I'm forever grateful that I have a job that allows me to explore my own backyard and beyond.

Here I will showcase the cities I have visited and what they have to offer

MELBOURNE: Get lost in Melbourne's charm, cafes, street art and those cosy city vibes. What I love most about Melbourne is that it has something to offer for everyone.  Sporting events to quench your thirst for whichever sport you follow (Australian Rules Football, Australian Open Tennis and Grand Prix just to name a few.) Shop till you drop and many a place to eat and drink for whatever cuisine you love.

National Gallery of Victoria isn't just somewhere you visited for excursions back in your school days. This place is Australia's oldest and most visited gallery and if you love a bit of art, then this is the place to visit. Located on St Kilda Road in Melbourne's CBD, it houses the gallery's international art and the nearby Ian Potter centre (Federation Square) hoses Australia's art collection.

NGV is free entry for its permanent collections, however for special exhibitions there is an admission fee. Open from 10am to 5pm daily. www.ngv.gov.au for more information.

Melbourne is known for its laneways, street art and some of the best coffee you will love to drink. If you find yourself wandering the city do yourself a favour and visit such places as Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane and Tattersalls Lane for some pretty fabulous wall art and Degraves Street, Block Arcade and Centre Place if you are looking to indulge in good coffee and yummy food.  I'm a regular visitor to Euro Lane Cafe in Centre Place. Great coffee, delicious pastries/muffins and a simple yet delicious menu if you're feeling a bit peckish.  Visit their Facebook and Instagram and see for yourself.

Let's be honest, a trip to Melbourne isn't really a trip if you haven't visited Queen Victoria Market, right??  Established in 1878, it has been serving Victorians for over 140 years. This place holds a little bit of nostalgia for me. I pretty much grew up in Melbourne, so Dad, Mum and I were regulars at the market for many years. It has certainly changed a bit over the years (especially post covid) but back in the day it was bumper to bumper on weekends with people crowding up and down the many aisles looking for a bargain and even a souvenir or two. Nowadays the aisles are a bit more spread out but there are still enough stalls to find what you are looking for. For us, it was the famous food hall. As Dad was of European Origin, this food hall was almost like home for him. With an array of foods from here and around the world (including the iconic fish market) there is a little something for everyone. 

The Queen Victoria Market is open 5 days a week. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 6am to 3pm, Saturday 6am to 4pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm.During the winter months they open Wednesday evenings 5pm till 10pm. Visit www.qvm.com.au for more information.

Melbourne will always hold a special place in my heart and it's one city I need get tired of visiting.