MELBOURNE EDITION The local perspective on prime property and lifestyle - Knight Frank
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The Wealth Report City Series MELBOURNE EDITION The local perspective on prime property and lifestyle
THE WEALTH REPORT – MELBOURNE EDITION
Welcome to the
Melbourne Edition
Andrew Hay
Global Head of Residential
ANDREW.HAY@KNIGHTFRANK.COM
+44 20 7861 1071
Welcome to the Melbourne Edition of attractive to wealthy residents from
The Wealth Report, Knight Frank’s annual across Australia, the wider Asia-Pacific Contents
thought-leadership publication for our region and even further afield.
UHNW clients and their advisors. The importance of Melbourne’s 01
It is particularly fitting that Melbourne economic mix and skilled employment Briefing
should be the focus of our first special base in the context of future investment in In the 12 months to the end of
city edition. Its reputation as one of the city-wide infrastructure is also discussed. December 2016, Melbourne prime
world’s most exciting urban centres was Findings from previous editions of residential prices increased by
underlined when it was named the world’s The Wealth Report have confirmed 8.8%, and grew by 35.1% over the
most liveable city for the sixth that lifestyle is a critical issue driving past four years
consecutive year in the latest rankings by investment into residential markets page 02
The Economist Intelligence Unit. globally. We consider place-making,
02
This publication not only builds architecture, art, fashion, health, sport
on the research and insight Knight and the burgeoning food scene in Living
Frank provides every year in The Wealth Melbourne to provide a rounded view From culture to countryside,
Report, but also takes a deeper, more of the opportunities the city offers and employment to education, we look
localised focus on the issues that that justify its world ranking. at why Melbourne was named the
matter to investors, both domestic and We have also assembled an impressive world’s most liveable city for a
overseas. It confirms recent trajectories array of experts, who help untangle the remarkable sixth year in a row
page 12
and drivers, but also forecasts future latest developments in three critical areas
trends and attractions of this leading for residential buyers: new visa rules, the 03
Asia-Pacific destination. latest property taxation reforms, and
Knight Frank’s growing market strength school and university options.
Insight
in Australia means we are able to provide Wherever you are based, or have What are the implications of
relocating to a new city, or even
a comprehensive view of the economy, invested in the past, I hope you enjoy the
another country? Our three experts
NOW AVAILABLE investment opportunities, lifestyle and the
residential market in what is considered
Melbourne Edition. I am sure you will find
it an invaluable aid to your investment
on immigration, tax and finance,
and education give an overview
by many to be a world-class city. decisions as you plan for the future. page 26
The definitive analysis on global Our Australia research team provides Our residential and commercial
wealth and investment trends a detailed view of where Melbourne sits property teams are available to discuss
in the world ranking of prime residential your requirements, whether that’s in
markets, examining some of the factors Melbourne or any of the key global
– such as relative affordability and the markets we cover via our network of
influence of currency – that make it so offices across 58 countries. FLIGHT TIMES TO MELBOURNE
7
6
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The global perspective on prime property and investment 4
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THE WEALTH REPORT 2017
The global perspective on prime property and investment
1
THE WEALTH REPORT 2017
The global perspective on prime property and investment
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02 BRIEFING THE WEALTH REPORT – MELBOURNE EDITION 03
PAUL SAVIT Z
DIRECTOR OF RESE ARCH Key topics
& CONSULTING
01
A winning performance
Find out why Melbourne sits in
the top eight of Knight Frank’s
Global Cities Index for prime
residential property
page 04
02
In good company
As a place to both live and invest,
Australia’s second city is an
attractive proposition
page 06
World-class
03
A city on the move
Infrastructure improvements
credentials
taking place across Melbourne
are opening up new areas
for residential and business use
page 10
Since 2012, the prime residential market accounting for 28.9% of the national wholesale change – rather, many are
in Melbourne (AU$3m+) has shaken off its population increase. looking at a lower-maintenance home in
post-financial crisis inertia. According to Foreign migrants not meeting the a similar location or near the central
the Knight Frank Prime Global Cities investment criteria of Australia’s business district. This way, they are
Index, the city saw annual price growth Significant and Premium Investor Visa familiar with their community and its
of 8.8% in 2016, despite new fees being must buy a ‘new’ residential property in amenities, with family and friends
introduced for foreign buyers. An order to comply with federal government nearby, while still near enough to enjoy
increase in prime values, averaging 2.4% regulations. Many buyers have already Melbourne’s centre.
