Melbourne City and Surrounds

Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, is set around the shores of Victoria's Port Phillip Bay and is famous for its sense of style and elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous festivals and events, major exhibitions and world-class musical extravaganzas, Australia’s best shopping and a passion for food and wine. Whether you’re searching for couture or vintage clothing, souvenirs or sparkling chardonnay, chic bars, clubs or jazz venues, Melbourne has it all!

The city sits on the Yarra River, about five kilometres from the bay. One glance at a map and it's obvious Melbourne is a planned city: a tidy, balanced grid of neatly angled streets. But beneath this sense of restraint lies a restless creative energy.

Melbourne’s calendar is rich in cultural, sporting and culinary events and festivals. From Grand Slam tennis to Formula One motor racing, air shows, food and wine festivals, jazz, comedy, surfing or AFL Grand Finals, whatever you desire, Victoria reverberates throughout the year.

The first Grand Slam tournament of the international tennis calendar kicks off in Melbourne in January, followed by the Australian International Airshow at Avalon. The adrenalin rush continues with high-octane energy at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix. Phillip Island is famous for its motor racing events including the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the V8 Supercar Championship. Nothing epitomises the spirit of Melbourne as well as the Spring Racing Carnival and the Melbourne Cup, a blend of high fashion, high stakes and fantastic parties.

The CBD itself is made up of many precincts and enclaves with their own distinct flavour and charm. Some are just a lane or two, while others cover a suburb or a busy CBD street. Spend time experiencing the richness of Melbourne's different cultures from the Greek Quarter around Lonsdale Street, Italian in Lygon street, Vietnamese in Victoria Street to the Chinese culture in Chinatown and the upmarket Paris End of Collins Street.

Leave time to admire the elegant Victorian-era streetscapes, take in a film or food festival and add a visit to one of the many galleries and opulent theatres.