The British influence in Melbourne is everywhere to see. A 21st century business district gives way to civilised and thoroughly Edwardian suburbs stretching endlessly away. Efficient trams criss-cross the city. The coast – the Mornington Peninsula - and Yarra Valley wine region are a just a short hop. And the food is to die for. You’ll love it.

Must See:
Pay homage at the temple of Australian sport with a full 2-hour guided tour of the MCG – the Melbourne Cricket Ground – a dazzling bowl which on a match day can fill with as many as 100,000 fans.

Must eat at:
As Australia’s unrivalled gastronomic capital, there’s choice in abundance, but for a flavour of what modern Victorians are eating, head to funky St Kilda and to upmarket Circa in the Prince Hotel’s dining room, for a fabulous breakfast and more.

Must be there for:
The Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November offers punters of all shapes and sizes the chance to go posh for the day – it’s where Royal Ascot and the Grand National collide with magnificent force; a day to dress up (or dress down) and grab your binoculars.

Well-travelled tips:
· Start with a top-down view of the city and take-in a breathtaking vertical slice of Melbourne from the glass-floored Skydeck on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower.
· It’s well worth the journey to Phillip Island just for the 9pm penguin show, when thousands of Little Penguins leave the bay in search of warm sandy burrows.

Visa:
British citizens need a visa to enter Australia, and several options are available if you’re going on holiday or business. For full information, visit www.immi.gov.au