So long, winter woolies

Ah, that peculiar, wonderful feeling you get when you wake before the alarm clock to a stream of daylight after a season of dark mornings. It's finally springtime! No more mad dashes from cold bed to hot shower, it's time to lock the knits away and air out that raw silk and brushed cotton. Now's the perfect time to throw some lightweight linens in the suitcase, apply for a sneaky week of leave and head to the city that celebrates the official end of the season that was (we dare not speak its name), and puts a certain fling into spring.

Come for the cup

No other city in Australia celebrates spring quite like Melbourne. Sydney has an Indian summer that excites with a premature frenzy of beach-going that usually results in a whole new wave of flu, but the cultural capital kicks off its dressing gown and uggs, throws on a frock, wedges and fascinator and meets the ladies who lunch with flair and panache. And these are some serious ladies. It's spring racing season and they're out in force under the atrium of one of the world's most famous grandstands at Flemington to preview the latest trends for the forthcoming 150th Melbourne Cup Carnival — a landmark on this country's social calendar.

Dress your best

Australia's greatest race, and indeed the Southern Hemisphere's richest ($6.5 million this year) combines not only seven great races during its four-day carnival but also the very best of Melbourne's food, wine, sport, fashion and culture. It was Byron Moore, first secretary of the Victorian Racing Club in the late 1800s, who said "Where the women go, the men will follow", and his remark has shaped the glamorous image the Melbourne Cup has cultivated. One race day spent in shiny new heels with a few flutes of Laurent-Perrier and your girl will be hooked; she'll just need the latest designs, so arrive with an empty suitcase and head to Myer's CBD store in the Bourke Street Mall where you can snap up 2010's standout racewear from Melbourne designer Aurelio Costarella.

If you prefer the hunt, make your way into Melbourne's maze and hit up the boutiques on Little Collins Street, starting out east from Elizabeth Street. Foraging for fashion can be thirsty work, so be sure to visit Gin Palace down Russell Place, just off Little Collins between Swanston and Russell Streets, for arguably Melbourne's best martini.

Slip into a sip

Speaking of bars, it's common knowledge that this town knows how to drink. Here's an insider's guide to cocktail musts:

• Siglo, above the grand institution of the Supper Club and overlooking Spring Street, boasts an impressive selection of old-world wine, a supper menu and immaculately groomed staff. Open seven days a week 'til 3am, visit the rooftop late on Thursday and don't go past the croque monsieur.

• Madame Brussels was Melbourne's most successful bordello boss, and this rooftop terrace is just perfect for springtime punch or Pimms under a parasol in the early evening. Keep an eye out for your hostess, Miss Pearls, who'll lure you down the back to the parlour for some tasteful debauchery.

• If you're up for a complete experience, visit The Toff in Town on a Saturday eve for a spot of dinner in your own personal carriage. Skip dessert and order cocktails. After midnight Melbourne's resplendent king of disco, Andee Frost, presents The House De Frost, so prepare for a late start on Sunday.

Line the belly

World-renowned restaurants and eateries are available to match the city's excellent bar offerings. Notoriously divided by the Yarra River, each side has its distinctive style.

Venture outside the CBD and tease your tastebuds on the southern bank:

• The George Melbourne Wine Room on St Kilda's Fitzroy Street is the perfect union of bar and restaurant. For Sunday arrosto, Karen Martini and head chef Nicki Riemer present a delightful Meredith spring lamb abbacchio, designed to share and served with a tantalising selection of antipasto.

And on the north side:

• St Jude's Cellars on Fitzroy's Brunswick Street combines a wine shop with a produce-driven menu designed for those indecisive souls who'll order everything and share it. Whether it is oxtail raviolo or the charcuterie selection you'll walk away feeling over spoilt and satisfied.

Lights, camera … action

If you aren't overstuffed, a little fuzzy from one too many pinots or weighed down with recent purchases, take advantage of Melbourne's cultural atmosphere. Festivals are staged year-round, and in spring be sure to catch the Melbourne International Art Festival and the Melbourne Fringe Festival

You can also hit the theatre while in town. This October the Aussie premiere of Hairspray the Musical takes the stage. Directed by musical theatre genius David Atkins and choreographed by Jason Coleman, this musical romp through the '60s will alleviate even the darkest of moods without needing help from the sunny spring weather.

Posh sleeps

With so much to do, you're best off treating yourself to swank five-star comforts at bedtime. Try the Crown Metropol. Opened in April 2010 the hotel presents elegant and understated luxury — just sink into the squishy pillows, enjoy breakfast with a view from the 28th floor take a dip in the eternity pool — it'll be hard to leave your home away from home despite the city's myriad delights.

A few days in beautiful Melbourne are barely enough to shake off the winter's gloom, but it can be done for pennies, a pile or any budget in between, though you're best off backing the winning horse to foot the bill.

Your say: Do you have any other great tips for Melbourne in spring?

Related: read our Insider's Guide to Melbourne