When Australians talk about weekend getaways, Melbourne is always one of those places that is most recommended, especially to first-time visitors. Voted as one of the most livable cities in the world, the shopping malls, art galleries, culture, and city tours here are somehow more special and more memorable than the rest. In addition to being home to some of the friendliest and most accommodating people on the planet, Melbourne offers a lot more than just beautiful places and fun activities.

When you visit Melbourne, you will immediately realize that you won’t run out of things to do, only time to do them all. You can start your day with a stroll or soak up the sun at the St. Kilda beach promenade while taking in a view of the city from The Edge. This is located on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower or via the City Circle Tram, which is touted to be the best way to understand the city and learn its layout. You can also meet native and exotic animals, and enjoy a picnic with jazz music playing softly in the background at the Melbourne Zoo. You can also swim with sea horses at the Mornington Peninsula piers.

At night, you can eat, drink, and do what the locals enjoy at the city’s secret laneways, or get your fill of delicious cuisines at many of Melbourne’s top stylish restaurants. You can also see world-class Broadway shows, or check out any of the many free shows and festivals that happen all weekend long. Of course, you can get your dose of retail therapy at any of Melbourne’s most popular shopping centers like the QV and the Melbourne Central shopping center, or check out the fashionable boutiques on Swanson Street. You can also get in a little shopping done while you wait for your train at the Spencer Street Fashion Station.

However, one of the most popular reasons why people visit Melbourne is the fact that it is just about 45 minutes away from the world-renowned Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s best wine regions. While the subject of wine and winemaking may be daunting for most people, a visit to this piece of paradise will let you feel otherwise.

“Wine is bottled poetry,” says Robert Louise Stevenson. Yarra Valley produces some of the world’s finest and best-tasting wines, including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which are known for their great depths of color and character. If you want to learn all about wine and experience drinking the best local varieties while taking in the beautiful scenic views of the valley, this is one visit you must include on your list.

Yarra Valley is not only home to famous and reputable generations of wine makers. It is also home to some of the new wine makers who produce cutting-edge wines characterized by their precision and purity. Of course, the excellent food and local produce that the valley is also known for are only added bonus to what you can get for visiting this picturesque valley. The scenery alone will make you forget all your cares in the world.

So the next time you plan a weekend getaway, visit Melbourne and experience a trip to remember.