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About Melbourne
Melbourne is a cosmopolitan, trendy city with an exceptional blend of culture, nature, arts, sports, and cuisine.
Melbourne, the capital of the State of Victoria and the second largest city on the continent, is home to great architecture from the Victorian era, green parks, some of the world’s most beautiful and well-known botanical gardens, a thriving food scene, outstanding museums, and great shopping. And let’s not forget the beautiful nature sites in and around the city, including the Yarra River which flows through it.
The city is named after the Duke of Melbourne II, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from the beginning of the reign of Queen Victoria. It has also been awarded several titles - and rightly so!
It is known as “the Cultural Capital of Australia” thanks to its many museums, galleries, theatres, street art, vibrant music scene, and the University of Melbourne which is one of the country’s leading educational institutions. Among its most famous cultural institutions are the National Gallery of Victoria, the Melbourne Museum, and the Arts Centre Melbourne which is the venue for live performances as well as exhibitions of local and international artists.
As the hosts of several major sports events each year and the home of renowned sports-lovers, Melbourne earned the title: “Sports Capital of Australia.” These events include the Australian Open Tennis Tournament, the Melbourne Grand Prix, and the prestigious Melbourne Cup - a thoroughbred horse race held annually in November. In addition, there are excellent sports arenas in the city, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground (the MCG) which is among the largest stadiums in the world. Trivia lovers – don’t forget that Melbourne hosted the 1956 Olympic Games!
Melbourne is also the birthplace of the unique sport, “Australian rules football,” which is a cross between rugby and soccer. Known by the Australians as “footy,” or by its official name "Aussie rules," it is still a favored sport of Melbourne residents, while rugby dominates in other parts of Australia.
Melbourne was designed based on the concept of the "Australian dream" - a private house with a garden for every family. As a result, its residential suburbs are spread over large areas with an excellent urban transportation system connecting them. In the city center, the historic trams –which pass near most of the city’s attractions - are free for tourists.
As you stroll along the streets in Melbourne, you’ll discover charming Victorian architecture alongside the city’s many modern buildings and skyscrapers. Highlights of the city include: the historic, magnificent Flinders Street railway station, St. Paul's Cathedral, Federation (Fed) Square – a venue for events and culture, the Old Melbourne Gaol – a former jail which is now a fascinating museum, China Town, the distinguished Parliament House, and the national memorial – the Anzac Shrine of Remembrance. Don’t miss the Eureka Tower whose Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck, offers breathtaking views of the city.
A visit to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without taking in its stunning natural landscape, from parks to gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens, the Melbourne Zoo, and the Melbourne Aquarium are recommended destinations.
And as for food in a city that has absorbed immigrants from all over the world, the cuisine is diverse and outstanding, a paradise of ethnic foods from around the world - all accompanied by Victoria’s excellent wines. At the end of February and beginning of March, the Food and Wine Festival takes place in Melbourne, a perfect time to get to know its culinary richness in depth. The Queen Victoria Market, the South Melbourne Market, and the Prahran Market are some of the city’s most famous food markets.
Shopping is another favorite pastime for many Melbourne locals, and there are many shopping options to choose from, from large malls to small boutiques. Chapel Street, Collins Street, and Bourke Street Mall are among the most well-known spots.
And a word about the weather…Melbourne is known for its unstable climate, validating one more of the city’s nicknames: "the city of four seasons in one day!”
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Melbourne
Melbourne is a cosmopolitan, trendy city with an exceptional blend of culture, nature, arts, sports, and cuisine.
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Looking for some interesting things to do in Melbourne? Here are some recommended attractions and sights for you.
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Attractions in Melbourne
- Federation Square, Melbourne
- City Center, Melbourne
- State Library of Victoria, Melbourne
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
- Melbourne Museum
- Melbourne Aquarium
- Her Majesty's Theater, Melbourne
- St. Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne
- St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne
- National Sports Museum, Melbourne
- Arts Center, Melbourne
- Princess Theater, Melbourne
- The Regent Theater, Melbourne
- Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne events and occasions
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Voice guided walking tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can start walking at any time and stop whenever and wherever you like, for as long as you like. For RoutePerfect customers with our partner VoiceMap's mobile app.
A walking tour of Marvellous Melbourne: Birrarung Marr, Block Arcade and beyond
Discover Melbourne: River and Laneways
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Macedon and Daylesford Gourmet Drive
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