Home of the brunch and coffee culture, Melbourne offers endless café options for a hungry explorer. Grab an indulgent mid-morning brekky at The Kettle Black and order the hotcake with ricotta, blueberries, pure maple, double cream and nuts. However, if you’re planning on fueling up for a shopping trip, opt for brunch at Tusk Café on Chapel Street. Try the Scandinavian salmon stack with crunchy hash browns, smoked salmon and grilled shoots of asparagus and don’t miss out on the fresh juices. Photo credit: Tim Grey

Rug up and hit the shopping streets of Melbourne. Check out Chapel Street for its local designers, op shops and entertainment. Alternatively, if you’re on a budget or just love a bargain, head to the South Wharf DFO next to the Hilton Hotel, and choose from over 180 designers and big brand stores. Photo credit: Nicholas Marshall

After working up an appetite, stroll into Hooked Fish and Chipper on Chapel Street to cure the ‘hanger’. If you’re after a quick bite, choose from one of the $10 lunch deals or stick to tradition and get the British fish and chips. Recommended by Luke Mangan, you’ll be sure to find a good catch. Photo credit: Giulia Morlando

Stay warm inside and visit some of the city’s most interesting galleries and museums. Make your way over to the National Gallery of Victoria to catch the Degas exhibition. The exhibit features over 200 works of art by the French artist Edgar Degas, and showcases some of his most renowned paintings and sketches. Make sure you visit before it disappears on September 18. Credit: Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Walk to the Eureka Sky Deck as the sun starts to dip and take in the best views of Melbourne from almost 300 metres up. If you’re feeling confident, opt to walk The Edge and experience the world’s only moving glass structure; perfect for those who like to live life on the edge. Photo credit: Eureka Sky Deck

Take the scenic route back to the hotel and walk along the South Wharf riverbank, stopping off at one of the many bars to warm up with a glass of mulled wine. Make sure you pass Crown casino on the hour and watch the gas brigades shoot the world’s largest fireballs into the sky. Photo credit: Crown Resorts

Check in and unwind in your cosy ‘Winter Wonderland’ at the Hilton South Wharf. Collaboratively designed with Ugg Australia, the Hilton has created a luxe alpine room that will have you dreaming of Christmas (in July). Open the blinds and enjoy the floor to ceiling skyline view. The room is available until August 31. Find out more here . Photo credit: Hilton Hotel

Once you convince yourself to leave your twinkling, snow-covered room, stroll around the corner to BangPop for dinner. Serving up authentic Thai Hawker food and a river view, this hip eatery provides plenty of bang for your buck. Try the fried soft shell crab with spicy papaya and cashew salad or the warming massaman lamb shoulder curry. If you’re in need of a cool off, pair the spice with an iced cha yen (Thai milk tea). Photo credit: BangPop

Head back to your room for an early nightcap as a delivery of hot chocolate, truffles and treats arrive at your door. Once you have indulged, fall into your fur covered king-sized bed and choose from a selection of wintry movies. Think Love Actually, Narnia and Happy Feet… The perfect end to a winter weekend getaway. Book your stay here. For more by Sophie Kitchen click here. Photo credit: Hilton Hotel