Resources

Melbourne – 50 words

Melbourne is a leading business destination encompassing everything you need to make your next event a success. Egalitarian and cosmopolitan, Melbourne has a passionate soul and intellectual fervour that makes it a truly international experience. Melbourne, the event capital of Australia is a city on show.

Melbourne - 100 words

Melbourne’s incredible year-round calendar of events means that no matter when you visit there’s always something special to see. Melbourne is home to the 2006 Formula 1 Foster’s Australian Grand Prix, Spring Racing Carnival and the Australian Open Tennis Championship. It’s no wonder that Melbourne is renowned for being the event capital of Australia.

Melbourne - 200 words

Melbourne is leading the charge in providing ‘beyond 2000’ technology, integrated transport systems, ultra modern venues, accommodation and services for any event. Recognised as a major centre for research and development, medical, science, technology, business and financial industries, there has never been a better time to plan meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions in Melbourne.

Melbourne has the ideal business events infrastructure including Australia’s largest exhibition centre, the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre (MECC) located on the banks of the picturesque Yarra River. And, with plans to build a new 5,000 seat convention centre by 2009, Melbourne will also have the largest convention facilities.

Dining – 100 words

Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, a fact reflected in the microcosmos of restaurants, cafes and bars. Melbourne’s dining spots offer a plethora of food styles to rival any other city in the world.

The city and its surrounds boasts more than 3,000 restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars catering for even the fussiest palate. In Melbourne you can find everything from Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Spanish, Greek, Indian, Italian, Japanese and everything in between. There are as many different food styles as there are chefs.

From elegant restaurants to contemporary cafes, Melbourne’s eateries are renowned for their superb food, atmosphere and service.

Attractions - 100 words

Melbourne’s attractions draw visitors from all over the world. Cool and sophisticated, funky and diverse, Melbourne is a hub for some of the hippest people on the planet looking for groovy places and up-to-the-minute experiences.

From zoo’s to museums, galleries to gardens, Melbourne’s attractions offer a welcome break from your business event.

Just a short drive from the CBD you’ll find the wonders of regional Victoria, chequered with wineries and rugged coastlines. Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary or make a trip to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade.

There is also Ballarat the town that theatrically recreates Australia’s historic goldrush days. No matter what you’re interested in Melbourne and its surrounds has an attraction for you.

Shopping - 150 words

From haute couture to hip and funky threads, Melbourne is famous for its great shopping. In the last twelve months the retail space in the CBD has doubled.

Melbourne has stylish city complexes like QV, GPO and Melbourne Central. Many of central Melbourne’s enticing shops are tucked down narrow nooks and crannies in the hidden laneways which snake the CBD.

Melbourne also has a multitude of markets offering everything from new and pre-loved shoes, clothes and accessories – try the Chapel Street Bazaar, the Camberwell and Queen Victoria markets or stroll down Bridge Road in Richmond, where many of Melbourne's most successful retail stores have their warehouses and factory outlets.

Or, for the style conscious, preview the latest collections at Chapel Street, South Yarra, or head to Acland Street in St Kilda or Fitzroy's Brunswick Street for local designers, street fashion, and groovy bars and cafes.

Major Events - 150 words

Melbourne is widely recognised as they event capital of Australia. Melbourne has buzzing calendar of international events drawing visitors from all across the globe.

In 2006 Melbourne will host the Commonwealth Games, further enhancing its international reputation for expertise in staging major events.

Melbourne plays host to a range of annual sporting events including the Formula 1 Foster’s Australian Grand Prix, Australian International Airshow, Australian Open Tennis Championships, Melbourne Boxing Day Test Match (cricket) and the glamorous Spring Racing Carnival. The 50 days of the Spring Racing Carnival showcases racing right around Victoria including the famous Melbourne Cup, the race that stops the nation.

Other events include the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

And, in 2004 Melbourne held more international association conventions than any other city in Australia (ICCA Statistics Report 2004, published May 2005).

Melbourne Incentives - 50 words

Let Melbourne ensure your next incentive is truly unforgettable. Melbourne is a multicultural, food loving, arts savvy, sports mad city. It’s Australia’s major event city, the fashion and shopping capital and yes, Melburnians are crazy about sport. Close by you’ll find some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, Australian wildlife and boutique wineries.

Melbourne Incentives - 250 words

Melbourne is a multicultural, food loving, arts savvy, fashion conscious and sports mad city. It’s Australia’s major event city and the fashion and shopping capital. Here are some of our most popular, hand-picked incentives:

Drive the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic roads where ancient rock formations, rugged cliffs and breathtaking treetop walks provide photographic opportunities at every turn.

Try the national game of two-up, hone your sheep shearing skills or dine under the Southern Cross, all at Victoria’s oldest homestead.

Dine out in first-class on the Colonial Tram Car Restaurant while seeing the sights of Melbourne.

Follow the Yarra Valley gourmet food and wine trail that leads past sleepy farms, national parks, 5 star resorts, native animal sanctuaries and world class golf courses.

Be entertained at the Crown Entertainment Complex where you’ll find restaurants, bars, nightclubs, designer shopping, cinemas, and a 24 casino. It’s luxury in a relaxed style.

Federation Square is an architecturally stunning venue for that special function. Located in the heart of Melbourne, the space includes galleries, restaurants and bars.

Experience the fun and drama of the Queen Victoria Market. It’s 120 years young, includes 1,000 traders and is the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere.

Become an Aussie Rules Football player at the unique AFL Sensations. Motivation, team building, cocktails or dinner, it’s your choice in this unique facility.

Re-live the Melbourne Cup, ‘The Race That Stops a Nation’ at Flemington. Great views of Melbourne, immaculate gardens, fabulous facilities.

And, the nightly arrival of the world’s smallest penguins is not to be missed.

Venues - 100 words

Whether it’s a large scale convention for over 2,000 delegates or a smaller meeting for 20, Melbourne has a venue to suit every meeting or event requirement.

From modern facilities with top of the line technology, to historic hotels oozing old world charm, to venues with a difference, Melbourne has it all.

Melbourne also boasts a dedicated convention precinct encompassing five major convention hotels and Australia’s largest exhibition facilities, the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre.

MCVB’s free venue finding service VenueMenu can take the hassle out of finding the right venue for you. Click here to search Melbourne’s diverse range of venues.