Set on the shores of picturesque Port Phillip Bay, the southern-most city of mainland Australia, Melbourne is rich in aesthetics, with its beauty enhanced by the meandering Yarra River, immaculate parks and gardens, public art, classical buildings and innovative design.
Iconic Flinders Street railway station is the meeting point for all people when they come to Melbourne. Start your journey there and enjoy a great coffee and discover what Melbourne has to offer.
With interlocking laneways with graffiti art and the buzzing inner-city precinct reveals one-off boutiques and world-class restaurants, while our larger modern department stores and shopping complexes compete to enchant the most discerning shopper. Melbourne is culturally diverse and is globally recognised as one of the most concentrated dining and fashion cultures in the world.
Melbourne is the heart of Australia’s major sports: Formula 1, Melbourne Cup (the race that stops a nation), Australian Tennis Open, and the mighty Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which is home to Australian cricket and our unique Australian Football League (AFL).
Just a short drive from the heart of Melbourne, you can take one of the world’s iconic drives along the Great Ocean Road. Head north to the Murray River and sit amongst the great river red gums or relax with a glass of local wine on a river paddle steamer. Or, if you prefer, head to Phillip Island. Here you can visit the koala sanctuary and see the world-famous fairy penguin parade in the evening. Step back in time – head to Ballarat and try your hand at gold panning at Sovereign Hill. Visit the Yarra Valley, home of great cool climate wines, chardonnay, pinot and sparkling. There are unlimited adventures and discoveries to be had, just a short distance from Melbourne City.
Please keep visiting this site because we will be regularly posting new exciting activities and information. We look forward to welcoming you to our great city.
Mary Barry
Chair Host Organising Committee 2023