Travel Eye on Melbourne (Victoria, Australia)

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Overview:

Australia's second-largest city, Melbourne, capital of Victoria, is the most European in style with trams rattling through streets past Victorian buildings, parks and outdoor cafes. The city centre is laid out in a simple grid pattern, the long, wide north-south streets gently sloping down to the Yarra River, crossed by a mix of narrow lanes, and the main shopping streets such as Bourke and Collins Streets.

The CBD is easily navigable by foot, and if a rest is needed after a session of sightseeing or shopping there are numerous parks nearby, such as the Royal Botanical Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and Carlton Gardens. Alternatively, you can take one of Melbourne's signature attractions, a tram.

The burgundy-coloured City Circle tram is free, and is a good way to get your bearings as well as explore the inner city, while for those wanting to go further afield the tram network extends about 10 miles (15km) into the Melbourne suburbs.

Melbourne's population of almost three million is made up of a variety of cultures, including Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, Lebanese and Greek, who have all added their touch to this thriving city.

A fierce rivalry exists between the cities of Melbourne and Sydney, but local residents bask in the satisfying knowledge that Melbourne beats Sydney hands-down on the cultural front, noted for its wide variety of high standard performing arts, as well as its sport.

Beautiful Victorian architecture, old trams, endless parks, tree-lined boulevards, incomparable sporting facilities and a lively and affordable restaurant culture, have all made Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, the closest thing possible to a perfect destination.

What's more, just when it was in danger of becoming boorish, in flooded the immigrants to freshen up the British traditions with their food, festivals and diverse philosophies.

Locality:

Melbourne 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.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Victoria offers cuisines of all types and nationalities. With ideal growing conditions, a mix of ethnic cultures from around the globe and some of Australia's most innovative chefs, Victoria is the place to pleasure your palate. The state is also one of Australia's most important wine growing areas, containing 22 wine regions, over 350 wineries and many more vineyards.

Variety and energy characterise entertainment and nightlife in Victoria. Whether it's clubbing until dawn at dance venues or laughing out loud at a comedy club, there's plenty going on to keep nightowls entertained. In Melbourne, you'll find an ever-increasing number of trendy clubs and bars, ideal places for convivial drinking, Sex In The City-style socialising and grooving to the chilled sounds of DJs late into the night.

From cutting-edge architecture and blockbuster musicals to art exhibitions and popular festivals, Melbourne is a city where cultural pursuits are woven into the fabric of everyday life. Regional Victoria also boasts a flourishing arts scene, with impressive galleries, museums, and heritage buildings.

The past is always present in Victoria. Nearly everywhere you look, you'll discover evidence of the state's proud and fascinating history, from elegant Victorian-era buildings and Murray River paddle steamers to maritime museums and steam trains. Discover beautifully preserved goldmining towns, bushrangers lairs, and ancient burial sites testifying to the long history of Aboriginal occupation. Use the links on the left-hand side to explore the wealth of history and heritage in each of Victoria's regions.

Victoria has a wealth of activities and attractions. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, a romantic getaway or designer labels, the state has something for everyone. Sandy beaches, snow-peaked mountains, zoos and aquariums, historic sites, bars and cafes, white-water rafting, spas, wildlife and wineries, or self-driving along Victoria's breathtaking coast - everywhere you turn there's always something special to see and do. Better still, Victoria's compact size means activities and attractions are all within easy reach of each other.