growth per quarter since the June 2015 seen strong investment returns in other These factors, together with
quarter, has buoyed values by 76.9% over global cities after buying into projects in Australia’s increasingly important
the last decade. once-obsolescent inner-city areas. They safe-haven status, record low interest
There continues to be a limited supply are now in a position to add an Australian rates and cheaper finance, are
of new prime residential properties being property to their international portfolio. establishing Melbourne as one of the
built in Melbourne. This is set against Taking advantage of the lower world’s strongest cities for prime
rapid population growth enhanced by Australian dollar, many expats are residential property demand. The
strong migration. Greater Melbourne’s returning temporarily to buy a property upsurge in prime transactions, from circa
population of 4.53 million has risen at in preparation for resettling in Australia. 300 in 2011 and 2012 to average over 840
a rate of 2.1% per annum over the past 10 Downsizers who have previously lived in between 2014 and 2016, has confirmed its
years. At the last count, Melbourne was prestigious suburbs are also taking position on the global prime-residential
found to be Australia’s fastest-growing advantage of current market conditions. stage, and only a lack of available prime
city, adding 91,600 residents in 2015, They are not necessarily seeking a stock is limiting growth in transactions.
PRIME MELBOURNE SALES VOLUMES: 2011–2016 (AU$3M+) CUMULATIVE PRIME PROPERTY VALUE INCREASE 2006–2016
Data to December
2011 299 100%
2012 296 77
75%
2013 488 63
49
2014 706 50%
38 37 38
31
2015 1024
22 24 25
25%
2016 796 0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Source: Knight Frank Research
04 BRIEFING THE WEALTH REPORT – MELBOURNE EDITION 05
CURRENCY MATTERS THE NUMBER OF SQUARE METRES US$1M WILL BUY IN...
Based on prime residential prices as at December 2016
Over the three years in which Melbourne’s
prime residential growth has totalled
35.1%, the performance of global
currencies against the Australian dollar
A winning has influenced relative price growth Monaco 17
for different nationalities using foreign
performance currencies to fund their purchases. Hong Kong 20
New York 26
The prime-residential property sector in Three-year
Melbourne is continuing to experience prime Melbourne London 30
impressive price growth residential growth
AL AN BA X TER /GE T T Y IMAGES
Geneva 42
35.1%
Australian dollars Singapore 43
A severe lack of prime residential supply,
strong population growth, favourable 27.6%
Shanghai 46
domestic economic conditions and Japanese yen
a commitment to new infrastructure 27.6% Paris 55
projects are all contributing to upward Canadian dollars
pressure on pricing in Melbourne. After Beijing 58
a long period of negligible growth across 23.9%
Sydney 59
the city, the past four years have seen UK pounds
prices begin to catch up with, and Los Angeles 61
surpass, other global destinations. Vancouver and Los Angeles recorded (in square metres) that US$1m will buy in
Along with Shanghai, Beijing, stronger prime residential price growth cities around the world shows Monaco is Miami 79
Guangzhou, Seoul, Toronto and than Melbourne since 2012, increasing by the tightest, with our generous budget
18.0% Berlin 87
Vancouver, Melbourne now sits in 61.4% and 36.1% respectively. stretching to cover only 17 sq m, followed
Euros
the top eight of Knight Frank’s Prime Placing Melbourne’s notable price by Hong Kong at 20 sq m, New York at 26
Tokyo 91
Global Cities Index (out of 40 cities) for performance into a broader context, the sq m and London with 30 sq m. In
annual prime residential market Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index Sydney, lower base pricing means our Mumbai 99
performance. Sydney ranks seventh. has consistently recorded annual average budget stretches to 59 sq m. However,
Both cities recorded over 8% annual price growth across all cities of between 3.6% prime Melbourne is larger again, Istanbul 102
growth for the sixth consecutive quarter and 5% since midway through 2014. New covering an area close to 110 sq m (down 11.4%
to Q4 2016, making Australasia the regulation, in the form of taxes and fees from 116 sq m in 2015) – equivalent to Singaporean dollars Melbourne 110
strongest-performing region in the world, for foreign purchasers, is increasing in around six times the accommodation size
Dubai 162
at 9.1% annual growth in 2016, comparing a number of locations across our index. that can be purchased in the world’s
