The state capital of Victoria, Melbourne has a strong European influence in its culture, although the influx of immigrants from around the world means that the city is said to offer the widest choice of cuisines in all of Australia.
New Quay is one fashionable area, while the Richmond, Carlton and Fitzroy suburbs are renowned for their Vietnamese, Italian and Spanish dishes. Many of Melbourne’s restaurants are now ‘bring your own’ drink, although you may have to pay corkage.
Melbourne city centre and the surrounding suburbs provide accommodation to suit all budgets from the Ritz Backpackers and Hotel Y to the Adelphi Hotel. Other options are the Victoria Hotel, Hotel Bakpak or Central Accommodation.