Melbourne is certainly the most cosmopolitan of Australia's cities and visitors here will be charmed by the cultural and culinary delights of the continent's second largest city.

Although many visitors to Oz looking for a city break may opt for the larger city of Sydney, Melbourne retains an understated charm that harks back to its rich Victorian heritage.

There is much rivalry between the two cities, of course, and while Sydney may claim the prize for a stunning natural setting around the Harbour Bridge, Melbourne often takes the plaudits as one of the world's "most liveable cities".

Melbourne is not easily summed up as it offers so much for every palate; the sports mad can enjoy any number of highly competitive matches, museum and art buffs are also in their element with world-class choice while foodies will be in their element with undoubtedly the best cuisine in the country thanks to the varied ethnic mix of the city.

Federation Square in the city centre is a great spectacle and acts as a wonderful viewpoint to catch the Yarra River scythe through the city centre.

From the Square it is just a short hop to the CBD with its impressive, if a little condensed, array of towering buildings. Rialto Towers looms alarmingly in the CBD and has the claim that it was once the highest building in the southern hemisphere - visitors can enjoy spectacular panoramas of the city from here.

St Kilda is a wonderful bohemian district in the south of Melbourne and home to a number of delights including Luna Park, a Victorian amusement park built in 1912 and still featuring the famous laughing face on the entrance.

As well as possessing the city's beaches, St Kilda is also home to Fitzroy Street - a road filled with endless high quality bars and restaurants. Melbournians love their nightlife and fashion, and pulling up a street side table here is as much about watching the hoards pass by as it is about the (fantastic) food and drink.

Sports fans will have something to enjoy all year round whether it is the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Tennis Open, or cricket at the MCG with its raucous atmosphere. Highly recommended is an Aussie rules football match at the Telstra Dome - especially if one of the number of local teams are playing.

For sheer gaudiness, a trip to the Crown Casino, perched on the banks of the Yarra, cannot be bettered. It is a super-size casino, of Las Vegas proportions, that draws in thousands of visitors to the city each year all to part with their hard earned cash.

There are no clocks in the 24-hour complex, but everything else you could wish for is there including shops, cinemas, restaurants and of course thousands of "pokies" and gambling tables.

Melbourne is a wonderful destination and any trip to the city will leave you with great memories whatever your pleasure. Shops, sport, culture, world-class cuisine and beautiful surroundings, Melbourne has it all - just don't ask a local where the Opera House is!