MELBOURNEPriding itself on being a great city it is hardlysurprising, with such a spectacular combinationof old and new architecture. Here lavish parks,elegant streetscapes showcasing Georgianmasterpieces disappear into buzzing lanewaysand tucked away arcades. Add Australia's besteating, an excellent if quirky tram system and apacked events calendar and you have one ofAustralia's most enlightened cities. Lively bantersurrounds Victoria's climate, yet locals embracethe outdoor lifestyle and the city possesses acharm that quietly bewitches many. Though it isobvious Melbourne was planned, with a tidy,balanced grid of neatly angled streets, beneaththis sense of 'everything in its place' restraint acreative energy pushes back at the city'sapparent conservatism. The city centre is madeup of precincts, each with their own flavour andcharacter: some are just a lane or two, whileothers cover the banks of the Yarra River, a newDocklands area or an entire street. Distinct innersuburbs extend around Port Phillip Bay: St Kildawith its diverse café and music scene, Asian-influenced Richmond and Lygon Street with itspizza, gelato and Italian style. Each area, in itsway, showcases yet another side of Australia. THE EVENTSAND CULTURE STATEVictoria's calendar bursts with some ofAustralia's biggest and innovative culturalfestivals and world-class sporting events, fromGrand Slam tennis to celebrations of food andwine. The quintessentially Australian pastimes ofsurfing and Aussie Rules Football reach theirdramatic climax here, but you can also spendyour time listening to jazz, roaming world-classarts festivals or chuckling at the comedy festival.Whatever your interests just ask one of ourspecialists when best to visit: Victoria's eventsare sure to enhance your stay no end.Victoria66A vibrant capital city, historic towns,dramatic coastlines pounded by barrel-sized ocean waves, lofty mountains andiconic national parks - despite beingpocket-sized, Victoria certainly packs apowerful punch. Within half an hour ofits capital, Melbourne, you could betaking in mist-laden mountain rangesand ferny gullies, in an hour lying in asheltered bay or surfing the SouthernOcean off a rugged coast. To the westof Melbourne, a cool temperaterainforest unravels its way along theGreat Ocean Road, on the east the landfalls away into a series of peninsulasand islands, tea-coloured rivers andbeaches strewn with rusty boulders. Onthe city's doorstep is the amber-huedYarra Valley with its famous cool-climate wines. Climb into the HighCountry to winter snowfields or acarpet of spring wildflowers whilst thetreasured Grampians are a living galleryof flora, fauna and Aboriginal rock art,latticed by excellent bushwalking trails.In a country where distances are oftenhuge, Victoria's highlights are compactand accessible.Luna Park, St Kilda

Fountain Terrace, St Kilda Set on a tree-lined avenue moments from the beachand St Kilda's colourful cafés is this grandfreestanding Victorian terrace. Like many of the oldproperties in St Kilda it has had a somewhatcolourful and bawdy past. Beautifully restored, thiswarm and friendly bed & breakfast has seven lovelyrooms, each stylish and comfortable and two withprivate verandas. A wonderful breakfast prepared bythe host, Heikki, is served around the prettyrefectory table and is a perfect start to each day.VICTORIAREGION |67Hotel Charsfield, Melbourne This classic hotel is listed with the AustralianNational Trust and is a fine example of Victorianarchitecture. Perfectly located just minutes by tramfrom the dynamic centre of Melbourne, tramsrumble by linking you with the bay at St Kilda andthe cafés and eateries of South Yarra. The beautifulbotanic gardens are a stroll away and behind theproperty is Albert Park Lake. Room styles range fromdeluxe to premier spa, and each are traditionally,but individually decorated. Although in this locationyou are spoilt for dining options, the hotel's ownrestaurant offers innovative Australian fusion cuisine. Langham Hotel, MelbourneOccupying an exceptional position on the YarraRiver's bustling south bank, the Langham Hotel(formerly the Sheraton Southgate), is just a fewminutes stroll from a parade of thriving al frescorestaurants, Federation Square and the NationalGallery of Victoria. The hotel is styled on a Victorianmansion with imaginative touches, such as amesmerising water feature in the foyer that leadsyou up to the graceful reception area. The classicallydesigned bedrooms are elegant and spacious andthe Melba Brasserie has sweeping views over theriver towards the city. MelbourneFountain TerraceSt KildaVilla Donati, Richmond This lovely two-storey villa was built in 1885 as theprivate residence of the distinguished architect andmayor John Bernard Augustus Koch, and is a classicexample of Italianate architecture. It has since, atdifferent times, served as the residence for theAnglican Archbishop and the infamous 'MoulinRouge' massage parlour. Today it is a quiet, privateretreat located in Richmond, one of Melbourne'smost popular districts, minutes by tram or train fromthe sights. Each room is individually furnished andthe charming guest lounge with its veranda wherebreakfast is served is the ideal place to relax.Hotel Charsfield