| As the capital city of Victoria, Melbourne differs from | | | | and the exclusive boutique clothing of Toorak Road. |
| its other state capital counterparts. It has a distinct | | | | 2. Art and culture - Melbourne's wealth of world class |
| style and flair that is uniquely its own, and boasts a | | | | art galleries and visiting exhibitions is impressive. |
| cosmopolitan, stylish feel that attracts artists, | | | | Melbourne also fosters edgy design and internationally |
| fashionistas and cultural aficionados. And unlike other | | | | recognised visual artists and performing arts |
| Australian cities, Melbourne embraces winter. Indeed, | | | | companies. Many visitors to Melbourne come for a |
| Melbournians boast that it is in winter that their city truly | | | | culture-break and to get a taste of the local and |
| comes alive, hosting a barrage of music, art, film, | | | | international art scene that Melbourne showcases. |
| theatre, sporting and food events. It might not have the | | | | Check what's on show when you'll be visiting. At the |
| Opera House or world famous beaches as of | | | | National Gallery of Victoria, for example, the Ron |
| Sydney, but Melbournians will proudly proclaim that | | | | Mueck touring exhibition is on show until January 2011. |
| they live in the 'cultural capital' of Australia - and with | | | | 3. Historical sites - Settled in 1835 and developed with |
| good reason. As other cities turn their backs on the | | | | the gold rush of the1850s, Melbourne showcases |
| colder months, why not hop on one of many cheap | | | | remnants of a colourful, culturally rich past. The city is |
| flights available for a Melbourne winter getaway? Here | | | | speckled with evidence of the state's proud and |
| are a few things you can look forward to: | | | | fascinating history. Explore elegant Victorian-era |
| | | | buildings and Murray River paddle steamers or |
| 1. Shopping - Style gurus and fashion fiends flock to | | | | maritime museums and steam trains. Heritage walks |
| Melbourne year round for the Melbourne shopping | | | | and tours are available to take in all the historical sites. |
| scene. From cutting edge designers to vintage | | | | 4. Nearby regions - From Melbourne, visitors can easily |
| boutiques, Melbourne offers both the big department | | | | access Victoria's regional attractions. Visit the |
| store shopping experience as well as a labyrinth of | | | | vineyards of the Yarra Valley, experience the beauty |
| alleyways and laneways with hidden designer gems. | | | | of the Mornington Peninsular or set off along the |
| There are a number of shopping precincts in | | | | stunning Ocean Road. Visitors to Melbourne can easily |
| Melbourne, each with a distinctive style. Some of the | | | | turn their city trips into Victoria holidays and explore all |
| most popular include trendy Chapel Street in South | | | | that the state has to offer. |
| Yarra, the shopping complexes of Southgate, the CBD | | | | |