Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia. Melbourne is the flag bearer of Australian culture. Although Sydney might debate this with its quota of museums and up and coming events. Melbourne, founded on the 19th century glimmer of gold and the rush to get a stake in the newly opened goldfields is a vibrant multicultural city with the Yarra River as its soul. Beguiling, seductive Melbourne wins the heart with narrow alleyways, sheer sandstone architectural splendor next to funky modern, intimate cafe bustle with coffee aroma tantalizing the senses, languages folded into one another in bustling markets and charm. Intimacy with Victorian grandeur finds New Zealanders and overseas visitors falling in love with Melbourne.
Melbourne does not overwhelm the visitor, in fact it is actually a large city with a population near 5 million. Australians from the country towns, Western Australia, South Australia and the territories Melbourne is Australia, you can feel at home. The State Library has a great story about Ned Kelly, bushranger extraordire. What more could you ask for. For overseas visitors Melbourne has a familiar big city vibe yet still breathes an undeniable identity, Australia.