Melbourne

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria contends with Sydney for the title of the best cosmopolitan town in Australia. The city has a remarkable skyline defined by spires and skyscrapers alike. Alongside these can be seen the quaint and elegant buildings from the Victorian era as well. The many gardens and leafy streets add to its reputation as a green city.

Melbourne's location on both sides of the Yarra River became a vantage point for the first British settlers. Gradually they established the Port Phillip Settlement of the Colony of New South Wales in 1835 in the land of the Aborigines. 

In 1851, Victoria was formed as a colony independent from the rest of New South Wales. While the state is named after Queen Victoria, its capital Melbourne derives its name from Lord Melbourne, the British Prime Minister.

1851 was also the year when the British settlers found gold in Bendigo and Ballarhat, which are situated in the west of Melbourne. The ensuing gold rush transformed Melbourne into a major political and financial centre. It continued to enjoy a monopoly until the foundation of Canberra in 1927.

Today Melbourne is known more famous as the Australian cultural capital. Its diversity of population resulted from the massive exodus of immigrants who settled in the city following the conclusion of World War II. Its multi-ethnic population exceeding 3 million people add to the cosmopolitan nature of the city.

Melbourne has emerged as a melting pot for the European and Asian genres of music, ballet, boutique, literature, theatre and art. There is a wide range of multi-ethnic restaurants in the city that offer various international as well as local cuisine to food lovers.

Tourists can enjoy a visit to the busy pizzerias in Carlton, the fantastic river view restaurants along Yarra River, the seafood eateries around St. Kilda Beach and the Chinese food joints in Chinatown.

Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate and may experience four seasons in a single day.