Malthouse Lane. Hang out at the main bar, home to 700 plus spirits where you can order your favourite drink, including endless cocktails. Or try out the whiskey room, secretively hidden behind a fake book case. Sample the Ron Zacapa Blazer, listed as one of the world’s top ten cocktails in 2013 by Elite Traveller. Made with Ron Zacapa rum and flamed with Pedro Ximenez sherry and a dash of bitters, it will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy.

DAY 3 | SUNDAY
10am: Recharge and relax
After a much needed sleep in, take a relaxing stroll through the city with a take away coffee in hand. Check out the city’s local landmarks along the way, such as Fed Square (as the locals call it), Parliament House and Rialto and Eureka Towers. For a small fee, you can even hire a bike located at a number of street corners and the machines accept credit cards – very handy indeed.

12pm: Take a tram to Brother Burger
Melbourne has gone mad for burgers! Who would have guessed? For one of the best burgers in town, try out Brother Burger & The Marvellous Brew at either Brunswick Street or Chapel Street. Everything from the sauces, pickles and buns are hand-made and the 100% wagyu beef patties are divine, plus there are other burger choices if wagyu isn’t for you. Order ‘The Fun Guy’ coupled with a famous alcoholic milkshake, aka, a shake-a-holic, to wash it all down. There’s also an extensive selection of beers on the menu.

3pm: Depart QT to airport
Depart QT at 3pm to allow plenty of time for your 4pm check in. Board your Jetstar flight for your 5.15pm departure. Arrive into Townsville at 8.15pm and start planning your next Melbourne weekend fling!