With a population of around 4 million, Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, is set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. The city itself, laid out in a large rectangle and boasting a lively and cosmopolitan pulse, sits on the northern banks of the Yarra River, about five kilometres from the bay.
One glance at a map and it’s obvious that Melbourne is a planned city: a tidy, balanced grid of neatly angled streets. But beneath this sense of everything in its place lies a restless creative energy constantly pushing back at the city’s seeming conservatism. The CBD is made up of precincts – distinct enclaves each with its own flavour and charm. Some are just a lane or two, while others cover the banks of the Yarra River or a busy CBD street.
Extending around the bay are a number of inner suburbs, each with its own distinct character and personality. A short tram ride from the city centre, Melbourne’s suburban neighbourhoods are a must see for anyone wanting to experience what life here is really all about.
Melbourne is a city that knows how to live. You can choose from high-end cuisine to low brow rock gigs, plays, festivals and blockbuster sporting events, all taking place across a city full of parks, gardens and historic architecture.
We have historic arcades and laneways lined with fine dining restaurants, chic cafes, hidden bars and fashion boutiques or head to one of the many lush gardens throughout the city. In Melbourne everything has its own festival. From food, film, art and music festivals to celebrations of writing, anime, design and projections.
In April 2010, Melbourne was officially named "world’s Ultimate Sports City" ahead of London, Berlin and Sydney at the SportAccord Convention in Dubai. Each year Melbourne showcases several international marquee and major local events drawing passionate crowds at outstanding venues.
These include: the Formula 1 Grand Prix and MotoGP, the Superbike World Championship, the Australian Grand Slam Open Tennis Tournament, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the AFL Grand Final and the Boxing Day Test.
Melbourne has world-renowned sporting complexes, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rod Laver Arena and the Tennis Centre, Flemington Racecourse, Etihad Stadium and now, the innovative new Melbourne Rebels’ home ground, AAMI Park Rectangular Stadium.