well with the next best performing The impact, although dependent on highest-priced cities. For super-prime Sao Paulo 176
region, North America at 6.6%. specific market fundamentals, is Melbourne apartments – broadly defined
In the 12 months to the end of 2016, restricting overall global price growth. as the top 1% of the market and generally 5.0% Cape Town 209
Melbourne prime residential prices Despite this recent outperformance, considered as those apartments with China renminbi
increased by 8.8%, and grew by 35.1% Australia’s global gateway cities remain premium views, specifications and
over the past four years. Outside of relatively affordable on a comparative amenities, in the most prized locations
Australia and China, and across Knight basis. Knight Frank’s global research into – actual sales evidence shows this figure
Frank’s benchmark global cities, only the amount of prime residential property ranges from 60 sq m to 85 sq m. But this -5.8%
Hong Kong dollars
-5.8%
Notes: Price ranges for Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai are for properties considered “super-prime”.
PRIME GLOBAL CITIES INDEX US dollars Prices used in the calculation for Hong Kong are based on apartments only. All currency calculations are
based on the prevailing rate on 30 December 2016.
Prime residential cumulative price performance 2013 – 2016
Source: Knight Frank Research Source: Knight Frank Research, Douglas Elliman/Miller Samuel
Country Location 2013 2014 2015 2016
Melbourne 5.4% 13.5% 24.2% 35.1%
Sydney 3.5% 15.6% 33.4% 45.8%
is still up to 45% more than the amount of from the US or Hong Kong, Melbourne recent four-year period.
Singapore 15.7% -3.0% -5.0% -1.7% prime residential space one can buy in prime residential prices have decreased Investors who purchased five years
Sydney, and over three times the by 5.8% over the past four years, when ago may not have realised any true or
Hong Kong -2.2% 0.6% -3.1% -1.0%
amount that can be purchased in the factoring in currency movements to the significant price growth. However, for
Los Angeles 17.7% 23.3% 29.2% 36.1% highest-priced global cities. end of December 2016, despite strong those looking to purchase in this current
Knight Frank has also calculated the local price growth. phase, using any of the above currencies,
Shanghai 6.1% 5.7% 20.6% 53.6% adjustment in value for international For those buying with Chinese the prime Melbourne outperformance
purchasers by combining changes in Renminbi, the relative price of Melbourne over the past five years has effectively
Beijing 17.1% 16.5% 37.4% 74.2%
prime residential prices with currency prime residential property has increased been eroded by a weakening of the
London 7.7% 13.2% 14.3% 7.1% movements. There are two angles from by 5.0% compared with the same period Australian dollar. If the US dollar edges
which to consider the data. Firstly, from in 2012. For those who purchased with higher, and currencies closely linked to it
Vancouver 5.3% 13.2% 40.9% 61.4% Demand for prime those who have already purchased and, Sterling or Singaporean dollars, the price follow, demand for prime residential
residential property in secondly, those who are prospective of Melbourne prime residential property property in Melbourne has the potential
Source: Knight Frank Research
Melbourne is on the rise buyers. For an investor or owner-occupier has risen by 23.9%, or 11.4% over the to increase further.
06 BRIEFING THE WEALTH REPORT – MELBOURNE EDITION 07
POPULATION GROWTH IN GREATER MELBOURNE
4,600,000
In good company
An influx of global companies has
helped put Melbourne on the map 4,400,000
as a desirable place to live and work
Melbourne is a flourishing and rapidly Melbourne could overtake Sydney as
growing city. At the last official count, the the largest Australian city by 2030. The
EUROPEAN
Greater Melbourne area in the state of Australian Bureau of Statistics predicts COMPANIES WITH
THEIR AUSTRALIAN
Victoria has a resident population of 4.53 the number of Greater Melbourne HEADQUARTERS 4,200,000
million, rising 2.1% per annum over the Melbourne households will reach 2.24 million by IN VICTORIA
past decade – a higher pace than the 2030, growing at 1.9% per annum. This
is Australia’s Melbourne’s strong business and
0.65% per annum increase recorded on rate equates to a need for approximately transport links are resulting in a
average for all countries in the
fastest-growing 38,000 additional new residential GlaxoSmithKline significant increase in population
Organisation for Economic Co-operation capital – it dwellings per year.
