Girlfriends play a very important role in a woman's life, however these days we're spending less and less time with our friends due to the high demands of our work and busy schedules. Let's change that.

This year let's all book in at least one weekend away the girls. They're a great way to catch up on each other’s lives, to indulge in some much needed R & R, to spoil ourselves with good shopping and good food and of course these weekends away often make for some wonderful memories.

Melbourne is the perfect girls’ weekend away destination. Shop ‘til you drop on Collins Street, catch up over coffee at one of the lane-way cafes, check out a theatre show or the latest art gallery exhibition and sip of cocktails at one of the great bars. Here are my top tips for a fun-filled weekend away with the girls in Melbourne.

SLEEP

Great location, gorgeous rooms and brilliant service, the Marriott Melbourne has everything you need for a great girls weekend away.

After a big day of shopping and lunching come and rest in luxury at this CBD hotel. With cloud-like beds, 24 hour room service and exceptional concierge staff, you'll be feeling like a star during your stay at the Marriott.

Check out www.expedia.com.au or www.hotels.com.au for some great deals.

DO

Try your luck…

On the tables or at the pokies in Crown Casino. Gambling not your thing? No problems, the Casino complex is also home to a number of bars, restaurants, cafes, a movie theatre, bowling alley and shops.

Get Cultured.

With a vast collection of galleries, museums, art spaces and theatres, Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia.

Listen to the Federation Bells play musical compositions daily. Explore the vibrant public art and designs at RMIT Gallery and check out the latest hit show at Princess Theatre, one of Melbourne's original historic theatres.

Unwind and pamper

Worn out after a day of adventuring around Melbourne? Book yourself in for a relaxing massage or a rejuvenating facial at one of Melbourne's many great spas.
Award winning spa MISS FOX is perfect for girl’s getaways, offering groups the chance to relax, unwind and have fun in private lounges and spa rooms.  Their 'PlayDates' for two-to-eight guests include exclusive use of their lounge areas, personal therapists for every one-to-two guests, a selection of gorgeous treatments and catering and Champagne, ensuring your every need is tended to.

Shop ‘til you drop

A trip to Melbourne wouldn't be complete without some retail therapy.
Head to Bourke Street Mall, Collins Street or DFO South Wharf to shop in your favourite flagship stores, or head to South Yarra and down the lane ways for unique boutiques. Chapel Street and Acland Street in St Kilda are must-sees too.

EAT

Cafés

Trunktown

On the corner of Exhibition and Little Lonsdale street sits Trunktown, a really funky bar/ restaurant/ diner with a cool little inside area and a beautiful courtyard outside. It’s the perfect venue for a lazy breakfast, a fun lunch in the sun or chilled out drinks by night. Corner of Exhibition Street and Little Lonsdale, CBD,

Ca de Vin

Hidden down a little alley next to GPO is Ca de Vin, an Italian restaurant / café with good wine, food and atmosphere. A great place to stop and recharge the batteries after a big day of shopping. 350 Bourke St, Melbourne.
 
The Pantry

The Pantry, known for its great location, buzzing atmosphere, quality food and killer deli, is very popular amongst locals and widely recommended. 1 Church St, Brighton.
 
Restaurants

Maha Bar & Grill

Maha, the brainchild of Chef Shane Delia, is a real treat for the taste buds and a must-visit in my opinion. Maha’s new a fresh approach to Middle Eastern cuisine has seen it win many awards and receive rave reviews with a menu of incredible flavours, smells and textures.

The place is sleek and includes a restaurant, bar and courtyard (where you can smoke the ‘shi sha’ pipe) and the staff are brilliant. 21 Bond St, Melbourne.
 
MoVida

Whenever I spoke to anyone about my upcoming Melbourne trip, they all told me I had to go to MoVida and enjoy the tapas. With a cool layout, delicious food and a great drinks list, I can see why everyone raves on about this place.
Make MoVida the first stop on your bar hop or spend a whole evening here sampling all the delicious tasting plates. 1 Hosier Ln, Melbourne.
 
Shanghai Dumpling House

If you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful then look no further than Shanghai Dumpling House. Don’t be fooled by the ordinary exterior and no-fuss interior, you can enjoy plates of delicious dumplings and Chinese cuisine and walk out feeling like you’ve ripped the joint off. We met up with a few other friends and after a few drinks we headed here to satisfy our dumpling cravings. About a dozen plates and a few drinks later we got the bill for our feast, which ended up working out to be less than $15 each. UNBELIEVABLE! 25 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne
 

DRINK

Campari House

Campari House is a stylish four-level restaurant and bar located down the iconic Hardware Lane. Here you can munch on some delicious pizza, enjoy the lively atmosphere and be sure to check out the rooftop bar but be sure to get in early because it fills up fast. 21-25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne.
 
The Boatbuilders Yard

The Boatbuilders Yard is a bar and café located on the banks of the Yarra River. With spectacular views, a delicious European-styled menu and an extensive drinks list, it's the perfect location for a night of fun. 23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf.
 
The Everleigh

This intimate American-style cocktail bar is all class with amazing cocktails, talented bar staff and a really chilled-back jazzy vibe. Did I mention they are the winners of The Age Good Bar Guide in 2012? Level 1, 150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
 
 So what are you waiting for? Call your girlfriends and book in that girl’s trip away!