Melbourne's lifestyle
Melbourne’s appeal is the emotion, feeling and memory of experience built around the city’s distinctive physical characteristics:
- an unusual street and laneway network
- the Yarra River
- parks and gardens of renown
- transport infrastructure which includes an extensive tram network
- beautiful heritage buildings and cutting-edge new structures
Melbourne has a feeling of openness and natural light. Building height limits and heritage controls have kept the city at a human scale while highlighting its diversity and creativity.
At the street level, Melbourne’s labyrinth of connecting laneways and arcades provide an ‘other world’ experience of intimate spaces and mystery, home to many of Melbourne’s bar, dining and shopping ‘secrets’.
Melbourne provides a logical canvas for artistic expression and its laneways are home to sometimes controversial street art. Melburnians also love a party, with the year-round calendar of events offering something for everyone.
The city has a strong culture of philanthropy and volunteering, and Melburnians are known for being friendly and inclusive. Look out for the city’s team of tourism volunteers, the City Ambassadors!
Our multicultural population contributes to the city’s unique atmosphere. Melbourne is home to people of 140 different cultures: Indigenous Australians, post war European migrants, and recent arrivals from India, Somalia, Malaysia and beyond.
Sustainability is a focus for the growing city. Melbourne is leading the way in sustainable urban design, reduced water consumption and a commitment to zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
The lifestyle that makes Melbourne a magnet for so many people lies in the combination of these things. It is the sum of its parts – and more.
The lifestyle that makes Melbourne a magnet for so many people lies in the combination of these things. It is the sum of its parts – and more.

