Melbourne prides itself on being Australia's arts, cultural and architecture capital - and is undeniably the country's most sports-mad city. There's certainly a relentless program of crowd-pleasing events to cater to anyone arriving from flights to Melbourne, from the Australian Tennis Open and famous Melbourne Cup horse race to flower shows and comedy festivals.
Australia's second-largest city is also its most cosmopolitan, with an urbane European character and savoir vivre. Its vibrant ethnic communities have given the city a rich multicultural flavour epitomised in its superb restaurants.
Melbourne's creative urban culture is reflected in its diverse inner city neighbourhoods. Trams rattle east down the tracks to Chapel Street's über-chic boutiques, north to bohemian Brunswick Street and south across the Yarra River to St Kilda's lively beach promenade and live music pubs. Opposite historic Flinders Street Station beats the bold new heart of the CBD - the love-it-or-hate it modernist Federation Square, a stark contrast to the city's stately Victorian streetscapes and sleek skyscrapers. You can catch a show at one of the city's opulent historic theatres or get a culture fix at the Southbank arts precinct. But much of Melbourne's charm lies in the life that goes on in hidden corners of the city. Tucked in historic city arcades and grungy street art-covered laneways, you'll find some of the hippest bars, cafes, galleries and restaurants.
With a vibrant underground arts scene, thriving theatre scene, world-class dining and endless entertainment possibilities, Melbourne is a city waiting to be discovered.
