Australia City Guide

Renowned as Australia’s seat of art and music Melbourne runs at a slow pace and in contrast to Sydney is a lot more laid back and relaxed.

Around Melbourne

Situated on the banks of the Yarra River, Victoria's state capital offers a fascinating blend of traditional and modern influences, with gothic banks and cathedrals giving way to pockets of stunning modern architecture. Department stores and shopping centres coexist with vibrant hidden lanes and arcades which are given over to a thriving café culture and boutique shopping, character filled neighbourhoods such as Fitzroy, St Kilda and Carlton hum with life producing some of the most innovative art, music, cuisine, fashion, performance, design and ideas in the country.

Melbourne's history

Founded in 1835 by John Batman and famed for its unpredictable weather, the city boomed following the discovery of gold in Victoria’s fields. Huge wealth was pumped into the city springing beautiful Georgian style buildings, tramways and grand boulevards.

Post WWII, Melbourne’s social fabric was greatly enriched by an influx of people and cultures from around the world and this cosmopolitan atmosphere prevails today. No where is this more noticeable than at the Queen Victoria markets, with its vaulted ceilings and open sides it has over a 1,000 stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, cheese and organic food that reflects the city's multicultural population.

Things to see and do

Elsewhere you can wile away your time in the many gardens, parks and museums, take a tram down to the lively seaside suburb of St Kilda or take in one of Melbourne’s many sporting events including the Grand Prix in Albert Park or the Australian Open Tennis.

In short, Melbourne is centre of style and substance that has something for everyone.