MELBOURNE IS A FABULOUS DESTINATION FOR TRAVELLING & LIVING. IT IS AUSTRALIA'S CULTURAL, SPORTING, DINING & SHOPPING CAPITAL, WITH ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST IMPRESSIVE MAJOR EVENTS CALENDARS. IMMERSED IN HISTORY & DYNAMIC IN MODERN TRENDS, MELBOURNE OFFERS ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST BALANCED SOCIETIES.

Situated in the south-east of Australia, Victoria (VIC) is the second-smallest state - roughly the size of the British Isles. It is also however, Australia's most densely populated state. As such, there are a wealth of diverse regional areas and attractions packed into such a compact area. Everything in Victoria is within relatively close proximity and easily accessible - from amazing coastlines and pristine beaches, to national parks and forests field with wildlife and geographical wonders; lakes, mountains, rivers and more. Activities are extensive, including skiing, surfing, rafting, climbing, hiking and flying, to historical attractions, wineries, and camping.

Despite its smaller size, Victoria's climate varies across the state. The north is much drier and warmer weather than the south. Generally, Victoria's climate can be characterised as warm to hot in summer (December to February), mild in autumn (March to May), cold and damp in winter (June to August), and cool and sunny in spring (September to November). This then sets the scene for attractions and activities of all seasons.

Melbourne is Victoria's capital. A vibrant city of style and enjoyment, boasting glamorous festivals and events, Australia's best shopping, a passion for food and drink, sports, and a flourishing interest in art and culture. A prosperous city with preserved nineteenth-century Victorian architecture, well balanced with modern trends. Melbourne represents true Australia, with excellent, exciting and edgy living standards. In many ways, it is a city that combines British, European and new world flavours, driven by its indigenous foundations, British colonialism and then European, Middle Eastern, Asian and world migration.

Melbourne certainly offers something for everyone. Truly unique in that although isolated from the rest of the world, it also offers a taste of the rest of the world. Indeed, Melbourne is widely considered to be Australia's multi- cultural, creative, sporting and shopping hub.

Melbourne and Victoria host some of Australia's most prestigious events throughout the year, including the Spring Racing Carnival culminating in the Melbourne Cup in November, the Australian Open Tennis Championships in January, the Formula 1^™ Australian Grand Prix in March, Melbourne International Arts Festival in October, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Together with a number of food and wine events, musical events, and business events around the city and state.