Melbourne

Melbourne is summed up perfectly by its most famous event—a horse race; the Melbourne Cup's hedonistic appreciation of the finer things in life is blended with its strong traditions and easy, classy charm. With weather, culture and atmosphere more stylishly European than Australia's other centres, Melbourne has a reputation for quality and finish. Some of this is founded, the art scene is impressive and Melbourne takes its food, wine and shopping very seriously, but Melbourne is less stuffy tailored suits and more cool cats than the reputation suggests. The nightlife as well as the cultural life is thriving, the city's setting, though more placid than the rest of Australia, is grey green, leafy and don't forget hugs the coast and river and the calendar is well stocked with sporting events mixed in between arts festivals.