and Development over the same period. could overtake The Victorian state economy has SABMiller
It is Australia’s fastest-growing Sydney as experienced strong growth over the past
4,000,000
capital, adding 91,600 residents in 2015, the country’s decade. The economy is larger than BASF
accounting for 28.9% of the national largest city by Singapore, New Zealand and Hong Kong,
increase. Victoria also saw the largest 2030 accounting for almost a quarter of Bosch
increase in net interstate migration in the national GDP in 2014/15. Over the past 12
12 months to June 2016, and the state’s months, employment growth was largely Siemens
biggest gain on record, registering 16,700 driven by health care, construction,
new arrivals, increasing employment education and professional services Glencore Grain 3,800,000
levels and supporting housing demand. sectors. The rise has been consistent with a rebalancing of growth towards services,
with employment growth running at
US COMPANIES WITH 2.6% across Victoria.
THEIR AUSTRALIAN
HEADQUARTERS Five of the top 10 (by market
IN VICTORIA
capitalisation) of Australia’s top 100
companies have their headquarters in
Cargill
Melbourne. These companies are leaders 3,600,000
in their fields, and include BHP Billiton,
Boeing
ANZ, CSL, NAB and Telstra. Melbourne’s
reputation as the nation’s centre for
ExxonMobil
business, shopping, fashion and fine
food, has been confirmed with David
Eventbrite
Jones a major national fashion house set
to establish its APAC HQ in Melbourne, 3,400,000
Mars
uprooting from Sydney. The move will
see the company make a $240 million 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Mondelez
investment in Victoria underwriting
Source: ABS
a major expansion of the company.
Companies from all over the world,
ASIAN COMPANIES
WITH THEIR including numerous technology
AUSTRALIAN companies, have celebrated success in government’s commitment to delivering surcharge on foreign investors at 7% and
HEADQUARTERS
IN VICTORIA Melbourne. Amazon, Facebook and a new AU$10.9bn underground, an annual land tax surcharge on
LinkedIn are among the latest global high-capacity rail line servicing taxable value of 1.5% for those classified
brands to lease space in the Melbourne Melbourne’s city centre and adjacent as an absentee person) are in addition
Qenos Holdings Central Business District (CBD), and are education, health and research precincts. to the recently introduced application
THE AGE /GE T T Y IMAGES; IAIN MASTERTON/AL AMY
part of a wave of technology companies The new Melbourne Metro Rail line will fee payable to the Foreign Investment
Toyota seeking office space in the city. In 2005, include a 9 km twin rail tunnel from the Review Board, as well as standard
technology companies occupied 120,000 south of the city through to the local taxes for purchasing and
Asahi Breweries sq m of CBD office space; today, this has University of Melbourne and health holding a property in Australia.
increased to almost 200,000 sq m. The precinct in the north. The project will The new rules and taxes implemented
AIA CBD office market was the best include five new and expanded by the federal government are designed
performing office market nationally over underground stations. to encourage direct investment into new
CITIC Resources the six months to January 2017, recording The attraction of Melbourne to housing, to increase supply and support
net demand (110,000 sq m) of more than homeowners and investors has not been local economic activity. Evidence
MTR Corporation three times its historical average. dampened by the state government’s suggests that foreign investment has not
The lure of Melbourne as a place to live decision to revise taxes applicable to been deterred as the majority of buyers
Source: Invest in Victoria
and establish a business has been further foreign purchasers, including those investing in Australia are looking for a
heightened by the Victorian state buying in the city. These taxes (duty longer-term return with lifestyle benefits.
