The lumbering trams that crawl lazily along Victorian streets may momentarily trick you into believing you’re in 19th century London, but make no mistake; modern Melbourne is a world apart. Lavish in its pursuit of the very best of fashion, food and entertainment, this is the most multicultural city in Australia and one in which there’s very little you cannot do.
With Edinburgh and Iowa this is one of three UNESCO cities of literature, and the Economist Intelligence Unit has consistently ranked it in the top ten in the world for quality of life. The summer is a heaving mass of festivals and celebrations, from film and comedy to horticulture and aviation, and the creatives that flock here as a result have made it an international capital for fashion. If all that’s too much, you can still escape to one of the gorgeous beaches or relax with a beer and watch the cricket; the Boxing Day test in particular is a long-standing institution.
Where to stay
The well-appointed Langham has a great location downtown, while the Alto Hotel on Bourke has a superb Victorian character and is a popular location for conferences. Seasons Botanic Gardens concentrates more on aesthetics, with stunning greenery and fantastic views from many of the rooms.
Where to eat
The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is a must; fine dining on the move as you explore the largest tram network in the world and see the best of the city. The fresh, local menu at Tjanabi is superbly complimented by the dedicated, personal service.
What to see
If you’ve never watched a cricket match or an Aussie rules football game, Melbourne Cricket Ground is the perfect place to start. The Royal Botanic Gardens are superb and well worth it for the Aboriginal Heritage Walk alone.
