We've put together some helpful recommendations to assist you find the perfect home away from home. 

Melbourne, like many cities, is divided by its river - The Yarra which flows through the suburbs and just to the south of the CBD. North of the river, and north of the CBD is where you will find cool inner city suburbs, great food, cool bars. If you're looking for an AirBnB anything from North Melbourne to Collingwood would be a great choice for a base if you want to eat and drink the best of Melbourne. You could also consider going slightly further out to Clifton Hill, North Fitzroy, North Carlton, Brunswick and Northcote. All of these are lively neighbourhoods with plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants. The reception venue is in East Brunswick worth considering when selecting accommodation.

So far weighted towards the north side because that's where we live, don't discount the south of the city, again anywhere within 5km of the CBD will be central with cafes, bars and restaurants. Also on the south side of the city you will find the beaches along the bay - most likely it won't be warm enough for proper beach days in October but it is pretty. Unless you stay at Crown, which is beautiful for what it is, or you want to be right in the city, I don't recommend Southbank, CBD or Docklands, all have there place, but I think there is much better places to stay - having said that if you get a good deal go for it, because they are still close to lots of good places.

As I touched on Crown I should expand. Crown is like a Vegas casino in the heart of Melbourne. Very glitzy and glamorous with numerous top restaurants. It is about as central as it gets and is a major tourist hub. The hotels are among the finest in the city.

If you are looking at AirBnBs please feel free to drop April or Will a mail and ask for pointers - we can't do all the work, but happy to say "yes" or "no" to a location based on our knowledge of the city.

If you are keen on a hotel, we can only offer limited advice as we are only occasional "stay-cationers" we have stayed at the Hotel Windsor - which is one of Melbourne's oldest hotels and very beautiful interior. I'd stay here again if I got a good deal, but not at full price. The high tea is excellent.