Easy to navigate and famously chic, the capital city of the State of Victoria, is a rich treat for heritage buffs, foodies and fashionistas.

Famous landmarks are the perfect introduction to Australian life. Rialto Towers — the tallest building in the southern hemisphere — offers breath-taking city views. Home to Australian cricket and internationally revered by fans, the Melbourne Cricket Ground houses the Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum, including olive branches from the 1896 Athens Olympics. Taste Victoria Bitter and Fosters Lager, two famous Australian beers, at the Carlton BrewHouse.

Glimpse native animals at the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens, including koalas, echidnas, goannas, kangaroos, wombats, platypus and seals. Rides at the Melbourne Aquarium simulate dives with sharks and dolphins.

Relics of Captain James Cook, the most famous European explorer in Australia’s “discovery”, are on show at the Royal Botanic Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens — see his parents’ cottage, transported from England, and plant specimens gathered by his botanist.

Alternatively, tread Melbourne’s famed food and fashion precincts. Beachside St Kilda offers al fresco dining with water views, cake shops and the oldest art and craft market in the city. Indulge in all day breakfasts and tapas in Fitzroy, home of innovative Australian fashion, including Pigs in Space and Zimmermann. Collette Dinnigan, Alannah Hill and Wayne Cooper — renowned Australian fashion houses reside in South Yarra, while Richmond has factory outlets crammed with designer bargains, plus cheap Vietnamese and Greek food.

The central business district is a hub of luxury shopping and cosmopolitan eateries. Find international fashion on Collins Streets, Australian designers on Little Collins Street and hip Melbourne style in Flinders Lane boutiques. Enjoy oriental cuisine in the Little Bourke Street area — known as Chinatown since the 1850s — take a coffee break under Hardware Lane’s sea of cafe umbrellas or bite into handmade nibbles at Haigh’s, a favourite Australian chocolatier.

Relax exhausted feet and credit cards at conveniently located accommodation. Nomads Industry, Back of Chapel Backpackers and Toad Hall Hotel are backpacker-style. Honey Apartments, Victoria Gardens and About Henry’s are self-contained, while Crown Towers and Stamford Plaza Melbourne are lavish.