Visit Melbourne, Australia

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Melbourne, Australia is often referred to as the “Cultural Capital of Australia”. The city is a focal point for art, film, education, commerce, fashion, sports and tourism. The city serves as capital for the State of Victoria and ranks second for population in the country after Sydney. Melbourne plays host to a number of annual festivals and cultural events such as the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The city also hosts the Festival of Sails, the largest keel boat regatta in the world, held since 1844, attracting more than 450 boats and nearly 5,000 competitors; the Australian Open tennis tournament, the first “Grand Slam” tennis tournament staged in the world each year; the Australian Grand Prix, a formula 1 auto race; the Melbourne Cup, the horse race that stops the nation; the Australian Rules Football League Finals series and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, a celebration of Australia’s internationally famous food and wine culture. Melbourne’s culture of art is showcased in the over 100 galleries spread about the city ranging from public institutions like the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art to commercial galleries and artists’ co-ops. Federation Square, in the city centre, fuses art (the National Gallery of Australia is here along with NGV Australia, dedicated to indigenous art) with Avant-garde architecture combining massive public visual displays, cutting edge theatres and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), a subterranean screen gallery presenting video and sound art. Public art is on display throughout Melbourne and various art walks and tours designed to assist visitors in their quest to identify their favorite pieces. Shoppers find Melbourne to be a Mecca for satisfaction of their cravings. Melbourne’s Fashion Incubator displays the work of 25 up and coming fashion designers; the famous couturiers, Yeojin Bae, J’Aton and Gwendolynne are headquartered in Melbourne producing one-of-a-kind, special occasion garments. Shopping complexes spread throughout the city include shops of some famous designers that cut their first pieces of cloth in Melbourne. Melbourne also offers much in the way of parks, gardens, beaches and water based activities. The Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park attract tourists with their impressive exhibits. The Yarra River runs through the city to Phillip’s Bay (the entrance to Australia’s busiest port) providing access to water based and beach activities such as windsurfing, power boating, sailing and fishing. Sprinkle in world class golf courses with abundant opportunities for hiking and cycling and visitors will find that Melbourne lacks nothing in the way of outdoor activities. Your dream trip to Melbourne is as close as you adding it to your list. Discover how easy it can be to make a trip “Down Under” to experience the culture, outdoor recreation and congeniality that Melbourne, Australia offers.

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