MELBOURNE
Melbourne, renowned for its cafe culture, art scene, multicultural lifestyle and splendid parks, stands on the banks of the Yarra River and the shores of Port Phillip Bay. The Yarra flows past ancient red gums and the smart mid-city Southgate complex. Take a sunset river cruise to catch the spirit.
From cutting-edge architecture and blockbuster musicals to art exhibitions and popular festivals, Melbourne is a city where cultural pursuits are woven into the fabric of everyday life. A 'corridor' of exciting arts and culture institutions extends across the city, from the Yarra River to the world-heritage Royal Exhibition building and Melbourne Museum in the historic Carlton Gardens.
Explore on foot, starting your tour near Southbank at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in its striking building that resembles Uluru. Nearby is NGV International - the National Gallery of Victoria's headquarters, and the Victorian Arts Centre, home to theatre, opera, contemporary and classical music, ballet and visual arts.
Across the Yarra River, Federation Square is a unique and controversial public space that fuses art with architecture, exhibitions and events. It houses Australia's first major gallery devoted to Australian art, including an impressive collection of Aboriginal art - The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia - and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the world's first gallery dedicated to the moving image in all its forms.
Each year Melbourne hosts a range of arts and cultural festivals and events, including the annual fashion and film festivals, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival the Melbourne International Arts Festival, youth events and more.
Known as a style-setter, Melbourne is home to some of the best shopping and nightlife in Australia, a non-stop program of film and food festivals, cutting edge design and architecture, and major art exhibitions and musical extravaganzas. Whether you’re searching for haute couture or vintage clothing, souvenirs or sparkling chardonnay, chic bars, clubs or jazz venues, Melbourne has it all.
Melbourne loves its sport and every year plays host to international tournaments and grand prix events at world-class venues around the city.
With more than 3,000 restaurants, cafés and bars representing about 75 different ethnic cuisines, Melbourne is always at the forefront of food fashion. Head out in any direction for a meal and you will come across distinctive dining precincts and award-winning epicurean icons.
The wide Yarra River runs through the city, connecting parks and gardens with sports and entertainment venues and arriving at Port Phillip Bay where, at Station Pier, the Spirit of Tasmania berths between trips across Bass Strait.
