There has always been a bitter rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney which stems from their desire to be the Australian capital, long after this privilege was bestowed on Canberra the rivalry still exists. For the traveller backpacking Australia this rivalry seems a little juvenile as both cities are exciting and vibrant in their own way.

For those travellers and backpackers who are visiting Australia from Europe, Melbourne is the main city, which will feel the most like home. With Victorian era buildings built along tree lined boulevards, sweeping landscaped gardens and modern skyscrapers many visitors will find essences of Paris and London nestling within distinct Greek and Turkish areas.

The City centre feels very European and isn’t always to everyone’s taste, some backpackers find Melbourne a little similar to home and only pass through this magical city. Passing through Melbourne without giving the city a chance would be a huge mistake. The city sprawls for miles and has some wonderful beaches and fantastic suburbs to discover with such as St Kilda, Fitzroy and Richmond to name a few.

Melbourne is renowned as being a cosmopolitan haven and lays large claims to being Australias cultural capital. The Melbourne International Art Festival is a large draw for many of the more fashionable and upmarket visitor. A plethora of art galleries, cinemas, music halls and theatres cater for every taste.

Melbourne is also a hive for Australias sporting culture. For the first time visitor, traveller or Backpacker the MCG is the place to head for the best of the action. Aussie Rules Football, Cricket and Rugby are all played in this famous stadium and the energy and atmosphere generated by the local crowd always guarantees a special occasion and a party atmosphere not to be missed. The Australian Open tennis and Australian grand prix is always a huge draw for the world’s media and for the traveller alike.

Melbourne’s night scene is a plethora of swanky bars and clubs and with numerous restaurants the city lives up to it’s reputation of being Australias Premier city for eating and drinking. Whilst Sydney offers a more style conscious eating experience, Melbourne over shadows it for pure quality food and a wider choice of it.

It couldn’t be simpler to travel around Melbourne. With one of the most efficient city public transport systems incorporating trains, buses and a top class tram line which gives the city a very European feel and a distinct character. Reasonable prices mean all day travel around the city for sight seeing, shopping or just ambling around could not be easier.

Accommodation is always a top priority when arriving in a new city and Melbourne has all tastes and budgets catered for. Backpackers and the budget traveller have probably the best choice of places to stay with dorm rooms starting from $20 per night. The main backpacker areas are centred upon the city centre and St Kilda but there is great accommodation scattered all over Melbourne.