Melbourne: Australia’s most accessible multiculturalism

Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria and also the second most populous city in Australia. Melbourne is generally regarded as Australia’s cultural capital. Melbourne's 3.8 million population is both multicultural (with large Greek, Italian, Jewish, Vietnamese and other immigrant communities) and sports-mad!

Why go?
Melbourne is home to a non-stop program of festivals, renowned dining, major art exhibitions and a vibrant music scene. Melbourne is an amazing melting pot of cultures which is reflected in its restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Reasons for tourists to visit Melbourne are to attend major sporting events, to use it as a base for exploring surrounding regions such as The Great Ocean Road, Grampians National Park and to visit Phillip Island to view the penguin parade.

When to go?
The best moment to visit Melbourne is during the autumn (March) and spring (November) - temperatures during these periods are usually very pleasant, without being unbearably warm and daytime highs are usually in the 20s Celsius. Summer (December to February) can be very hot on some days and school summer holidays are from mid-December until beginning or mid February, making some places (campings, hotels) more crowded than usual.

How to get there?
Most of the major airlines have direct international flights to Melbourne Airport, in Tullamarine, 22km northwest of the city centre. If you are already on the Australian territory, coming from another city, Melbourne is well-connected to all capital cities in the country and many regional centres as well.

Must see
If you love horseracing, you have to attend to the Melbourne Cup, on the first Tuesday of November, it is one of the world’s famous horse races.Just chill-out in St-Kilda, which is Melbourne's beachside suburb and is popular for those looking to grab a bite or have a latte by the sea. Walk around Fitzroy, on Brunswick Street, the trendy 'bohemian' area north of the CBD, filled with eclectic cafes and many clothing shops. Watch a cricket match during the summer.The City Centre has a lot to attract the traveller, including cafes, boutiques, department stores, and Victorian architecture, which can all be sampled on foot.