Tourism in Melbourne Australia

Melbourne Australia is one of the most popular tourism and holiday destinations for both Australian tourists and international travellers. In preparation for any Melbourne tourism experience it is worth while learning a little about this wonderful city before your arrival. Located in the south eastern corner of mainland Australia, Melbourne is the second most populous city in Australia after Sydney and has around 4 million residents. The capital city of Victoria, residents of Melbourne are known as “Melburnians”.

Built alongside the Yarra River, which has its origins high in the Yarra Ranges and extends through the city before flowing out into protective Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne is one of the most significant cities for culture, sport and business. The Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) is home to a large number of corporate offices and the outer suburbs, shires and rural cities are the location for a variety of industries. 

Melbourne was settled in 1835 and soon after gold was discovered in the nearby goldfield regions which set off the massive Victoria Gold Rush attracting immigrants and prospectors from around the world. By the 1880’s Melbourne had rapidly grown into a significant city. Immigrants continued to arrive from China, Ireland and other parts of Europe and the population and infrastructure quickly grew. After the 1901 federation of Australia Melbourne was named the National Capital for the Commonwealth of Australia. A position it held until 1927 when Canberra was built and adopted as the Australian Capital.

Well know as the sporting and cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is home to events such as the Australian Open Tennis, Formula 1 Grand Prix, AFL Grand Final, International Cricket matches, museums, arts galleries and many fine restaurants. Melbourne was also home to Australia’s impressionist art origins at the Heidelberg School and is also the home of contemporary dance including such styles as the New Vogue and Melbourne Shuffle styles. 

One of Melbourne’s iconic tourist attractions is its network of trams that rattle through the city and out into the suburbs. There is a free city circle tram that conveniently stops near many of Melbourne’s major tourism attractions. There are a number of universities within the central Melbourne area and together with its cafes, restaurants and entertainment precincts has regularly featured amongst the five most liveable cities in the world. Weather in Melbourne is comfortable year round though it is often said that Melbourne can delivery summer, autumn, winter and spring all in the one day.

The City of Melbourne is located approximately 23 km’s from the Melbourne International Airport at Tullamarine which is well serviced by taxi’s and bus services. Melbourne tourism and tourist information is available from the airport but Melbourne accommodation should always be booked in advance. Tourism in Melbourne is huge and there are plenty of things to do in Melbourne. The central Melbourne area is home to huge parks, beaches, sculpture, art exhibitions, theatre shows, sporting events and many other attractions.