RETURN TO OZ!

 

IN HONOUR OF KYLIE TURNING 40, SUPER-FAN LAURA DIXON TAKES A PILGRIMAGE TO THE STAR’S HOME CITY, MELBOURNE – AND DISCOVERS THE BOUTIQUES THAT INSPIRED KYLIE’S LOVE OF LABELS

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE KYLIE'S TRANSFORMATION FROM CUTE KID TO GLAMOUR PUSS

I admit it, I love Kylie. But what 30-something doesn’t? Her evolution from tomboy Charlene in Neighbours to sexy pop princess has mirrored our own coming of age.

So as Kylie celebrates her 40th birthday on Wednesday, I headed to Melbourne to visit the city she grew up in.

Melbourne is often compared unfavourably with Sydney, but I agree with Aussie comedian Adam Hills, who said he’d take Sydney as a one-night stand and Melbourne as a long-term relationship – it just has a lot more depth.

For starters, it has proper weather. Locals say it’s the city where you experience all four seasons in one day, which means you need plenty of clothes. The perfect excuse for shopping, then.

Happily, Melbourne has the best shops in Australia, so hit the city’s designer mecca Collins St – home to Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, jump on a tram (they cover the city and only cost a few dollars) and head to Chapel Street in posh suburb Toorak.

It has an eclectic mix of stores, like American Apparel, chic nightwear shop Peter Alexander, and Aussie designers Collette Dinnigan and Alannah Hill.

A-listers like Cate Blanchett often shop around here, as do the Neighbours cast. Want something more quirky? Go to nearby Brunswick Street for funky interior design stores and secondhand

shops.

After all that retail therapy, check out Acland Street.

In the heart of the beachside suburb of St Kilda, it’s home to Italian ice-cream bars, mini fairground Luna Park, and St Kilda Sea Baths, a swimming pool complex on the beach with a steam room, Jacuzzi and gym.

By night, Melbourne has a sophisticated bar scene.

Down an eye-watering Hairy Pear cocktail (pear, lime and vodka) at the Hairy Canary (212 Little Collins St), or a martini at the Gin Palace down the road (190 Little Collins St).

When hunger strikes, hit MoVida on Hosier Lane for tapas with the city’s smart set, or try Nobu, where Kylie has celebrated past birthdays.

My visit only lasted four days but, like Kylie and Adam Hills, I want a long-term relationship with this city!

Austravel (0844 412 4620) offers 10 nights in St Kilda, Melbourne, from £930pp. Price based on two sharing, including flights.

 

Photography: Xposure, Lonely Planet Images, Scope, Rex, Alamy, Getty Images. All prices correct at time of going to press.