We're talking about the capital of Victoria that is a cultural
hub known for the good things in life- fashion, food, entertainment
and sport. This is a city of style, architecture, trams, theatres
and a fabulous arts scene. Known also for fabulous shopping
and a great local music scene, Melbourne is a big city with
a lot of heart. Its wine country with rolling hills of green,
and vines of red and gold is superb. Whether by car or by
hot-air balloon you will find there are many ways to enjoy
these regions and sampling the local produce. Melbourne is
one of the most enlightened and liveable cities in the world. |
| Location: |
South East Australia |
| |
|
| Language: |
English |
| |
|
| Currency: |
Australian Dollar (AUD$) |
| |
|
| Climate: |
Melbourne's climate is warm to hot in summer (Dec. – Feb.),
mild in Autumn (March – May), damp in winter (June – Aug.),
and cool in Spring (Sept. – Nov.) The coldest months are June
and July and October is the wettest. In summer the average maximum
temperature is 25°C and in winter 14°C. |
| |
|
| Transport: |
Melbourne is most famous for its trams where you'll gain an
impeccable sense of the culture of the city. You will also find
that Melbourne's public transport system is made up of trams,
trains, buses and taxis. |
|
|
Shopping
Known as a style-setter, Melbourne's shopping is world-class. There
are large department stores and designer boutiques whether you're
after a value buy or when price is no object. For a bit of fun, the
Camberwell and Queen Victoria Markets and the Chapel Street Bazaar
offer pre-loved clothes and shoes. Stroll in the historic Block Arcade,
window shop in the 'Paris' end of Collins Street or seek out fashion
seconds bargains at Richmond's Bridge Road.
Food
Wining and dining is also embraced in the state's capital of Melbourne,
where the multicultural community has created a blend of cuisines
that is simply superb. Food lovers can enjoy renowned dining at over
3,000 restaurants, cafés, bistros and bars representing about
75 different ethnic cuisines. Take a tram down to St Kilda and indulge
in a cake from the famous Acland Street cafe strip. Head to Lygon
Street in Carlton for Italian, or to Little Bourke Street for Melbourne's
Chinatown area. Victoria is a gourmet's delight.
Melbourne is also recognised as one of the world's great wine destinations,
with 100 wineries within an hour's drive of the city. Many of the
local vineyards have achieved international acclaim for their wines
and with other popular products of fruits and cheeses.
Entertainment
Melbourne is home to some of the best entertainment nightlife in Australia.
Be prepared for non-stop program of film and food festivals, major
art exhibitions and musical extravaganzas. From local fairs to music
festivals, each region has its own way of celebrating the community.
A great day for friends, families and travellers alike, stay up to
date and don't miss out on the party!
- Visit the new Federation Square filled with bars, restaurants
and dedicated Australian Art Gallery.
- Visit hip cafes or meet friends at bars around Flinders Lane
and Little Collins Street.
- Visit New Quay Melbourne Docklands and experience the city's
newest dining precinct.
- Take a relaxing afternoon cruise down the Yarra River.
- Spend a day exploring the wide boulevards that lead to fascinating
arcades and laneways.
Yarra Valley
Just an hour's drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is home to some
of Victoria's most beautiful scenery. The region offers over 55 wineries
to explore. From boutique vineyards to world renowned wineries, you
will be sure to find something to your liking. Stylish cafes and restaurants
are famous for their gourmet food and local produce. See the sunrise
from a hot-air balloon and float across the valley before enjoying
breakfast at one of the wineries. Visit Healesville Sanctuary, 30
acres of natural bushland where you can see some of Australia's native
wildlife. Or venture over to the Dandenong Ranges where you can step
back in time aboard the famous Puffing Billy Steam Railway.
High Country
Victoria 's High Country is filled with mountains, streams and vineyards,
not forgetting the legends of the Man from Snowy River and the Ned
Kelly gang. The High Country is an ideal destination for the adventurer.
In winter, its snowy peaks become a playground for downhill and
cross-country skiers. In summer, breathtaking scenery invites bushwalking,
hiking and mountain bike riding.
Mornington Pensulia
The Mornington Peninsula is a seaside getaway that offers sweeping
sea views, vineyards and galleries. Just an hour south of Melbourne
you can experience one of the city's favourite getaways. Enjoy the
beaches of Sorrento and Portsea or take a walk at Cape Schanck to
view wild and beautiful coastal scenery. The area is also well renowned
for its cafes, restaurants and wineries.
Mildura and Murray Outback
On the banks of the Murray River, in the far north west of Victoria,
Mildura offers a unique gourmet experience with a striking scenic
landscape. Boutique wineries and major wine producers along with
lush orchards contrast with the surrounding red desert. Many local
restaurants promise sumptuous meals of gourmet produce and local
wines.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road winds westward from Geelong to the South Australian
border, and is rated as one of Australia's best drives. Dramatic
cliffs, beaches, rainforests and waterfalls all combine to create
wonderful scenery and great opportunities for swimming and bushwalking.
Port Campbell National Park, one of the most visited stretches of
the Great Ocean Road, boasts the remarkable limestone formations
of the Twelve Apostles - a sight not to be missed.
Photographs supplied courtesy of Tourism Victoria |
