Page 28 - australiacities

MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE

Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, sits on the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Lauded for its sense of style and
elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous festivals and events, Australia’s best shopping, a lively passion for eating and drinking, and
a flourishing interest in the arts. Restored and preserved nineteenth century architecture, built following the discovery of gold,
provides a heady reminder of a prosperous age, while beautifully tended parks and gardens present a therapeutic respite from the
pace of city life. Melbourne and Victoria host some of Australia’s most prestigious events throughout the year, including the Spring
Racing Carnival culminating in the Melbourne Cup in November, The Australian Open Tennis Championship in January, Melbourne
Food and Wine festival in February, The Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in
March/April and Melbourne International Jazz Festival in May.

Events Must see & do

Month Event Name Location • Walk Melbourne’s Golden Mile Heritage Trail – a 2½ hour walk which will
open up the finest of Melbourne’s heritage sites.
January Australian Open - The Grand Melbourne Tennis Park
Slam of Asia Pacific • View the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – the super stage of Australian
Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit, sport, providing the live drama to thrill millions worldwide.
February Superbike World Championship Back Beach Road, Philip Island
Various venues around • Experience the Royal Botanic Gardens – an array of breathtaking native
March Melbourne Food and Wine Melbourne and introduced plant species.
Festival
Albert Park, Melbourne • Go shopping at Queen Victoria Market – Melbourne’s oldest market,
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix bustling with activity showcasing almost 1000 traders.
Royal Exhibition Building and
May The Melbourne International Carlton Gardens South • Explore the National Gallery of Victoria – two magnificent galleries located a
Flower & Garden Show Various venues around short walk apart, both with free entry to the permanent collections.
Melbourne
Melbourne International Jazz • Taste Melbourne’s culinary delights – sample the city’s specialist eating
Festival MCG destinations: Richmond for Vietnamese, Carlton’s ‘Little Italy’, Fitzroy for
Spanish and Brunswick for Lebanese.
September AFL Grand Final Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit,
Back Beach Road, Philip Island • Shop till you drop – take in the department stores and shopping centres,
October Motorcycle Grand Prix arcades and laneways and the flagship stores of edgy Victorian designers.

Spring Racing Carnival Flemington Racecourse

December Boxing Day Cricket Test MCG

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