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Passionately devoted to sport, and the arts, the people of Melbourne enjoy a
wealth of both in a surprising number of venues - indoors and out.
Built on two waterways, the Yarra River and Port Philip Bay, Melbourne has
always been both a bustling sea port and a city pre-occupied with river-bank
activities. On sunny summer morning's well-dressed executives from nearby city
offices breakfast in groups by the water, while cyclists and joggers follow
paths hugging the river's edge. With the city skyline as a backdrop, the
scene is one of extraordinary beauty and tranquillity.
Some of Melbourne's sense of fun, and individual character is evident during
the Spring Racing Carnival, particularly at the running of the Melbourne Cup,
when high fashion and mad hats are the order of the day. Another fine example
of Melbourne at its individual best is during the Aussie Rules footy season.
Played during the winter months, the Grand Final regularly attracts crowds
in excess of 100,000 Melburnians, each one barracking and bawling instructions
from the stands.
Melbourne has also come to be known as one of the restaurant capitals
of the world. A rich multicultural population has contributed, and
there is barely a cultural dish that cannot be found. A city that can play
host to an international tennis match one day, and stage an outdoor concert
for the Three Tenors the next, is just a taste of what is available at any
one time in the 'world's most livable city'.
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