I like cafes and this place has plenty of restaurants and cafes but generally I think Melbourne is a bit of a hole. The weather is seriously crap, the river is brown and the buildings often dirty. Everyone is fanatical about Australian Rules football and you will overhear often people discussing it as you walk around... unlike most other places in Australia who have a life. The only redeeming features about Melbourne is apparently the nightlife is good, plenty of parties, and a few of my best friends live there. IF you absolutely HAVE to go to Melbourne then see a footy match but make sure you have warm clothes, umbrella, etc. because the weather is a joke and you get all four seasons in a day. I recommend you go to Sydney and then head North until you reach Cape Tribulation.

The new Docklands are pretty nice, very quiet, clean and you have an amazing view of the CBD from there. Also some very nice restaurants and residential buildings in this area!