MelbourneAustralia's second-largest city,
Melbourne, capital of Victoria, is the most European in style with trams rattling through streets past Victorian buildings, parks and outdoor cafes. The city center is laid out in a simple grid pattern, the long, wide north-south streets gently sloping down to the
Yarra River, crossed by a mix of narrow lanes, and the main shopping streets such as Bourke and Collins Streets. The CBD is easily navigable by foot, and if a rest is needed after a session of sightseeing or shopping there are numerous parks nearby, such as the
Royal Botanical Gardens,
Fitzroy Gardens and Carlton Gardens. Alternatively, you can take one of Melbourne's signature attractions, a tram. The burgundy-colored City Circle tram is free, and is a good way to get your bearings as well as explore the inner city, while for those wanting to go further afield the tram network extends about 10 miles (15km) into the Melbourne suburbs.
Melbourne's population of over three million is made up of a variety of cultures, including Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, Lebanese and Greek, who have all added their touch to this thriving city. A fierce rivalry exists between the cities of Melbourne and
Sydney, but local residents bask in the satisfying knowledge that Melbourne beats Sydney hands-down on the cultural front, noted for its wide variety of high standard performing arts, as well as its sport. The city plays host to world-renowned sporting events like the
Melbourne Cup,
Australian Open Tennis and
Qantas Australia Grand Prix. Around the city, within an hour's drive, there are numerous places worth visiting, including the Macedon Ranges, which is
Australia's spa capital with its world-renowned mineral springs, as well as the spectacular Great Ocean Road along the coast, which passes stunning rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles. One of the most popular self-drive routes for tourists to follow is the circular Great Southern Touring Route, which includes spectacular scenery and takes in some of Victoria's most beautiful, scenic and cultural attractions.
Getting Around: Melbourne's efficient public transport system, known as The Met, is an integrated service utilizing trams, trains and buses, with standard fares. The best way to see the city and central suburbs is by tram, a fast, cheap and convenient system that is one of the largest and oldest in the world. City Circle trams, which provide a commentary, are a very convenient way to tour the city center, providing a free round trip service that takes in many of the city's main attractions. The suburban train network is extensive and is the fastest way to reach outlying suburbs, and also has an underground city loop. Buses cover the areas that trams and trains don't reach, as well as those they do, but are little used by visitors; on weekends there is a limited night bus service. Taxis, highly visible in bright yellow, are numerous but expensive. Car hire companies are available throughout the city, but if driving in the city beware of the unusual hook turn where drivers must get into the far left hand lane in order to turn right and vice versa.
Climate: Melbourne is best visited in the summer months (November to March) when temperatures are warmer (about 77°F/25°C. Winter can be fairly chilly with an average July temperature of 55°F (13°C). Some rain can be expected throughout the year.
Phillips Island and GippslandThe
Gippsland region is an attractive day trip getaway from the city of Melbourne with its lakes, forest, dramatic coastline and historic townships. It is also gourmet country, filled with cheese-makers, wineries, fruit farms and markets.
Phillip Island, just offshore, offers the chance to learn and experience being up close and personal with a variety of wildlife, from fairy penguins to fur seals and koala bears. The island also has several outstanding dive sites, and is surrounded by some of the best surfing and swimming beaches in Victoria.
Yarra ValleyJust under an hour from Melbourne are the rolling hills and vineyards of the
Yarra Valley, popular for cellar-door tastings, good food and peaceful scenery. The Yarra Valley is home to Victoria's first vineyards and is renowned as one of the world's great wine growing regions. Visit the
Dandenong Ranges for a ride on the oldest steam train in Australia, Puffing Billy, through forests and fern gullies, or browse antique shops, cool-climate gardens, craft shops and tea houses.
