KEY POINTS:
1. Hidden Secrets Walking Tours.
When you're wandering the streets of Melbourne as a visitor, there are hidden treasures to be discovered at every turn - overshadowed only by the nagging sense that you're missing out on something even better.
If you're someone who can't bear to miss
out on anything, it's enough to drive you bonkers.
Hidden Secrets Walking Tours' director and tour guide Fiona Sweetman opens your eyes to quirks and sights the average pedestrian would blindly walk by.
There are several tours to choose from: The Lanes and Arcades Tour through Melbourne's maze of lanes, uncovering cafes, street art, boutiques and architecture; the Art and Design Walk focusing on the city's diverse street art, from what seem at first glance to be random doodles to peek-a-boo exhibition spaces; or the Sommelier's City Walk is an early evening jaunt through three wine-focused restaurants, talking to the sommeliers.
Any of these tours is a magic introduction to shopping, eating and sight seeing. Tours range in price from $70 per person and can be tailored to suit your personal needs.
The same team is also behind the Deck of Secrets' collection of purse-sized packs of cards containing great suggestions for things to see and do. www.hiddensecretstours.com.
2. Harley Rides.
For a wider, faster, street-level tour of greater Melbourne, embrace your inner biker and do it on a Harley Davidson.
If you've, surprisingly, come away without your leathers, no worries, mate. Harley Rides provide the gear you'll need, along with riders who know Melbourne and its history like the back of a tattooed hand.
It really is a unique way to see the city and it's surprisingly easy to chat with your rider as you cruise about. The bikes, with sidecars, can carry up to three passengers.
The freedom of the bike means you feel much closer to the views, whether it's cruising the St Kilda waterfront on a one-hour ride, or blitzing down the Great Ocean Road in the full-day option. www.harleyrides.com.au
3. The Edge and Eureka Skydeck.
Those who get the quivers if their feet are too far off the ground won't be too comfy in Melbourne's newest attraction.
The Eureka Skydeck, nestled on the 88th floor of Melbourne's tallest building, commands unbelievable views across the city, but the real test of your mettle is The Edge.
This is a horizontal glass elevator that slides out from the side of the building leaving you suspended in mid-air high above the city. Your life and limb are trusted to the 4cm-thick glass that you are standing on.
If you're not bothered by heights it's a fascinating view of the city layout; if you are, you'll be huddled in the corner clutching the rail and going green and sweaty. That's fun too. www.eurekaskydeck.com.au
4. Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
This unique exhibition and event centre is devoted to everything about the moving image - from TV and films to games and screen-based art.
The current star of the show is the Pixar: 20 years of Animation exhibition. This is a fascinating look at the intricate processes, tricks of the light and computer voodoo involved in bringing everyone's favourite computer animations to life. The Pixar exhibition runs until October 14. www.acmi.net.au 5The State Library of Victoria Most visitors might walk past the State Library's imposing Swanston St facade, but it's worth stopping in.
The library offers access to internet, copying, printing and its vast collection of books, magazines, music and manuscripts, and has gallery spaces displaying the library's art collection (the pieces have been chosen to reflect Victoria's social or cultural history). There is also a newspaper reading room , and a chess room, which holds the library's collection of chess books as well as tables set up for games.
On top of all that there are two permanent exhibitions: The Changing Face of Victoria (don't miss Ned Kelly's armour!) and Mirror of the World which traces the history of books.
Visit the magnificently restored La Trobe Reading Room at the library's heart, it's a beautiful and a peaceful spot.
There's a free hour-long tour of the library every day at 2pm. www.slv.vic.gov.au
6. Famous: Karin Catt Portraits
While you are at the state library, check out this collection of celebrity portraits from Australian photographer Karin Catt, whose work has appeared in Vogue, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone.
The daughter of a keen amateur photographer, Catt took her first celebrity portrait at 12 - of the late INXS singer Michael Hutchence, who was drinking at the working man's club in her hometown of Newcastle in New South Wales.
Since then her subjects have included musos Elton John, AC/DC, REM, PJ Harvey and Eminem; world leaders Bill Clinton, George Bush sr, Mikhail Gorbachev and the Dalai Lama, and fellow-Ockers Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe.
Catt's pictures boast humour, attitude and extreme styling.
Highlights include Eminem reclining on top of a pile of semi-clad models and Kath and Kim's Magdo Szubanski painted as a golden, smiling Buddha.
At the State Library of Victoria until November 11, admission free.
The writers travelled to Melbourne courtesy of Qantas and Tourism Victoria.
