| Population: 3.6 million As with many "rushes", the participants of the Victoria Gold Rush came from all over the world. Their legacies are part of what makes Melbourne and Victoria the vibrant, cosmopolitan, culinary, financial and multicultural capital of Oz. Sitting on the banks of the Yarra River Australia’s second-largest city is known as the “Garden State” and offers a myriad of diverse activities. 
Melbourne's suburbs sprawl around the shores of Port Philip Bay and are linked by an extensive tramcar system. Restaurants, cafes, boutiques, pubs, bookshops - you'll find them all in Fitzroy, one of the city's fascinating bohemian suburbs. The diversity of the cities population is best experienced through dinning. Whether it’s Greek or Italian, Chinese or Indian, Melbourne’s international districts line streets with cafes and restaurants offering the best multicultural experience and cuisine. Melbourne also has a wealth of diverse history, art, culture and sports. While at first glance it bears its cultural pre-eminence quietly, just below the surface is the heart and soul of Australian performing arts from rock music to opera to ballet. The visual arts in Melbourne offer everything from Aboriginal drawings to photography to modern sculpture; and sporting events present events from the Melbourne Cup horse race to Australian Rules Football's Grand Final to surfing's Bell's Beach Classic. There is always something going on in this thriving capital.
Source: Australia. Lonely Planet, 2004., www.thatsmelbourne.com.au, www.visitvictoria.com/melbourne |