Melbourne

• Out of 130 cities, Melbourne has just been ranked again by the Economist Intelligence Unit in London as the world's most liveable (2004).
• In a poll taken late in 2002 by the 35,5000 readers of Wanderlust, a leading British travel magazine, Australia was voted the world's second safest country for tourists (behind New Zealand ). A similar survey in the more conservative Conde Nast Traveller magazine rated Australia as the second top holiday destination in the world.
• Melbourne is the world's big events capital - ensuring an international profile and local event management expertise. Few cities can claim playing host to world championships in tennis, golf, Formula One motor-racing, motorcycling, surfing, horse racing, cricket, football, swimming - as well host many international conferences.

• Melbourne will host the Commonwealth Games in March 2006. The city's international profile in the lead up to this world event will be excellent, ensuring Melbourne is uppermost in many people's minds.

• Melbourne is a city of nearly 4 million people consisting of over 200 different nationalities and 150 languages, making it one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural cities in the world. The city therefore caters exceptionally well for all religious, dietary and language needs.

•  In June 2003, Melbourne was ranked the second favourite overseas city by readers of the The Guardian and The Observer in the UK . A record 24,000 readers answered the questionnaire.

• Melbourne was voted the World's Best Congress City by the Association International des Palais de Congress (AIPC) at their inaugural awards in 2000.

• Melbourne has Australia 's lowest per capita crime rate - with Victoria Police figures released in August 2003 showing that crime had dropped in Melbourne over the previous 12 months - securing its place as Australia 's safest city.

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Melbourne is a multi-cultural city of 3.5 million people, with a reputation for good food, innovative culture, major events and a casual but stylish mood. You can get an introduction to Melbourne here, and details about events and activities here.

 

ICIP conference will be held in the city area, near the architecturally innovative new culture and events precinct Federation Square -- see images here.

 

Melbourne is home to the Lonely Planet guide books, and their page on Melbourne is worth a look. The official tourist web sites for Victoria and for Melbourne have useful information. Click here for weather information.

Information about day tours from Melbourne is available here.

For other tourist information visit the following sites:

General

General Guide -- Australia wide
Maps 
World Clock 

Melbourne

City of Melbourne 
What's On 
Aquarium 
Aquatic Centre 
Melbourne Zoo 

National Gallery 
Parks and Gardens 
Queen Victoria Market 
Rialto Towers Deck 
St Kilda Esplanade Art & Craft Market 
Scienceworks

Tramcar Dining 
Victorian Arts Centre

Weather 

Around Melbourne

Dandenongs

Grampians

Great Ocean Road

Healesville Sanctuary 
National Parks

Phillip Island 
Victoria's Open Range Zoo