08 BRIEFING THE WEALTH REPORT – MELBOURNE EDITION 09
‘Certain universities are
particularly popular among the
UHNW community. Many UHNW
Where the smart alumni of these universities
are born outside the country,
money’s going indicating that these institutions,
based on their solid reputations,
Serious foreign investors have been lured are able to attract students from
to Melbourne because of its reputation around the world. The University
of Melbourne ranks as number
as a business city on the global stage
three among Asia-Pacific UHNW
undergraduates.’
Despite significant challenges across high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) wealth creation over the past 10 years, Source: Wealth-X
global economic markets over the past – those with US$30m+ in net assets – with the number of UHNWIs growing by World Ultra Wealth Report
decade, wealth creation has remained living in Melbourne increased by 12% 281%, and expectations of further growth
strong in Australia and in Melbourne, in between 2015 and 2016. This is of 140% by 2026. Winston Chesterfield, of
particular, with an improvement in the impressive when compared to competing leading wealth research house Wealth-X,
labour market towards services. global cities Beijing (10%), Hong Kong sees this as an opportunity for Australia:
The latest data on high net worth (6%), Singapore (6%), London (-5%), New ‘If the Chinese economy continues to be
individual (HNWI) migration confirms York (6%) and Los Angeles (5%). strong, we’ll see further wealth growth in
the strong attraction of Australia as Comprehensive global wealth creation both the HNWI and UHNWI populations
a destination. Sydney (+4,000) and is forecast to continue, albeit at a slightly at significant levels in China. Australia’s
Melbourne (+3,000) top the list of slower pace, with Melbourne expected proximity to China means HNWIs can
HNWI growth markets, recording a 4% to see growth of 70% in its UHNWI still manage their business interests in
annual increase. The list of global cities population by 2026. This is above the their home country from an Australian
seeing an outflow of wealthy individuals figure projected for Australia, as the base. Education, lifestyle and tax
is topped by European centres, with nation nears the end of the resources-led advantages are additional factors.’
Paris and Rome seeing outflows of growth it has experienced in the past As the global economy continues to The University of Melbourne is a significant draw for overseas students
7,000 and 5,000 HNWIs respectively 10 years. Despite the pace of UHNWI grow at a more moderate pace, China’s
over the past year. growth slowing, Melbourne and Australia economic performance is forecast to
According to data from New World boast the highest growth forecasts of all outpace most advanced economies, and
Wealth, published by Knight Frank in developed cities and nations. wealth preservation will therefore grow
The Wealth Report, the number of ultra Mainland China has seen enormous in prevalence. Wealth-X points out that succession and inheritance issues and
taxes, are major areas of concern for rich NUMBER OF MILLIONAIRES, MULTI-MILLIONAIRES AND UHNWIs
families. However, Australia’s favourable
tax regime will heighten prospects. KEY
Chesterfield says: ‘Australia has certain UHNWIs (US$30m+)
tax advantages, particularly for HNWIs Multi-millionaires (US$10m+)
and UHNWIs passing on wealth, for Millionaires (US$1m+) Australia
example. Australia has no inheritance or
gift tax, with all states also abolishing in
1979 what were known as death duties.
This is in direct contrast to other OECD
3,340
countries, where inheritance tax is
rather punitive.’
10,550
Melbourne offers a very attractive
lifestyle, with a strong cultural element.
‘Plus,’ says Chesterfield, ‘as a global city,
it’s on the lower end of the density scale,
providing relative serenity to the wealthy,
who are often accustomed to living in
densely populated cities. It also enjoys
a relatively balanced climate, comparable
to Europe’s, so investors see this as
321,900
a familiar but easier way of life.’
In addition, Melbourne has a deeply
RE X /SHUT TERSTOCK; LUCAS DAWSON PHOTOGR APHY
embedded, serious-minded culture
with a strong business focus, making
Melbourne
it attractive to investors. According to
research by Wealth-X, ‘It’s positioned as
a business city on the global stage, one 900
which is functioning, growing
environment that welcomes foreign 2,690
investors. ‘It is attractive to set up
business here and there is a talented, 74,800
dynamic, educated young population
with improving intellectual capital.’
Finally, foreign UHNWIs have been
buying and investing in Australia since
the global financial crisis – a sign of Source: New World Wealth / Knight Frank Wealth Report
Melbourne has been on the up since the global financial crisis confidence in the underlying economy.
