Melbourne is host city to the first tennis Grand Slam for 2010. The Australian Open Tennis Championships is an event which attracts the world's best tennis players, including Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters. This major event on the world tennis calendar has a total prize pool of million and attracts a total of 480 singles and doubles players.
Melbourne, Australia's second biggest city, is ranked as Australia's sporting capital. It also hosts The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix and Australian Motorcycle Championships. Every year, the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground is the venue for the Boxing Day cricket test, a contest between Australia and another cricketing nation.
But there is more to Melbourne than sporting events. It is also Australia's fashion and cultural capital and attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy its scenery and vibrant atmosphere.
According to the latest Roy Morgan poll, Melbourne is Australia's most desirable holiday destination, especially for shopping, theatre and fine dining.
I am a regular visitor to the city called "The Paris of the South" and always enjoy making new discoveries.
Here are 10 suggestions to help you get the most from your visit.
1. Go to the Tourist Centre in Flinders St, near Australia Square to enquire about free public transport and special events.
2. Walk along the Yarra River from the Rod Laver Tennis Centre, enjoy the views of the city and continue through Southbank for a meal or to just enjoy the atmosphere.
3. Visit the 2 major art galleries in Federation Square and St Kilda Road. They contain the paintings of Australia's top artists.
4. Take a river cruise either up river or towards the ocean at Williamstown.
5. Walk along St Kilda Rd to the Shrine of Remembrance and return to the city through parklands to the Tennis Centre.
6. Visit Lygon St Carlton for an authentic Italian meal. Don't forget to bargain! Another fine dining experience is in the Chinatown district. The world's largest food and wine festival takes place in Melbourne from 12-23 March.
7. Visit the Victoria Markets for a cheap meal, to pick up a souvenir and enjoy the atmosphere.
8. Take a tram to the bayside suburb of St Kilda for a swim, meal or walk along the waterfront promenade. The very popular St Kilda Festival takes place from 6-14 February and attracts the cream of Australia's musical talent.
9. Discover Melbourne's proud sporting heritage with a guided tour of Australia's top sporting venue, the Melboune Cricket Ground.
10. Visit Docklands for a meal and spectacular city views. The view of the Westgate Bridge at night is particularly impressive.
YOUR FREE GIFTS! Graeme Lanham is a member of YHA Australia and an internationally recognised Australian travel writer. He has a passion for and intimate knowledge of his homeland and wants to share this valuable information with you. In his books and travel blog, he reveals his best insider tips for a memorable Aussie holiday. For a limited time, he is offering with each purchase of his brand new ebook, a FREE copy of his best selling ebook "TravelTips Australia" (valued at ) plus FREE ACCESS to his popular travelblog. Don't miss out. Claim your copy and FREE GIFTS now at: http://www.australia4backpackers.com
