Melbourne – the cosmopolitan heart of Victoria

It is known as Australia's sporting capital and is considered the spiritual home of cricket and Australia Rules Football - Melbourne's most popular sports.

The city celebrates a wide variety of annual cultural events, performing arts and architecture.

Visit Melbourne for its shopping, restaurants, nightlife and sporting calendar.

Places of interest

View the superb collection of Aboriginal and Asian art at the Ian Potter Gallery, visit the Victorian Arts Centre and enjoy world art at the National Gallery of Victoria; The Federation Square and the modern Melbourne Museum.

Step back in time and walk the road to the gallows in a 19th century prison, be arrested in a modern-day Police Station or put yourself on trial in court. Home to the oldest prison, historic Magistrates' Court and former Police City Watch House, Russell Street has been at the heart of crime, law and order in Melbourne since the 1840s. Most of Australia's infamous characters, including iconic bushranger, Ned Kelly and notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor have spent time within the walls of this amazing precinct. A ticket to the Old Melbourne Gaol Crime & Justice Experience grants you visiting rights to the past, present and future of crime and justice in Australia.

Witness the rugged splendour of the famous 12 Apostles, magnificent rock stacks that rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean on Victoria's dramatic coastline. Created by constant erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland beginning 10-20 million years ago, the stormy Southern Ocean and blasting winds gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs, which eventually became arches and when they collapsed rock stacks up to 45 metres high were left isolated from the shore. View the 12 Apostles at sunrise and sunset as they change colour from dark and foreboding in shadow to brilliant sandy yellow under a full sun.

 Melbourne is home to some of the greatest sporting events in the southern hemisphere. Check out a game of Aussie rules football where the game first became organised in 1859. On 6 November the horseracing world focuses on Melbourne, where horses from all over the world meet for the coveted Melbourne Cup. The Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year and has begun a three-month adventure visiting 26 destinations across rural and regional communities across Australia and New Zealand giving them the chance to experience the magic of the iconic trophy.

Best buys

The city offers plenty of choice with department stores, chic boutiques, warehouses and street markets. The main shopping areas are Collins and Bourke Streets and Queen Victoria Market. Opened in 1878, the Queen Victoria Market is more than just Melbourne's shopping mecca. This 19th century market is a historic landmark, tourist attraction and an institution for all Melburnians. Find fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood, clothing, baggage, toys, jewellery, new-age products and souvenirs at sinful prices.

Out and about

Cuisine from around the world is easily available in Melbourne. A special dining experience is aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. The fashionable promenade in Southbank is a very popular public area and offers some great dining options.

Crown Entertainment Complex in Southbank, Little Collins Street and Federation Square all offer a variety of entertainment.

Check out Melbourne's hidden secrets with a full-day walking tour and minivan excursion. This is by far the best way to get to know the city; abandon the car and take to your feet, or the bus. In the company of an experienced, knowledgeable and professional tour guide, you will be able to immerse yourself in the in the rich history and grand architecture of the city's great 19^th century buildings and learn about the people who left their mark on the fledgling community.

A walk through Melboure's central streets, lanes and arcades also includes many of the city's finest and most interesting shopping areas.

Morning tea is part of the tour as well as a restaurant lunch with a glass of Australian wine, before going to the Melbourne Aquarium - established in 1999, the Melbourne Aquarium is home to a diverse number of species including a huge Grey Nurse and Broadnose Sevengill sharks.

Complete the day with a visit to Eureka Skydeck 88, and observe the city below - a fitting and unforgettable finale to the day.

Where to stay?

Grand Hyatt Melbourne brings a new centre of luxury to Collins Street, Melbourne's epicentre of high fashion and fine dining. This five star hotel is within walking distance of the major tourist attractions, business and shopping and theatre districts.

The Crown Towers, located on Melbourne's Yarra River at Southbank, offers a world of entertainment featuring a casino, cinemas, several nightclubs and restaurants.

The Stamford Plaza Melbourne is an all-suite apartment building located in the financial district in the 'Paris-end' of Collins Street and within minutes of theatres, cinemas and shops. Apartment style living every conceivable comfort, sets this property apart from the rest.

How to get there?

Emirates offer daily services between Malta and Melbourne. Flight departing from Malta on 25 July and returning on 8 August were priced at €1777.20 including tax at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approximately 21 hours.

For more information and to book luxury, tailor-made holidays contact Emirates on 2557 7255 or visit www.emiratesholidays.com.