Melbourne is a bustling, colourful destination that has twice been rated as the world's most 'livable city' (2004, 2005). It offers a bounty of attractions for travelers.

Central Business District

The city's central business district is based on a grid of wide streets and tight lanes. It is a clean, accessible city with excellent public transport, including a vast tram network.

The inner city has a diverse range of cultural enclaves, with the Greek Quarter around Lonsdale Street, historic Chinatown in and around Little Bourke Street, Vietnamese in Victoria Street, and the Paris-end of Collins Street.

Federation Square and Southbank

Opposite Flinders Street railway station, on the north bank of the Yarra River, is the architecturally vibrant Federation Square, with art museums, and the Melbourne Visitor Centre. Walking across the bridge to Southbank to take in theatre or opera at the Arts Centre or enjoy the sprawling Crown Casino complex.

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo is one of the world's most revered, with more 350 animal species in an attractive botanical setting.

NewQuay

NewQuay, just one kilometre from the CBD, is Melbourne's newest dining and entertainment precinct. Enjoy views of Victoria Harbour from one of the many bars, restaurants or cafes. A short walk away is Telstra Dome - the city's ultra-modern stadium.

Sporting events

Melburnians are famous for their love-affair of sports. The MCG, a 100,000 seat stadium, is the holy turf of Australian Rules football in winter, and test cricket in the summer months.

Live events are an all-year-round specialty of Melbourne. There's the Melbourne Cup and Spring Racing Carnival, the Australian Grand Prix in autumn, Australian Open Tennis in summer and capacity AFL football matches every weekend in winter.

Cultural events

Key cultural events include the Melbourne Fringe Festival, International Arts Festival, Spring Fashion Show, International Comedy Festival and International Flower Show.