Melbourne Info Link is a directory guide that has been set up to help
tourist, visitors and shoppers find accommodation, real estate, restaurants,
entertainment, events and businesses in Melbourne as well as offering a
reliable source of information about this great city.
While Melbourne still retains architectural links to the past the city is a
modern, cosmopolitan city with a host of accommodation choices,
entertainment, attractions, sporting events, cultural, culinary, and
shopping options that are all to be enjoyed by all who visit. The streets,
parks, distinctive cultural precincts and waterfront areas of Melbourne make
it magnificent city to explore at your leisure.
Melbourne is also home to Australia's biggest sports events including: The
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival (including the 'race that stops the
nation', the Melbourne Cup), Australian Formula One Grand Prix, Australian
Open and AFL Grand Final, and will host the Commonwealth Games in 2006. The
city also hosted the first Olympic Games in the southern hemisphere in 1956.
Melbourne is the state capital and largest city in the Australian state of
Victoria, and the second-largest city in Australia (after Sydney), with a
population of approximately 3.8 million (2006 estimate) in the Melbourne
metropolitan area and 69,670 in the City of Melbourne (which covers only the
central city area). Melbourne was the capital city of Australia from 1901
until 1927.
The city centre is easy to get around as it is laid out in a simple grid
pattern, the long, wide north-south streets gently sloping down to the Yarra
River. The main shopping streets such as Bourke Street, Swanston Street and
Collins Streets are crossed by a mix of narrow lanes and old-world arcades.
The CBD is easily navigable by foot, and if you need a rest after
sightseeing or shopping, there are numerous parks nearby, such as the Royal
Botanical Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and Carlton Gardens. Alternatively, you
can take one of Melbourne's signature attractions, a tram. The
burgundy-coloured City Circle tram is free, and is a good way to get your
bearings as well as explore the inner-city. But be prepared for a passenger
crush during peak tourist seasons.
Over the recent decades Melbourne has explored its identity with
ultra-modern buildings like Federation Square, Victorian Arts Centre and the
redevelopments of the Docklands area. Many of the existing hotels and
apartment buildings have been fully restored and renovated to world class
standards; there is a large selection of accommodation options to choose
from whilst staying in Melbourne from inner city accommodation packages
starting from just $95 per night.
All visitors and holiday makers should always remember to pack a range of
clothing option for temperature variations and changeable weather - even
during summer. Temperatures range from 6 to 13 degrees Celsius in winter and
15 to 27 during the summer months.
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