Melbourne
Victoria's capital, Melbourne, is located around the shores of Port Phillip
Bay. The CBD sits beside the Yarra River, about five kilometres from the
bay. Renowned for its sense of style and elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous
festivals and events, Australia's best shopping, a lively passion for eating
and drinking, and a flourishing interest in the arts. Great vestiges of
nineteenth-century 
architecture,
built following the discovery of gold, are heady reminders of a prosperous
age, while beautifully tended parks and gardens present a therapeutic respite
from the pace of city life.
Melbourne has a Mediterranean style climate with no great extremes and one of the lowest rainfall levels in Australia. Average temperatures in February range from 15°C to 25°C.
Arts and Culture
While in Melbourne make sure you head to the Yarra River and Southbank precinct, where you'll find the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in its striking new building and The Victorian Arts Centre, home to theatre, opera, contemporary and classical music, ballet and visual arts. Nearby is Federation Square - a unique and controversial public space that fuses art with architecture, exhibitions and events, and houses Australia's first major gallery devoted to Australian art, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, a world first, dedicated to the moving image in all its forms.
Shopping
Scratch the surface and you'll find that Melbourne is home to some of Australia's most dynamic and cutting-edge design, arts and cultural companies. Melbourne laneways and precincts are filled with commercial galleries, craft and design outlets and fashion boutiques showcasing the innovation and skill of Melbourne-based artists and designers.
Sports and Recreation
Melbourne's world-class parks and gardens are host to a wide range of recreational activities and Melburnians have a particular passion for all types of sport. This is demonstrated throughout the year with major events such as the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, the AFL Grand Final, the Australian Open Tennis Championships and the world famous horse race that stops the nation - the Melbourne Cup.
Lifestyle
The Melburnian lifestyle is greatly influenced by people from more than 140 nations who have made the city their home, creating a rich multicultural society. From magnificent tree-lined streets and classic architecture, to the vast array of culinary experiences, Melbourne is a city of contrasts offering something for everyone.
Melbourne Map
- Download a map of melbourne [JPG: 112Kb]
