Is this the matrix mainframe? No, this is Federation Square , Melbourne 's cutting-edge new space that will transport you to a haven for arts, culture, entertainment and food. Bliss out with Chocolate Buddha's organic Japanese fare, taste local wines at the Victorian Wine Precinct, or examine the world's largest collection of Australian art at Ian Potter Centre – NGV: Australian Art.

Consumer culture more your thing? Shopping is an unparalleled Melbourne art. Get your Matrix-inspired duds at high-end Collins Street , funky Chapel Street , leisurely Southgate or the designer boutiques of the Crown Entertainment Complex. From antiques and vintage finds to modern marvels and one-off designer pieces, Melbourne has it all.

A true café society , Melbourne 's shopping and eating strips are lined with outdoor tables. Well-groomed patrons swathed in black sip creamy lattes and people-watch through their designer rims. Those in-the-know say Degraves Street hides the best coffee outside Italy . Or maybe it's better …

Nightlife reigns in Melbourne . After dark, the city's funky bars thoroughly steal the show, hidden in the nooks of Melbourne 's cobbled laneways. Stylish young things flock to the city centre to be enveloped in retro décors and designer-created worlds that are artistic, funky and often kitsch. Be warned, the coolest locales won't necessarily have signs to alert mere mortals to their presence.

Escape to Regional Victoria . Melbourne has all the bright lights of a big metropolis, but on the fringes of the city are serene valleys chequered with wineries, spectacular coastlines, lush temperate rainforests and unique wildlife adventures. Accessible and unique, Victoria 's treasures are there for the taking.

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