Not just a great place to do business—a great place to play.
Riding a wave of prosperity over the past two decades, Melbourne has developed a unique inner-city culture. The grid of interlocking city laneways has created a culture of 'hidden' cafes, one-off boutiques and world-class restaurants, making it one of the most concentrated and diverse dining cultures in the world.
Melbourne features some of the best sporting events in the world. Major sporting events take centre stage in Melbourne throughout the year. From the Australian Open Tennis, to the Australian Grand Prix, the AFL Grand Final and Twenty Twenty Cricket, Melbourne hosts a spectacular series of large-scale sporting events throughout the year.
We're home to dynamic and cutting-edge art and culture. Places like the Southbank precinct—where the Arts Centre, Melbourne Theatre Company, Melbourne Recital Centre, Malthouse Theatre, and the National Gallery of Victoria form our beating cultural heart. Federation Square—home to Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the Ian Potter Centre. Or see the work of local artists who often exhibit at hole-in-the-wall galleries and theatres across the city.
Melbourne hosts many gorgeous shopping precincts and laneways. The city's myriad laneways and arcades harbour untold gems, inner city precincts spoil you for choice, while department stores and shopping centres compete to enchant the discerning shopper and the bargain hunter alike. Whether you're after high fashion or fine art, jewellery or accessories, homewares or stationery, turning a new corner in a different precinct will open a new world of treasures you never expected.
Or if the city lifestyle begins to take its toll, there are tall forests, historic villages, Australian wildlife, vine-filled valleys and rugged coastlines within a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. From Phillip Island's great beaches and famous Penguin Parade, the Great Ocean Road's beach holiday towns and stunning 12 Apostles, the scenic mountain villages of The Dandenongs, or the rolling countryside of the Yarra Ranges. Regional Victoria is an impressive checklist of rich cultural highlights, epicurean delights and natural attractions.