Welcome to Melbourne
ABOUT MELBOURNE
There is much to love about Melbourne. Just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those lucky enough to live here. They love its vibrant energy, staggering choice of restaurants, funky boutiques, café-filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, luscious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character.
Melbourne, a relatively modern city which is less than 200 years old, never sits still. New futuristic designs add to the fascinating mix of architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing. Melbourne is very much about lifestyle. It is no huge surprise to residents that their city has been named in an international poll as the world’s most liveable city.
Melburnians embrace three things in particular: sport (Australian Rules football is almost a religion); fashion (the look is chic with a dash of quirky); and festivals (the calendar is packed year round).They even embrace their notoriously changeable weather. A standing joke in Australia is that Melbourne can experience four seasons in a day. But, really, it’s just another example of how they have it all!
Sometimes, the best part of visiting a new city is when you unexpectedly depart from the tourist trail and glimpse the city’s “real” side. While the big attractions can be great fun, often it’s the more subtle “insider” experiences that leave you feeling really satisfied.
EXTENDING YOUR STAY
Why not extend your visit to take in some great shopping or a show, sightsee in the city, or dine in one of hundreds of fabulous restaurants, or take a trip out to the Dandenongs for a ride on Puffing Billy or savour the flavour of some of Melbourne’s great wines in the Yarra Valley.
Whatever your desire, Melbourne’s got something for you. For more information go to www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
GETTING AROUND MELBOURNE
The easiest way to get around Melbourne is by public transport. You can purchase a Metcard when boarding a train, bus or tram. This ticket can then be used on all forms of public transport. Tickets can be prepurchased online www.metcard.com.au/store/
Or if in Melbourne
Ground Floor, Melbourne Town Hall
90 - 130 Swanston Street
Open: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm
