Rattling trams, twisting cobblestone laneways hiding trendy bars and restaurants, stately European architecture, parklands, galleries galore, and a diverse population that’s passionate about their hometown — you’ll find all this and more in Australia’s largest city. Victoria’s capital, Melbourne (pronounced mel-bun) is a cultural melting pot. Melbourne is at the head of the pack in Australia when it comes to shopping, restaurants, fashion, music, nightlife, and cafe culture. Melbourne was founded in the 1850s, when gold was found in the surrounding hills. British settlers prided themselves on coming freely to the city, rather than in chains. The city grew wealthy and remained a conservative bastion until World War II, when another wave of immigration, from southern Europe, made it a more relaxed place.
