Known as the sporting and cultural capital of the country, Melbourne packs a punch when it comes to things to do. It's the home Aussie Rules and the Spring Racing Carnival, world class museums and art galleries a thriving live music scene and every type of dining experience you can imagine, from the European style cafes to Greek, Italian and even Ethiopian. And whilst in Melbourne make sure you also include a visit to some of the renewed areas of the city such as SouthBank and Melbourne Docklands, or better yet, paddle the Yarra River and enjoy the views from the water.

Melbourne is also the most multicultural city in Australia and this is evident in everything from daily life to the range of activities and restaurants on offer. And what is so special about Melbourne is that all of this exists in and amongst the distinctly Victorian architecture, gardens and parks found in the city.

One of the best ways to experience Melbourne is to simply choose an area to explore and give yourself over to it. Some suburbs, such as St Kilda offer strips of shopping, bars and cafes whilst Melbourne city is a labyrinth of arcades and laneways waiting for you to discover them. A good approach is to make no plans and go with the flow.

A trip to Melbourne 's Victoria Market is also a must for anyone looking for bargains and souvenirs. The markets are held on weekends and on certain days during the week so check local guides for the details. The Markets are also easily accessible by tram but you may need a taxi to help you carry all of your bargains back to your hostel.