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Melbourne - is thought to be Australia´s most European city and not without reason - its Victorian architecture together with its parks, gardens and green boulevards single itself out from other Australian cities. At its heart is a surprising array of nineteenth century buildings such as: St. Paul´s cathedral, the Block Arcade, the Windsor Hotel and the Victorian Parliament House. It is not only its architectural splendour which marks Melbourne out as the most European of cities but also its tram system which can be used to get around the city.
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and, with around 3.5 million residents, is Australia´s second biggest city.
Melbourne is sometimes referred to as the culinary capital of Australia and is full of places serving this reputation. There are over four thousand restaurants offering special dishes from all over the world. The city also has world class theatres, the prestigious International Film Festival, galleries, museums, parks and gardens, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens which is one of the world´s most beautiful parks.
Melbourne has a definite international character with brokers, lawyers, financiers and directors of international corporations all living and working here. The biggest group is the number of graduates at its elite schools.
Melbourne University. According to the British "The Times" results league Melbourne University is in the top twenty universities in the world - no Polish university appears even in the first two hundred according to "The Times".
Hanging Rock. Less than an hour by car from Melbourne is the volcanic park of Hanging Rock. It was here that Peter Weir´s cult film ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock´ was made.
International Film Festival. This is Australia´s biggest film event and takes place in July and August and lasts about two weeks. It is a roundup of the best in Australian cinema as well as featuring films from around the world.
Melbourne Cup. The most important sporting event - not only for Melbourne but for the whole of Australia. The Melbourne Cup is professional horse racing at its best and takes place on the first Tuesday of November. Literally the whole of Australia sits down in front of the TV or radio at 15:30 to listen to the race which lasts barely three minutes. In the state of Victoria Cup day is a day off work.