I found Melbourne a very enjoyable city and was once voted as the most livable city in the world. Of the major cities I visited in Australia, Melbourne easily has the most character and was the most interesting. It is also incredibly comfortable for a city of its size. The Victorians are darn proud of their city and its OZ Rules Football.

Highlights:
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS: of which Melbourne has many good ones. Most with pleasant patios or other outdoor dining areas.

AFL AT THE MCG: The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the mecca of Australian Rules Football, and to see a game here is an experience you shouldn’t pass up.

MARKETS: whether it be the large Victoria Market or a smaller one such as the Prahan Market, you will enjoy the colours, flavours, and overall atmosphere of the city’s public markets.

GARDENS: the city’s many public gardens provide some of the most enjoyable greenspace you could expect to find in a city.

OLD MELBOURNE GAOL: Kind of creepy, but quite interesting.

ARCHITECTURE: Take some time to look at the buildings and enjoy the city’s wonderfully preserved Victorian architecture.

Quick Tips/Suggestions:
Be prepared for sudden changes in weather as this region is notorious for that. People here like to spend a lot of time outside, meaning that shops, restaurants, etc are often open to the elements at least to some extent. So dress warmly when it’s cool.

Best Way to Get Around:
The Met, the city’s public transportation system, is made up of trains and trams (streetcars). It’s cheap and works wonderfully. It will get you where you need to go quickly and save the cost and hassle of car rental and parking. Let alone traffic.