Melbourne - Australia

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. 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.

Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne is a sophisticated alternative to the glitz and glam of her northern sister, Sydney. Melbourne is a city of experience made up of distinct precincts where each locale has its own twist on life offering an eclectic array of food, fashion, architecture and ambience. Melbourne draws vacationers in to interact with its daily buzz. Visitors lose their ‘tourist’ label and live the life of a local in one of the world’s most liveable cities where diversity is a way of life, and the cafe culture reigns supreme! The most "European" Australian city, Melbourne is eclectic, relaxed and not pretentious.

Getting around Melbourne is easy thanks to an excellent train and tram system. Public transport is a breeze in Melbourne and you never have to wait long! The trams in Melbourne are as big an icon as the ones in San Francisco and Flinders Street Station, on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets, is the hub of Melbourne's train system, with all metropolitan trains beginning or ending their journey there. Trams travel along most of Melbourne's major thoroughfares, extending out into the suburbs. Tourists and visitors can also use the burgundy and gold City Circle Tram, which does a free 30-minute circuit around the city centre, linking major attractions and other transport routes. Tickets allowing travel across train and tram services are generally inexpensive, and can be purchased from vending machines at train stations, on trams, or pre-purchased at selected shops like newsagents.

With over 3000 restaurants serving 70 different cuisines, it can be hard to choose what gastronomic treat to try next in Melbourne. This is the showcase of Australia's multicultural heritage. Everything is here and you should try it all.. but you would need to actually move here to do so. Whether searching for designer labels or vintage clothing, children¹s toys or high-tech gadgetry, skincare products or sparkling chardonnay, Melbourne has it all when it comes to shopping. Careful of that credit card!

Gay scene ? Well you could say that. The City area has the hippest nightlife dispersed throughout its mysterious lanes. Spaces that originally housed fabric companies, warehouses and retail outlets, now pulsate with hip tunes and smart cocktails. Some of the key avenues to keep in mind are Flinders Lane and Little Collins Street, each with an array of cool bars to discover. Northside is a laid back and bohemian alternative from pubs with live music to dance bars and leather clubs. The gay and lesbian scene is largely found in Collingwood and Abbotsford, inner city suburbs where many in the GLBT community choose to call home. To the south, it's all about designer fashion and seaside follies. There are just as many nightlife options to choose from, but you may have to dress up a little more. Commercial Road in Prahran is Melbourne's main gay strip, with gay bars in abundance, while St Kilda boasts nightlife with an ocean view.

Now, you tell us why you wouldn't want to visit !

Take a look at Melbourne Accommodation HERE