Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and is Australia's second-largest city, with a population of over three million. Also a major port, it is the hub of Victoria's extensive manufacturing and commercial activities, and headquarters for many leading Australian and multinational   corporations.

Melbourne is a multicultural city, with more than a quarter of its population having been born overseas. With more than 100 different nationalities represented among its residents, the cultural life of the city is diverse and vibrant. This is reflected in the cuisine available, in cultural festivals, and in the dozens of different languages spoken.   The city is known as Australia's richest cultural centre.

The internationally acclaimed Victorian Arts Centre, located on the Yarra River, houses a large complex of theatres, a performing arts museum, two music studios and a concert hall. The Centre is home to the Australian Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and Melbourne Theatre Company, and regularly stages performances by visiting   international artists and groups.

The National Gallery of Victoria is on St Kilda Road, opposite the Alexandra and Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Melbourne Visitor's Centre can be found across the river from the Arts Centre, in Federation Square.

Melbourne is also the birthplace of Australian Rules football, and home to both the National Tennis Centre and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia's largest sporting stadium.

The city is serviced by a convenient public transport network of buses, trains and trams, which provide easy access to the University of Melbourne campus and surrounding areas.

The climate is   'moderate', with crisp winters, cool springs, long, hot summers and even longer, balmy autumns. But Melbourne is also known for its unpredictable weather - some say it is possible to sample four seasons in one day.