Car Hire Melbourne - Mini guide to Melbourne
Although comparatively small, Melbourne is steeped in history, with plenty of cultural depth and ethnic diversity, and is one of the Southern hemisphere’s great cities. It extends around Port Phillip Bay, with the plains to the west and the foothills of the Dandenongs to the east.
Melbourne is described as a very European city, with its tree lined streets of colonial and neo-classic architecture. The South Bank Arts precinct is a good starting point for a river stroll to the Botanical gardens and King’s Domain, and Melbourne's flat terrain also makes cycling a popular choice to get about.
Melbourne's public transport system is called the Met, offering tram, train and bus services all on one ticket. The city and inner suburbs are best seen by tram - a unique way to travel.
The suburb of St Kilda has seaside appeal, convenient beaches and pavement cafes. Nearby is Albert Park, around which the F1 Grand Prix takes place.
Downtown, The Rialto Tower, the Southern hemisphere’s tallest building, gives Melbourne a very modern face. At the top end of Little Bourke street, stand the landmark buildings old Princess theatre, Parliament house and Old Treasury building all sitting close to the gothic masterpiece of St Paul’s Cathedral.
China town and the Greek sector offer great food and proof of Melbourne’s ethnic diversity.
The major suburbs in Melbourne are: Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Brimbank, Darebin, Hume, Moonee Valley, Nillumbik, Port Phillip and Whittlesea.
