Melbourne is built on a grand scale with tree-lined boulevards and impressive Victorian-era buildings. Stunning streetscapes seamlessly combine old-world charm with modern and quirky architecture and the city is wallpapered with striking street art. Every street and laneway is a feast for the eyes.

Yet Melbourne remains understated by keeping its best parts hidden in nondescript laneways. It invites exploration and adventure and ensures there is always something new to discover.

While there is no centralisd gay village, there are plenty of queer bars and clubs and the city has a thriving and innovative queer dance party scene, with many dance parties starting in Melbourne and being exported around the country.

This, combined with the city’s strong liberal and progressive values, have always been a drawcard for queer people and ensure the city has a well-developed gay culture. 

Sydney tends to take all the limelight when it comes to international recognition, but Melbourne has just as much to offer and is expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s largest city by 2030. ^[9] 

Melbourne has such appeal that it has earned several enviable titles. It’s the world’s most livable city ^[10] (at least until Covid hit. No doubt it will return to the top spot once Covid is behind us). Its thriving arts and festival scene has earned it the title of Australia’s cultural capital. And its opulent Victorian-era architecture has earned its title of “marvellous Melbourne”. ^[8] 

However you know it, Melbourne is an exceptional city and you can’t help but hope a little bit of it rubs off on you.