Stadium Location:
Telstra Dome
Street: Wurundjeri Way
Suburb: Docklands
City: Melbourne
Postcode: 3008

Matches:
Australia v England (Sunday, 2 November 2008, 20:00)

Capacity: Telstra Dome - 55,000

Melbourne is recognised as the “cultural and fashion capital” of Australia. The city is famous for theatre, art and Australia’s unique “culture”- sport! The Melbourne Cup, run in the first Tuesday of November, is the undisputed glamour race on the Australian racing calendar. The race literally brings the nation to a stop. The Melbourne Cricket Ground, home of the 1956 Olympic Games and numerous Test cricket matches and Australian Football League (AFL) grand finals, is one of the city’s most sought after tourist attractions. Guided tours run every day of the week. Melbourne is famous for its quality restaurants. There is a plethora of choice and bookings are essential. Vlados in Richmond retains its reputation as Australia’s most succulent steak house establishment while Taxi, The Press Club, Movida and Rockpool are top city choices. Many of the restaurants encourage byo (bring your own liquor). A corkage fee applies.

The city nestles within the shores of Port Phillip Bay and spreads in a giant rectangle. Melbourne is the envy of all cities due to its planning. Access is as easy as falling off a tram, yes trams still run in Melbourne and there is a free tram taking commuters from one end of the CBD to the other.

In a nutshell, Melbourne is a city with something for everyone, challenging those with a discerning taste for clothes, food and wine.

POPULATION Melbourne resident-3.2m
Daytime visitors-732,200

PROXIMITY
Phillip Island, home of the fairy penguin is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne.

Ballarat, an hour west of Melbourne, is a gold rush town of the 19th century and boasts outstanding wineries.

Bendigo, just less than two hours drive from Melbourne, is Victoria’s home of pottery.

The Twelve Apostles are a four hour drive from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road and one of the most breath-taking sights in Australia.

The Yarra Valley east of Melbourne features some of Australia’s best wineries and beautiful accommodation.

CLIMATE
Melbourne is renowned for its “four seasons in one day.” Always arm yourself with an umbrella and a sweater.

Bitterly cold winters, extremely hot summers but perfect spring and autumn climates.

The weather at World Cup time, early November, usually produces a maximum temperature of 23. But it could drop to 15c and rise to the high twenties.

TRANSPORT
Melbourne boasts the best domestic transport system in Australia with the tram car an integral mode of commuting. Trams are iconic and there is a FREE tram that circumnavigates the entire city called the City Circle. Look out for the maroon coloured cars. Trains take you to some of the most scenic part of Victoria including the Dandenong mountain range where afternoon tea houses abound. Taxis are plentiful. The cost of a taxi fare from Melbourne Airport to the city is $45.

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