10 BRIEFING THE WEALTH REPORT – MELBOURNE EDITION 11
Fishermans Bend will undergo
huge changes over the coming
years, with residential and office
developments taking shape
A city on the move
Dynamic new infrastructure is creating
exciting opportunities and changing the
way residents will live, work and play
According to The Economist Intelligence stations – at Arden, Parkville, Domain
Unit’s Global Liveability Ranking, those – and two new city stations (CBD North
living in cities with better connectivity and CBD South) that will be directly
have a better standard of living. In the connected to Melbourne Central and
2016 report, Melbourne again received Flinders Street. Domain will be an
a perfect 100 for its infrastructure. The important interchange point, and will
score takes into consideration a number improve access to existing business
of indicators: quality of road network, precincts and growing residential areas
public transport and international links. such as St Kilda Road and Southbank.
To help retain Melbourne’s status as The aim of the project is to increase
one of the world’s most liveable cities, the the capacity, reliability and efficiency of
Victoria state government has committed Melbourne’s busiest train lines to allow
to improving its already world-class for 39,000 more passengers to use the
transport system. The Metro Rail project, metropolitan rail network during peak
the core of the infrastructure strategy, hours. The new stations will help ease
will deliver two 9 km rail tunnels congestion and improve access to public
from South Kensington to South Yarra, transport, employment, education and
travelling beneath Swanston Street in opportunity throughout Melbourne’s
the central business district (CBD). The inner-city growth areas. Construction
new underground system will include the will commence in 2017 and be completed
development of five new and expanded and operational by 2026.
In addition to the rail project, the District in Boston, US. Fishermans Bend viability and future longevity. The
Victoria government recently allocated is 1,125 acres in size – an area more than authorities in Melbourne have
funding for the removal of 50 level twice the size of the city’s CBD – and revealed that the Parkville interchange
crossings across Melbourne. This stretches along the Yarra River from being built for the Melbourne Metro
will transform the way people travel Port Melbourne to Southbank. rail project is being designed to also
across the metropolitan area, while Often described as the next chapter serve a future Metro2 link. Provisions
also improving safety for both drivers in Melbourne’s growth story, it will are being made to enable the station
and pedestrians. The crossings are support an estimated 60,000 jobs and to service a new link that will run
considered dangerous and/or congested, a range of well-serviced, high-density Domestically and between Fishermans Bend and
and at least 20 of them will be removed housing options for an eventual 80,000 globally, former Clifton Hill, increasing the
by 2018, with the Victoria government people. It is anticipated that the new industrial sites are being connectivity of the precinct.
having allocated AU$2.4bn in its urban-renewal precinct will become redeveloped to expand Melbourne requires more business
2015/16 budget for this purpose. a world-class location for technology, city centres, and these space, homes and amenities if its
These infrastructure improvements education and research – jobs that will new areas have become economy and population are to continue
are opening up new areas for both become an integral part of Australia’s popular as places to to grow in accordance with current
residential and employment uses across service economy. Desirability and projections. Domestically and globally,
both live and socialise
Melbourne. Situated in the heart of the value-uplift of immediately surrounding former industrial sites are being
city, the Fishermans Bend industrial areas, such as Southbank, should benefit redeveloped to expand city centres,
precinct is an unparalleled urban- from the regeneration project. and these new locales have become
renewal opportunity – a project akin In London, the Northern Line rail popular as places to both live and
to the redevelopment of Barangaroo in extension was a game-changer for the socialise. Melbourne is certainly
Sydney, and global benchmarks such as redevelopment of Nine Elms/Battersea, benefiting from this urban development
Nine Elms/Battersea and King’s Cross as the new connections were a crucial trend, and new transport solutions
A bright vision for the new Parkville Metro station in London, or the 1,000-acre Innovation component to the area’s desirability, should help support its growth potential.
