Things to do in Mebourne

Melbourne, Australia, the gateway to Victoria, is an eclectic city of casual elegance, characterized by an interesting blend of modern and Victorian architecture, attractive parks and lush ornamental gardens. Set on the banks of the Yarra River, the city’s unique geographical position means that it’s possible to visit the coast, via the Great Ocean Road, or ski in the Victoria Alps within a day. Melbourne is unique in having five winegrowing regions within an hour and a half of the city, and there are numerous tours to visit one of the many vineyards in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula or the burgeoning winegrowing region of Geelong, where world-class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are produced.

Named after then-British Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, the city of 3.5 million was founded in 1835. After gold was discovered in Victoria in the 1850s, Melbourne soon became the fastest-growing city in the British Empire, and a number of its finer buildings were constructed during this period. To the extent that culture is synonymous with sophistication – except when it comes to watching Australian rules football or the Melbourne Cup – some call this city the cultural capital of the continent.

Melbourne is a multicultural city with a vibrant cultural life and is regarded as one of the culinary, sporting and shopping capitals of Australia, with a wide selection of museums, art galleries, theaters and festivals. A university city, with the University of Melbourne, it is served by Melbourne Airport, which is just 30 minutes from the center of the city.

Some of its most popular attractions include Melbourne Zoo, the National Gallery, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Melbourne Aquarium, the annual Melbourne Art Festival and the Old Melbourne Gaol, where the infamous Ned Kelly was held.