Melbourne: Australia’s Cultural and Sporting Capital

Melbourne is the official capital of Victoria. It is also the second most crowded metropolitan area in Australia. The city is popular for its extensive tram stations, modern architecture, and impressive Victorian gardens. Aside from various tourist attractions, Melbourne also features major cultural and sporting activities all year round. Tourists will find a number of places to visit, and activities to do in this interesting and vibrant city.

Culture and Arts Festival

Next to Edinburgh, Melbourne has gained the recognition of being a City of Literature and culture. The city offers different events that feature the city’s exemplary literature, music, art, television, and film. Locals and foreigners can take part in various cultural activities and festivals held each year. There are also numerous cultural institutions throughout Melbourne. In fact, the city has over 100 art galleries and impressive theaters. Among the notable performance venues and halls include the Princess Theater, the Australian Center for Contemporary Art, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and Forum Theater. The city is also home to the country’s largest and oldest national gallery of Victoria.

This cultural city celebrates several types of festivals such as the International Film Festival, Fringe Festival, and International Arts Festival. World-renowned cultural groups are also based in the city including the Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Ballet.

Sports and Recreation

Melbourne has five world-class sporting facilities within the city’s central business district. These stadiums are the ideal location for major sporting events such as the AFL or Australian Football League matches. Nine of the AFL teams are Melbourne-based, and these are stationed at the Docklands Stadium. During weekly AFL matches, over 40,000 spectators flock the stadium to witness these games.

Aside from football, cricket is a popular sport in Melbourne. Almost all stadiums in the city feature a cricket or football match each week. It is also interesting to note that the city holds a record for having the highest attendance during a cricket match.

The city hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics because of its remarkable facilities and exemplary sporting location. Melbourne was also the excellent location for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. There are also three grand sporting activities held annually in the city. These events include the Australian Open, Formula One Grand Prix in Australia, and Melbourne Cup. In 2008, Melbourne obtained the distinction as being the World’s ultimate sports center.

Bottom Line

Melbourne reflects a diverse and rich culture, and the city takes pride in its local traditions and the arts. Several cultural institutions feature the multi-faceted society throughout the city including the performing arts, music, and film. Melbourne has numerous contributions when it comes to the arts and various forms of recreation. For instance, the city served as the location for the world’s first feature film, which was shot in 1906. Popular dance styles also emerged in the city including the Shuffle and New Vogue. In addition, the city has earned a reputation as a sporting capital. The vast stadiums and sporting facilities provide the perfect location for various sports matches and major events held in Melbourne.