Melbourne | Australia’s most liveable city

The city is notable for its mix of Victorian and contemporary architecture, its extensive tram network, parks and gardens and its diverse, multicultural society. The city celebrates a wide variety of annual cultural events, performing arts and architecture. Visitors come for its shopping, restaurants, nightlife and sporting calendar; most agree that it's one of the world's most liveable cities

What to do?

Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe-inspiring views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere at Melbourne's Eureka Tower. Skydeck 88 is one of Melbourne's 'must see' attractions. Two dedicated lifts propel visitors to Level 88 in under 40 seconds - and only Skydeck 88 can take you to "The Edge" - a switchable glass cube which slides out from the building - with you inside. Apart from the unforgettable panorama, Skydeck 88 entertains the entire family with a host of activities and fascinating facts. Touch and discover 'Serendipity' the six metre long, interactive Table of Knowledge; follow the scrolling LED floor and wall displays; match the directional sounds to the Melbourne landmark or simply step on to the Terrace and expose yourself to the outside elements.

Melbourne Museum showcases Australian social history, indigenous cultures, science and the environment. Located adjacent to the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. More than one million tourists a year explore Melbourne's rich history in the Melbourne Story exhibition - be immersed in evocative stories and discover the icons and personalities that have shaped Melbourne since the early 1800s. See Phar Lap, Australia's legendary racehorse, in the flesh or walk amongst skeletons of amazing animals from the past - from dinosaurs, flying reptiles and megafauna among many other exciting exhibits.

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.

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.

Where to stay?

Experience the ultimate in luxury in close vicinity to the city's business district, fashion, shopping, sports, parks and gardens, restaurants, cafes and nightlife at the Langham Hotel, www.melbourne.langhamhotels.com.au. Perched on the south bank of the Yarra River the hotel offers picturesque views of the city from many of its 387 rooms.

Great Ocean Road is truly awe-inspiring with great spots like the 12 Apostles and The Loch ard Gorge. The Vue Grand, www.vuegrand.com.au, is a boutique hotel with 32 rooms to suit everyone's needs and budget. The magnificent Turret Suite has breathtaking 180 degree panoramic views, king-sized bed, heated floor tiles, retractable plasma and a spa with a view for the ultimate costal escape. Just 90 minutes out of central Melbourne, the Vue Grand is the perfect getaway.

Take a break from the summer heat and head up to the Quay West Resort and Spa Falls Creek, www.mirvachotels.com/quay-west-resort-spa-falls-creek, a year-long alpine resort, 4.5 hours outside of Melbourne. The five-star resort offers uninterrupted views of the Kiewa Valley. Spend the day on the slopes followed by luxury massage that uses heat and water to relax the body at the all-day spa and round off the night with dinner and drinks at the stylish restaurant bar or café.

Where to eat?

If it's more than a bite to eat you're after, check out Attica, www.attica.com.au, for a true dining experience. Go for a fully-fledged eight course meal complete with accompanying wines or a smaller tasting menu of five courses. The chefs use Tuesday night as a night to try out new things with a degustation menu of five courses for a reduced rate. If you're travelling in company, take advantage of Attica's private dining room which seats up to 12 people where you can indulge in five or eight courses.

In Great Ocean Road area, stop at Summer Sensations Café and Berry Gardens, www.summersensations.com.au, where you can spend a few hours picking fresh berries before having lunch at the café. Check out the delectable Boysenberry and apple pie, berry smoothies and home-made berry ice-cream among other treats while the kids stay entertained in the play area. A full range of jams, dessert sauces, vinegars, cordials, chutneys and relishes made on the premises are also available.

Stokehouse, www.stokehousemelbourne.com.au, makes the most of its beachfront position, cleverly catering to families and drop-ins downstairs, and turning on its best in the light, bright and newly renovated room upstairs for fine diners. It's a fixture on the Melbourne dining scene and known for its seafood, service and the bay views on offer. Book for upstairs - though there can also be a wait downstairs.

How to get there?

Emirates offer daily flights from Malta to Melbourne with a stopover in Dubai and Singapore. Flights departing from Malta on 23 August and returning on 6 September were priced at €1405.87 including tax at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approximately 22.5 hours.