Australia's second-largest city and Victoria's thriving capital is a restless, image-conscious centre with a bucketful of style. Of all Australia's cities, Melbourne is perhaps the most European in feel. Trams rattle through streets fronted by stern Victorian public buildings, while parks, outdoor cafes and restaurants lend it a Mediterranean air.

Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures. Chinese, Italians, Vietnamese, Lebanese and Greeks, among others, have all added their traditions, customs and cuisines to Melbourne's multicultural mix. The city is noted for its lovely gardens, performing arts, museums and galleries, and it's also sports-mad, being home to world-famous sporting events such as the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open Tennis and the Qantas Australia Grand Prix. Melbourne has a lively nightclub scene and is noted for live music and comedy clubs.

Great dining-out spots include the bayside suburb of St Kilda, Lygon Street in Carlton for its Italian cuisine, Brunswick Street in Fitzroy for its offbeat cafe culture, and Little Bourke Street in the city centre for its superb range of Chinese cuisine.
Within an hour or so of Melbourne are a range of places well-worth exploring. Among them are the Macedon Ranges - Australia's spa capital - where you'll find sumptuous food and wine, luxurious accommodation, colourful gardens, amazing rock formations, and world-renowned mineral springs.