Melbourne

International Students

Melbourne has on numerous occasions been voted amongst the world's most liveable cities for its well-developed infrastructure. It is well known for its numerous parks and gardens and it cosmopolitan, outdoor cafe lifestyle.

There are approximately 50,000 international students currently living in Melbourne, which has a population of over 3.5 million made up of people from over 140 different nations. 45 per cent of Victoria's community is either born overseas or has at least one parent born overseas. More than 150 different languages are spoken in Victoria, so yours is most likely one of them!

History

Melbourne was founded as a British colony on the mouth of the Yarra River in 1835, and it gained independence from New South Wales in 1850. Its farsighted founders envisioned a great city and thankfully planned an abundance of parks and wide roads and boulevards. In the 1850's Melbourne boomed as a result of the gold rush in the region to the north.

Entertainment

Melbourne has a vibrant restaurant culture, offering culinary delights from all over the world. The streets light up at night with a myriad of theatres, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and shopping centres that line the city streets and along the banks of the Yarra River in Southbank.

Melbourne has been dubbed Australia's "cultural capital" and is host to many major cultural events each year, bringing participants from around the world in international sports competitions and arts festivals.

For further information about Melbourne entertainment, please visit: www.visitmelbourne.com.au

Climate

Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons in the year - spring, summer, winter and autumn. Summer temperatures average 28-32ºC and Winter temperatures average 10-15ºC. Like much of Australia, Melbourne is currently experiencing a water shortage, and residents have been mandated by local laws to observe water restrictions.

For further information about weather in Melbourne, please visit: www.bom.gov.au/weather/vic/

Transport

Melbourne's well-connected transport system consists of trams, trains, buses and taxi services which offer secure, comfortable travel around the city.

For further information about Melbourne transport, please visit: www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au