Just want to say thanks to all of you for your advice - you encouraged me to make the jump from lurker (only a week or so, don't worry) to member :-)

I'll be in Melbourne for three weeks with my girlfriend from July - August and these suggestions have been extremely helpful!

Going in the winter makes it particularly difficult to find suggestions for things to do, so the "off the beaten path" once or twice a year things like Melbourne Open House (special thanks to AdMEL!) and Design Market sound great! The suggestions/support for various local dining are also much appreciated!

I know I'm a bit late to the conversation here, but how is Phillips Isle in August? Are the Penguins still active or do they dwindle in the winter?