A vibrant cosmopolitan city, located on the magnificent Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne is the state capital and cultural heart of Victoria. The locals’ claim that it is "the best city in the world to live in" may rankle with their rivals in Sydney but few dispute it is indeed a fascinating place to visit. The traditional rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney, covering every sphere of life from business to sport and culture, has resulted in a proud, dynamic city striving to be the best in all things.
All state roads lead into the city and Victoria’s unique geography means that it is possible to spend the morning on the coast, ski in the afternoon in the Victorian Alps and enjoy an aperitif at a winery, before returning to Melbourne to take in a show at one of the many theatres.
The banks of the Yarra River, home to Aborigines for thousands of years, attracted British settlers. The settlement rapidly expanded and by 1851, the city – named after Queen Victoria’s Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne – was born. In the same year, gold was discovered to the west of Melbourne, and the ensuing gold rush turned the city into a powerful financial centre, as well as the first political capital, until Canberra was established in 1927.
In addition to our many parks and gardens, Melbourne is increasingly being recognised as one of Australia’s leading waterfront cities. Year-long the Yarra River precinct is bustling with locals and visitors alike soaking up the lively atmosphere and taking in the stunning views.
Melbourne’s waterfront combines river cruises, dining, shopping and attractions with world class sporting, arts and botanical venues. Birrarung Marr, Federation Square, Southgate, Crown Entertainment Complex and Melbourne Docklands are the centrepieces of Melbourne’s waterfront. Board one of the river craft at Southgate, relax in Birrarung Marr on the banks of the Yarra and enjoy the lush greenery and parkland in a central City location, or simply enjoy one of the numerous events or festivals at Federation Square among the contemporary architecture.
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ~ Guided tours around the stadium, which is a treasure trove of sporting history and artefacts. The MCG also contains the Australian Gallery of Sport, the Olympic Museum and the Cricket Hall of Fame.
- Rialto Towers Observation Deck ~ Viewing platform, providing a 360° view of Melbourne.
- Melbourne Gaol ~ Fascinating insight to the gaol that housed the infamous Ned Kelly, and the death masks of some of the 135 prisoners hanged for their crimes.
- Fitzroy Gardens ~ Captain Cook's Cottage, transported from Yorkshire and painstakingly recreated, brick by brick, is located within the gardens, which are laid out as a Union Jack.
- Queen Victoria Market ~ A vibrant multi-cultural collection of colourful stalls.
- St Kilda's Beach ~ Cosmopolitan beach area, just south of the city, with bars, cafes and a pier from which you take a trip out to see a small colony of penguins.
- Wildlife ~ Explore the animal kingdom at the Melbourne Zoo or dive with the sharks at the Melbourne Aquarium.
- Champions Australian Racing Museum & Hall of Fame ~ Located in Federation Square, this museum brings the exciting world of thoroughbred racing to the heart of the city. This non-profit organisation is vital in preserving the heritage and creating an awareness of the racing industry in Australia.
