Melbourne

Melbourne Traditions and Culture

Ever since it was first founded by European settlers back in 1835, Melbourne has been vying with Sydney for the right to call itself Australia's most important city and indeed it was the nation's capital until 1901. Though the Victoria state capital is a thriving, modern city, it also has a rich history. The high-rise Victorian buildings, grand boulevards and large public gardens which grace the city centre were all funded by the gold rush of the 1850s.

These days, the laid-back way of life is complemented by an excellent cultural scene, with the annual Fringe and International Comedy festivals on a par with anything else in the world, though the true local passion is for all things sporting and, in particular, cricket and 'Aussie Rules' football.

Melbourne Recommended

The best way to see the heart of Melbourne is by foot as even the least tourist-friendly block will undoubtedly boast at least a couple of street performers and access to a municipal park for shade and a sit down.

Located on the 55th floor of the Rialto Towers, some 237 metres above the ground, the Melbourne Observation Deck offers unforgettable views across the city centre and beyond, giving an appreciation of its relatively recent industry-fuelled growth. The real action, however, takes place far below, and in particular at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Known simply as the 'G' to locals, this is a place of worship for millions of 'real' Australians and visitors to the city between the months of April and September really ought to go and check out a game regardless of their usual views on sport.

Highlighting the cultural richness of the city, many Melbournians are just as happy watching a game as they are heading to one of the many theatres or to the acclaimed ballet. Other popular highlights among tourists include the Shrine of Remembrance, which serves to commemorate Australia's war dead, and the Neighbours tour, which allows fans to take a tour of the real-life locations behind the hit soap.

Certainly the predictable Aussie fare of beer and meat is never too far away, though downtown Melbourne also boasts top restaurants which reflect the large numbers of Asian immigrants to the city as well as some chic clubs and bars, including serious jazz lounges and more laidback venues down by the riverside.

Melbourne Weather

Not for nothing did Crowded House write a song about Melbourne entitled 'Four Seasons in One Day'. The weather is usually moderate, though is definitely changeable. Snow is extremely rare, while rain is infrequent during the long, relatively hot, summer months, with temperatures rarely threatening to rise above the 40 degrees C mark.

Melbourne Destination Checklist

Currency: Australian dollars

Time Difference: Ten hours ahead of GMT

Dialing Code: +61

Population: 3.7 million

Getting Around: The interconnected public transport system is a joy and the iconic trams serve everywhere a tourist may want to go. To get of the city, for example to the Great Ocean Road, car hire is the best, of not the only, way to go.