But Melbourne isn’t a city on the “must see” list, he said.

I challenged that.

To understand Melbourne you’ve got to spend some time to get to know her. Get under her skin.

No, she’s not brassy and bold; she doesn’t scream “look at me.” But give her a bit of time and attention, and you’ll see her for what she is.

Sophisticated, cultured, creative.

Vibrant, friendly, real.

Here at MPT, we want you to understand the “real” Melbourne, so come this way and join us in our constant discovery.

Our Understanding Real Melbourne tour is exactly that – a day of discovery. And best of all, it can be tailored to suit your interests.

For our guests yesterday – Roger and Jan from Surrey, England, learning about the indigenous culture of the city was top priority.

First stop on the agenda – some of Melbourne’s special indigenous sites. Our guests were thirsty for knowledge. We were lucky enough to be accompanied by a very good friend of MPT, Carolyn Briggs, owner of Tjanabi restaurant in Federation Square (she just happens to be a descendent of the Boon Wurrung tribe – the original inhabitants of Melbourne).

Her stories are from the heart – the real deal.

Together, not only did we learn and understand more about the original inhabitants of Melbourne, but we took a private guided tour through one of the best indigenous art galleries in the country.

To know Melbourne is to understand her beginnings. Indigenous history, gold rush, migration – elements that shaped her and made her what she is today. Piece by piece, we peeled back the layers.

We chatted about footy, fashion, food – some of the key ingredients for Melburnians today. Cafés, laneways, hidden gems- even locals are constantly surprised.

Roger and Jan chose an indigenous cooking class as a key component in their day and they believe this unique experience is one not to be missed.

At Tjanabi, we met with the head chef, Gary, headed “back-stage” into the kitchen and rolled up our sleeves. Awaiting us, an abundance of Australian native produce. We learn the incredible art of fusing native produce with Victoria’s best regional produce. The results were extraordinary.

And what better way to end the day, feasting on our hard work, with new-found friends, a drop of local wine and the back drop of the city, smiling down upon us knowingly.

So Melbourne wasn’t on your “must see” list?

Take the time to get to know her and I guarantee she’ll be on your “must see again” list!

Understand the real Melbourne.

Suzarella’s Hot Tip:

To experience the unique taste of Victorian regional produce combined with native Australian produce, visit Tjanabi @ Fed (The Atrium, Federation Square, Flinders Street Melbourne, 0061396621225, www.tjanabi.com.au ).

For those who are game, try the duo of wallaby and kangaroo wrapped in prosciutto and served on a wild rosella jus. I love the Indigenous inspired lumberjack cake served with home-made wattle-seed ice-cream for a real taste of native produce at its best.