Welcome to Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne – The Cultural Capital of Australia
Melbourne is a city with over four million inhabitants. That makes it the second largest city in Australia. Melbourne is situated on the southern coast of Australia’s eastern seaboard on the coast of the giant horseshoe shaped Port Philip Bay, which also serves as the mouth of the mighty Yarra River. Development occurred during the Victorian Gold Rush in the 1850’s, making it one of the wealthiest and most liveable cities on the planet.
Today, it is a centre for education, culture, sports and entertainment in Australia. Melbourne provides a unique landscape harmoniously mixing cutting edge modern buildings with just under 200 years of heritage and history. Over the decades, Melbourne has seen many cultures from all over the world settiling in, giving a multicultural dimension to Australia’s cultural capital. Melbourne is a city that has much to offer. You will be able to try a wide range of new activities where you will find family fun, extreme fun, sports fun, group fun or individual fun. You will also be able to enjoy the quietness of Melbourne's parks, only disturbed by the sound of children playing, or blend in at night with the locals and have a drink in one of the many bars in the city.
It is great to visit Melbourne but you should also check out the surroundings and discover the fauna and flora of Australia and understand the beauty of this amazing country. Go to the beach and take a walk on the shore. You can even take a trip to Tasmania from Melbourne, an island just off the Australian coast. Explore the city and its borders to get the most out of the wonderful experience and of your stay in Melbourne.
Information and Facts
Night-life
Most of the central city’s dance clubs are along the King Street Strip or in Little Collins Street. Clubs usually open at 9 or 10 weekends and some week nights, and stay open until the early morning hours.
Shopping
Known for its fashion style, Melbourne attracts visitors sometimes just for shopping! Australian designer labels and high-quality vintage clothing are available from funky to more conservative styles. The Brouke St. Mall is basically the centre of the shopping district and a great place to start your Melbourne shopping experience.
Sightseeing
Melbourne is a really ‘walkable’ city and it is really interesting to explore and uncover hidden boutiques and galleries, acclaimed restaurants and bars adorned with colourful street art. The highlights that are hardest to find are revealed on a Hidden Secrets walking tour. Do not miss the City Circle Tram and the Yellow and Green trams which are a much loved part of the city's landscape and can take you to popular attractions throughout the city such as St Kilda Pavilion and the pier.
A magnificent panoramic view of the city is available in the Rialto Towers observation deck on the 55th floor. You can possibly try it after a delicious lunch in one of Melbourne finest restaurants.
For those who feel addicted to nature, Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens are considered as one of the best landscaped gardens on earth. As for sea admirers, Melbourne Aquarium hosts a great variety of sharks and beautiful fish. Sport lovers should definitely feel the crowd atmosphere at a football match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Another interesting attraction of Melbourne is the Crow Casino and its entertainment complex with a full experience of gambling, shopping, exceptional food and drink. Furthermore, great annual events take place such as the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in March-April where great cuisines from various cultures are on display. Last but not least, a visit to Melbourne allows for day trips to its marvellous surroundings such as Philip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Bellarine Peninsula, the Yarra Valley and the Macedon Rangers.
Time
Standard Time is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+10).
Climate
Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with warm-hot summers, spring and autumn are usually mild, while the winter is cool. Residents will rarely experience unbearably cold or hot.
Public transportation
Another reason why Melbourne is regarded as one of the most liveable cities in the world is its public transport system. It is called ‘Metlink’ , It is really easy to use and it offers tram, train and bus transport all in one ticket for either two hours or for the full day. Not to mention that bike renting is also available to explore the great bike tracks along Yarra river.
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