Heading to the AO? How to do a weekend on one of Melbourne's most famous streets

Summer in Melbourne feels like a well and truly earned experience.

The city, shrouded in gloomy grey skies for much of the year, comes alive with the warm buzz of 30-degree days. Add to that the excitement of the Australian Open kicking off once again and you might be planning a visit.

As a newcomer to the Victorian capital, I am tantalised by the delicious thrill of a long summer eve as the CBD streets heave with excited tennis visitors.

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And if there's one place to plant your feet during a stay in Melbourne, it is on Collins Street.

The Collins Street Precinct has a rich history, with foundations laid all the way back in 1936 by Melbourne's architectural father Robert Russell.

The discovery of gold turned Collins Street into a thriving financial centre and the development investment over the past two centuries means it is a hub of culture, food and fun.

In this famous part of the CBD, you can treat yourself to a shopping trip, a spa treatment, dinner for two and a cocktail by candlelight all within a five minute walk.

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Where to stay on Collins Street

City hotels are all about location and convenience, but luckily the Melbourne Grand Hyatt on Collins Street also has the element of luxury.

You're greeted like an old friend the moment you step into the lobby.

So much so, one of the lovely staff even said "welcome back" after mistaking me for a previous guest even though I'd never stayed before.

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The 5-star hotel has spacious suites with sweeping city or Yarra River views, plus a king bed for sleepers like me who love to sprawl.

The crème de la crème of a Grand Hyatt room is the ones with a spa tub.

This bathroom was the stuff of my dreams: Italian marble furnishing, Balmain amenities and a plush bathrobe.

If Collins Street wasn't teeming with shops, restaurants and bars, I'd have spent the entire night in the room.

A few steps away from the hotel are all the ultra-expensive flagship stores such as Dior, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, Versace and Louis Vuitton.

So for those of us on a tighter budget, you can head on over to Bourke Street which is about 10-15 minutes away for more affordable shopping.

If you're taking it slow for a long evening out on the town, it's worth nipping into Ru-Co Bar (named after the hotel being on the intersection of Russel and Collins Streets) for a wine or a cocktail first.

My husband had a dry martini and was pleasantly surprised by the barman's technique.

I enjoyed a pinot noir and a prosecco at the bar.

Where to eat on Collins Street

You are genuinely spoiled for choice for dinner on Collins Street.

Almost every cuisine is on offer – from Peruvian and French to Japanese or classic Italian fare.

I opted for a Japanese-inspired "eating house" called Yakimono.

The restaurant offers seating in front of the open-plan kitchen, so you can watch on hungrily as the chefs whip up your flame-grilled meal before your eyes.

Diners can opt for a few different set menus. I would recommend the setto #3, which is $115 per person.

You will certainly walk out of the restaurant feeling like you ate your money's worth here.

The yaki dog (a mini hotdog) and impeccably cooked wagyu steak were the highlights.

Pair it with a cocktail too, I had the delicious Lychee Naha.

If Japanese doesn't tickle your fancy, there's also Peruvian fare at Pastuso, Asian fusion at Chin Chin or modern Australian at State of Grace on or near Collins Street.

A relaxing post-dinner drink is one of my favourite parts of an evening.

Head on over to Nick and Nora's for a meticulously-crafted cocktail. They are a little on the expensive side, so be prepared to pay.

The cocktail menu is a little overwhelming - there are pages and pages to sift through.

On a Friday night, we were also treated to a talented saxophonist who happily took requests from patrons. It felt like a quintessential Melbourne experience.

Melbourne travellers are always spoilt for choice with food and drink, and there are plenty of smaller suburbs and city nooks where you can slip into for a delicious feast.

First-time visitors and those with pricier taste won't need to go much further than Collins Street though, particularly if you are time poor or like to stay in the same area.

It's all there for you waiting for you on a busy yet chic city block - and I know I'll be visiting it again this summer.

This writer visited as a guest of Collins Street Precinct.