Life in Melbourne

Melbourne is a modern multicultural city with world-class facilities. It is home to a diverse population of 3.5 million people from over 140 nations.

Melbourne hosts many outstanding arts and cultural events. Not only is it the capital of the State of Victoria, it is also known as the sporting capital of Australia.

Built around the shores of beautiful Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne is a shopper's paradise and home to many of the nation's best restaurants and cafés.

For the international visitor, Victoria is a delight to explore. It is the home of heritage-listed forests, some of Australia's top ski fields, spectacular coastal regions, quiet country getaways and many other attractions. Melbourne has daily flights to major cities throughout Asia, the United States and Europe.

Arts

Much of the city’s soul lies in its long tradition in the arts. Melbourne has world-class opera, ballet, theatre and live music venues, outstanding art galleries including the National Gallery of Victoria, and numerous museums.

There is also an extensive array of theatres and cinemas throughout Melbourne’s many suburbs.

Festivals and Events

The City of Melbourne hosts many world-class arts and cultural events throughout the year, including:

• Melbourne International Film Festival
• Melbourne International Comedy Festival
• Melbourne Fashion Festival
• Melbourne International Arts Festival
• Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
• Melbourne Fringe Festival
• Moomba Waterfest
• Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

Sports

The birthplace of Australian Rules Football, Melbourne’s passion for sport is legendary. Each year the city celebrates the Melbourne Cup, one of the world’s most famous horse races and the peak event in the Spring Racing Carnival, with a public holiday. Other major sporting events held in and around Melbourne throughout the year include:

• Australian Open Tennis Championships
• Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
• Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island
• Rip Curl Pro surfing championships at Bells Beach
• International cricket matches

Climate

Melbourne has a mild, temperate climate with four distinct seasons which are very much part of the city’s character. Spring through to autumn is a vibrant outdoor season of festivals, swimming and other water sports, alfresco eating, outdoor theatre and cinemas. Winter is the time for theatre, football, dining, conversation, open fires and shopping for warmer clothes.

Transport

A commercial and industrial centre, Melbourne is serviced by daily flights to major cities throughout Asia, the United States and Europe.

The Melbourne metropolitan area has an integrated public transport network comprising trains, trams and buses which service all parts of the city and outer suburbs. Public transport is reliable, safe and easy to use.

Cost of Living

(Approximately AUD$18,200 per year)

Estimated Minimum Annual Living Costs are for 2009 only.

Working While Studying

International students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week while the course is in session and full-time during the holiday periods. Students cannot expect to rely on this form of income for support because suitable work is not always easy to find.

PleaseTakeMeTo Melbourne Video

Visit PleaseTakeMeTo for more Australian Travel Videos .

» For more information about Melbourne and Victoria visit www.visitvictoria.com or www.visitmelbourne.com

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_{Last Updated 28 October 2009}