Living in Victoria

Victoria has a diverse range of attractions, including rainforests, ski resorts, wine producing regions and dramatic ocean cliffs. Throughout the year Victoria plays host to many music, comedy, film, food and wine fesitvals. Victoria is also one of the most culturally diverse states with 20 percent of residents speaking a language other than English at home. For more information visit www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au.

Melbourne

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is located on the southeast coast of the Australian mainland. It is a cosmopolitan city, known as the cultural capital of Australia, with a population of around 3.8 million people from more than 140 different countries. Melbourne is known for its local and international sporting events, its incredibly diverse music and arts scenes and its outstanding dining options. For more information, visit www.melbourne.com.au.

Cost of living

Melbourne is surprisingly affordable for an international city. Low-cost public transportion helps keep day-to-day living expenses down and there is enormous range of rental options, depending on where you choose to live.

Getting around

Melbourne has an excellent public transportation system, combining trains, trams and buses. Most services run from early morning to midnight, 7 days a week. A free city circle tram departs every 12 minutes so you can move around the city easily. After midnight on weekends the NightRider bus will get you home. For the complete transport guide to Melbourne, head to www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au.

Climate

Melbourne has a temperate but unpredictable climate, with warm summers and cool winters. Summers are warm and run from December to February with average maximum temperatures reaching around 26°C. Winters are cool and run from June to August, during which the average minimum temperatures drop to around 6°C. For up-to-date information on Melbourne’s weather, head to www.bom.gov.au.