 Australia’s second-largest city, Melbourne is the capital of Victoria state and arguably the most European in style of all Australian cities. Victorian buildings line shady streets plied by the nation’s largest fleet of trams, and green grassy parks and outdoor cafés pop up at every turn.
This pervasive continental character also resounds through the incredibly diverse ethnicity of the city’s population. More than a third of Melbourne’s residents migrated to the city, and their mark can be seen in the incredible cuisine and cultural events which fill the city’s calendar.
 Whatever their ethnicity, Melbourne’s three million residents make no qualms about their passion for leading the way in Australia’s cultural scene. This buzzing city admittedly loves itself, and for good reason. It has an amazing array of top class dining, nightlife, shopping, and art. Melbourne regularly attracts major international sporting events such as the Formula One Grand Prix, huge concerts and world-renowned museum exhibitions. Visitors will have the mind-numbing task of deciding where to begin their explorations of this fantastic metropolis.
The centre of Melbourne is easy to navigate, thanks to its grid layout. The wide boulevards slope gently towards to the Yarra River, which has a whole scene of its own. The free City Circle tram will ferry you around the core of Melbourne in convenience and style. This is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique flavour and attributes. Make sure you get out and explore as many of these enclaves as you can, as this is where you’ll get the best perspective of what makes Melbourne so special.
 As Melbourne has evolved into Australia’s main events city, its hotel scene has also developed. There are excellent accommodations in all budgets in nearly every quarter of the city. The best strategy is to decide your priorities and base yourself in the right neighbourhood. Business travellers will want to focus on the central district, while families may want to settle in the fun beach area of St Kilda. Head to Toorak or South Yarra if its glamour and nightlife you’re after. Melbourne’s incredible public transport network will ensure that regardless where you stay, you can get anywhere you want in a snap.
History
 With its strategic location at the mouth of the Yarra River and the edge of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne was a natural site for settlement. The Aboriginal Kooris knew this, and had been living in the area for 40,000 years before the arrival of Europeans. In 1836, the region around Port Phillip Bay was officially opened for settlement by the government based in Sydney. Within a year, the broad grid-lined streets we see today were laid out and booming with construction.
Unlike many other Australian cities, Melbourne was never a penal colony. It was settled entirely by free men, so the growth from backwater village to colonial city was quick. This was a commercial city from its birth, as businessmen flocked to the new port to seek their fortune.
When gold was discovered in the neighbouring Victorian goldfields in 1851, nearly half the population of Melbourne left to strike it rich. One-third of the world’s gold supply came from Victoria between 1851 and 1861. This attracted a massive influx of migrants, and also propelled the city into even greater prosperity and prominence. Many of the great institutions were built during this golden era such as the National Gallery, National Museum and Melbourne University.
 As all of Australia struggled through the Great Depression and WWII, Melbourne actively recruited migrants from all across Europe and Arabia to boost the lagging population and increase the labour pool. Refugees from Southeast Asia made their way to Melbourne during the 1970s and ‘80s, adding a new dimension to the demographics of the city. It is this very diversity which is one of Melbourne’s greatest strength and attribute.
Weather
 Melbourne has one of the more pleasant climates in Australia thanks to its geographical location. The summers, which fall between November and March, are warm but not oppressively hot. Temperatures average in the upper 20s (°C), attracting many international sporting events and encouraging the locals to get out and enjoy the outdoors. The short winter months between June and August tend to be cool and grey, and are not necessarily the best time for a visit. Average temperatures at this time hover around 7°C and drizzle is common.
 Rain falls fairly evenly throughout the year, though the cloudiest period is during the winter. Two great times to visit are during the spring and autumn. The autumn window from March to May is considered particularly ideal, as the skies and temperatures conspire to make nearly perfect conditions.
One important thing to consider when making travel plans to Melbourne is that it hosts a staggering schedule of major events. Peak tourist periods coincide more with these events than with the climate, so check what’s on and decide if you want to deal with the crowds. Events such as the Australian Tennis Open bring the city to a virtual standstill.
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