HOST CITY
Melbourne is located on the south-east coast and is the 2nd largest city in Australia. Over 3.5 million people live in the city, which has been voted The World's Most Liveable City on a number of occasions. It is a thriving and cosmopolitan city with a unique balance of graceful old buildings and stunning new architecture surrounded by parks and gardens. Melbourne is Australia's leader in the arts, sport and fashion, and has some of the finest restaurants in the country.
Melbourne is renowned for its festivals and sporting events, staging an exciting variety of entertainment each year including the Formula One Australian Grand Prix, the Australian Open Tennis, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Film Festival, the Boxing Day Test Cricket, the AFL Grand Final, the Heineken Golf Classic, and the Spring Racing Carnival.
The recent Docklands development has seen Melbourne city embrace the beauty of the Bay, converting old port authority sheds west of the city into a vibrant residential, business, sporting and entertainment precinct by the water.
For the night cats, Melbourne has the most live music venues in Australia and a burgeoning number of chic and groovy inner city bars for every level and style of socialising imaginable. Melbournians are also spoilt by the quality and range of gastronomic delights available to them. And for the shop-a-holics Melbourne fashion is the envy of many, from the Paris end of town in ritzy Collins Street to the urban cool of Chapel Street in South Yarra.
For more information on Melbourne including maps and guides, please visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au. You can also get tailored advice once you have arrived by going to the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square, open 0900 to 1800 7 days a week.
Eating Out
Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called "BYO" restaurants, an abbreviation for "bring your own". A small service surcharge, known as “corkage” may apply.
Tipping
Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in some other parts of the world. Tipping is your choice, a reward for service. It is usual to tip hotel porters and restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.
Shopping
Shops in Melbourne are generally open from 0900 to 1700, Saturday to Wednesday and 0900 to 2100 Thursday to Friday. In most stores and shopping centres major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible within the city.
Walking is the best way to shop, especially along Melbourne's arcades and laneways. Outside the city centre, visit shopping precincts like Chapel Street in South Yarra and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, especially on weekends. Here you'll find everything from retro homewares to funky shops selling cult-in-the-making jewellery. These strips also have numerous streetside cafes. Travelling between Melbourne's suburbs is best done by tram or train.
For bargains, head for Richmond (especially Bridge Road and Swan Street), where designer outlets and factory seconds sell jeans, swimwear, trainers, tops and bags at heavily reduced prices.
