Melbourne
If there is a Ying to Syndey’s Yang then Melbourne is the place. Sophisticated and slick, edgy and rough, Melbourne’s physical and cultural landscape is shaped by a dynamic, global population making it one of the country’s most multiculturally diverse cities.
Ornate Victorian-era architecture and leafy established boulevards reflect the city’s history. Cutting-edge developments such as Federation Square exemplify its enigmatic contemporary style. Melbournians still keep their urban frenzy to a deliciously sedate pace. Trams lumber back and forth on routes radiating out like spokes from central Melbourne and cycling is a common way to get from A to Z.
Character-filled neighbourhoods such as Fitzroy, St Kilda and Carlton, hum with life and the city produces some of the best art, music, cuisine, fashion, performance, design and ideas in the world.
Melbournians are devoted to their sport and they go absolutely ballistic for the Australian Football League (AFL; ‘footy’ to the locals) and the annual Melbourne Cup. If you want to shop, eat and attend one of endless festivals then the city with four seasons in a day is the place for you.