Many are attracted to this bustling city for its numerous annual sporting events. In summer there is the Australian Tennis Open which attracts the big tennis stars. Then there is the Formula One Grand Prix motor race in April. In early November there is the Melbourne Cup, Australia’s biggest horse race. And throughout winter there is the Australian Rules football season – Melbournians love their footy!

Throughout the year there are a variety of cultural events featuring a wide assortment of music, food, and performance activities. During summer there are a variety of outdoors street festivals, which showcase local shopping and entertainers. There are numerous theatres, galleries and displays for you to enjoy. In addition, there are many markets for you to explore, both in the city and throughout rural Victoria, selling everything from fresh produce to art and craft to second hand goods and vintage clothing.

Melbourne has a wide variety of entertainment options and is renowned for its restaurants, cafes, pubs, and the wide variety of live music that can be enjoyed. There are bowling allies, cocktail bars, karaoke bars, movie theatres, nightclubs, and all the forms of entertainment that you would expect from a large cosmopolitan city.

Victoria is one of the smaller states, which means that it is easy to explore. Within a day trip of Melbourne are the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, both of which feature popular beaches and picturesque towns. Exploring further afield brings you the Great Ocean Road, at the start of which is one of Victoria’s best known surf beaches, Bells Beach. The Great Ocean Road runs all the way to South Australia and is renowned for its beautiful beaches, coastal towns and striking scenery, perfect for a road trip!

During winter the mountains in Victoria offers the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in Australia, ensuring that all your winter sports desires will be fulfilled. There are three major ski fields – Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.

Heading inland there are lots of attractions within an hour’s drive of Melbourne. The Yarra Ranges boasts many well-known wineries. You can meet Australian animals at Healesville Sanctuary, a zoo dedicated to native wildlife, or you can go hiking in the beautiful forests in the Dandenong Ranges.