Settlers arrived in the 1850s when gold was discovered in the surrounding hills - now Melbourne has developed into a cosmopolitan, cultural city with a very European feel!
In a nutshell
There are over 3,000 restaurants in Melbourne and with 22 wine regions in the surrounding state of Victoria, your food will be accompanied by some fabulous local vintages.
The best shopping can be found in Melbourne too, with the magnificent city arcades, the lanes around Swanston Street, Melbourne Central Shopping Complex and trendy Chapel Street.
Sightseeing ideas
- Take a ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges.
- Drive along the stunning, rugged Great Ocean Road.
- Join a tour to Phillip Island to see the famous penguins come ashore.
- Visit the Yarra Valley for wine tasting and a tour of the wineries.