Melbourne remains a great destination for Kiwis, writes Megan Singleton.
1. Get cultural
The interactive David Bowie exhibition, which sold out in London, Chicago, Paris and Berlin, is on at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) until November 1. Bowie's oeuvre spans music, fashion and film and this exhibit shows and tells the story of how the boy from Brixton became such an international icon.
2. Go shopping
If you haven't been to Melbourne in the past year, you'll go gaga over the recent development of Emporium Melbourne, which has been transformed into a hub of retail activity. Myer, David Jones, Emporium, Melbourne Central and GPO are now connected by bridges creating one of Australia's largest shopping malls. You'll find international brands like H&M, Zara, AK Armani Exchange and Topshop alongside quirky nooks boasting Dinosaur Designs and FAT as Melbourne revels in its fashion status.
3. Eat out
Famous for its food scene, Melbourne has plenty of hot, new dining spots to wrap your laughing gear around. Try Magic Mountain Saloon on Little Collins St, the new (big) sister of Boney next door. It serves modern Thai over three neon-lit floors with a live DJ.
In Brunswick, the new BCKYRD is causing a stir on an old carpark edged by shipping containers growing microgreens. Order the crab and corn chowder in a sourdough bowl.
4. Giddy up
From September to November, Melbourne goes all giddy about the Spring Racing Carnival. It's about much more than just a few horse races, so saddle up for the finest racing, entertainment, fashion, food and wine. The carnival covers six race days including the Sofitel Girls' Day Out, Turnbull Stakes Day, AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Emirates Melbourne Cup Day, Crown Oaks Day and Emirates Stakes Day.
5. Out and about
If it's wine and cheese with a spot of golf thrown in that you want, then rent a car and meander down the Yarra Valley, east of the city. Yarra's climate produces a remarkable variety of wines including award-winning chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, as well as Moet Chandon and Devaux of Champagne. You'll find 80 wineries and 50 cellar doors, before heading off down the Mornington Peninsula to stroll around after a ball on one of the 19 golf courses.
• Read more about three other Melbourne galleries worth visiting here.