Melbourne
VIC, 3031

The capital city of the state of Victoria, Australia, Melbourne lies on Australia’s southern coast and holds the distinction of being the second most populous city both in the country and on the continent. A sprawling patchwork of green spaces and cityscape spanning nearly 10,000 square kilometres, nearly five million people call this rich, lively coastal city their home. For 26 years, from 1901 until 1927, Melbourne was the Australian seat of government and the nation’s de facto capital before it was relocated to Canberra to be as equidistant between the major settlements as possible. Built around the vast Victoria Harbour, as stunning as it is imposing, the city has developed into a centre of commerce, culture, and progress.

Melbourne’s economy is strong and incredibly diverse, stretching over a number of sectors. Its Central Business District, a metaphorical jungle of skyscrapers, is the second largest financial centre in the country; many companies’ regional, national or, in some cases, global headquarters are found in Melbourne, including two of Australia’s Big Four banks, the ANZ and National Australia Bank. Dotted throughout Melbourne are innumerable shops, restaurants, bars and other establishments, each contributing both to the value of the city and its unique character. Melbourne provides an excellent quality of life, being repeatedly lauded as the world’s most liveable city.

Melbourne is often referred to as the cultural capital of Australia; this culture can be found throughout the city, but it is especially present in sports. Melbourne is known to many as the nation’s sporting capital and plays host to 27 professional sports teams. The city has more to offer than just sports, however; the State Library of Victoria is one of the world’s most visited libraries and is famed for its early status as the home of many important figures in the world of literature. Melbourne’s population is very diverse and a number of cultural festivals with origins all over the world take place there, from annual comedy and arts festivals to religious celebrations.

Melbourne is a city of variety, and this is reflected in its property market. As a thriving city with such a large population, there is constant supply and demand for housing of all types, with properties for sale ranging from the exclusive examples of Victorian architecture for which Melbourne’s centre is famous to quieter and more modern housing in the suburbs, where property can be found with much smaller price tags. A city packed with character and excitement, green spaces and towering skylines, commerce and architecture and a remarkably rich history, Melbourne truly is a city that has something for everybody.