12 LIVING THE WEALTH REPORT – MELBOURNE EDITION 13
Key topics
01
Five-star fare
So stratospherically sophisticated
is the food scene in Melbourne that
in 2017 it hosted the prestigious
World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards
page 14
02
Place making
Be it a cutting-edge residential
design or a handsome heritage
property, Australia’s second city
offers a plethora of choice
page 18
03
The wild side
Little more than a boomerang’s
throw from central Melbourne lies
the most awe-inspiring scenery
and its famous indigenous wildlife
page 24
COFFEE
The world’s
most liveable city
$
Being named the world’s most liveable schools and universities in Australia,
city once is a remarkable achievement. an exciting cultural and restaurant scene,
But receiving the title six years in a row extensive and efficient public transport
is truly extraordinary – especially when and admirable healthcare. It’s a
the honour has been accorded by The compelling combination of factors.
Economist Intelligence Unit. While Melbourne has the edge, it faces
The Global Liveability Ranking rates competition for the crown from its South
cities’ success across 30 areas, including Australian cousin Adelaide – which has
environment, education, healthcare, been ranked fifth since 2012 (in fact it
safety, stability, public services and tied with Calgary, Canada, for equal fifth
infrastructure. In 2016, Melbourne again this year). Meanwhile, on the other side
scored an astonishing full marks in of the country, Perth also made it into
three of those – healthcare, education the top 10 again.
and infrastructure – and 97.5/100 overall. Over the following pages, we explore
A city on the doorstep of Victoria’s Melbourne in all its breadth, revealing
natural beauty and abundant wildlife, it’s some of the most exhilarating things the
home to some of the highest performing city has to offer.
14 LIVING THE WEALTH REPORT – MELBOURNE EDITION 15
raw red kangaroo with bunya bunya
nuts – but through his tutelage. In 2016, TOP FIVE COFFEE SHOPS RESTAURANTS
ex-Attica chef Peter Gunn opened his solo 1. M
arket Lane Coffee
With five locations, this
venture Ides, in Collingwood, which was boutique roastery and cafe
named one of Melbourne’s best new is a leading light in the city.
restaurants by Time Out. marketlane.com.au
Tuck Shop Take Away is run by 2. D
ead Man Espresso
another Attica alumnus, Clinton Serex, Using Melbourne’s best
Five-star fare along with his wife Karina, who trained
roasters, Dead Man serves
ace coffee and great food.
as a pastry chef at The Fat Duck. This deadmanespresso.com.au
Australia’s second-largest city is a unassuming cafe in Caulfield North 3. Sensory Lab
gastronome’s delight, with phenomenal serves peerless jaffles (Aussie speak for For third-wave coffee
food from right across the globe – not a toasted sandwich) as well as brilliant geekery, head to this hot
to mention the best coffee anywhere burgers (tip: order the off-menu Bully).
spot on Bourke Street.
sensorylab.com.au
STEFAN CHOMK A If drinks are your thing, Melbourne’s 4. League of Honest Coffee
EDITOR, RESTAUR ANT MAG A ZINE burgeoning bar culture is worth staying Chemex brew is a speciality
up for. If you can find it (it’s hidden at this cool cafe, situated
on Exploration Lane.
AILSA CONNAN
behind a sign-free door) Eau-de-Vie leagueofhonestcoffee.com.au
Canberra may be the capital of Australia, serves some of the best cocktails in
5. B
rother Baba Budan
and Sydney the country’s top tourist the city. Its 200-strong whisky selection Named after a 17th-century
destination, but if it’s a vibrant, diverse also doesn’t disappoint – and yes, Sufi, this venue makes its
dining scene you crave, there’s only one Australian varieties do feature. Working coffee using an AeroPress.
sevenseeds.com.au
Dinner date
place to find it: Melbourne. your way through that alone will keep
Home to the Melbourne Food and you busy.
Wine Festival, which attracts some
250,000 visitors each year, Australia’s For his first permanent restaurant outside the
second city has become a global food UK, Heston Blumenthal chose Melbourne –
hotspot. So much so that in 2017, it Pears in Maidenii vermouth at Attica, named Best Restaurant in Australasia a going-places city for a forward-thinking chef
hosted the prestigious World’s 50 Best In 2017, Melbourne hosted the prestigious World’s
Restaurants awards, making it only the 50 Best Restaurants awards, making it only the third city
third city after London and New York Malaysian communities, all contributing Take Lûmé, which opened in 2015 in after London and New York to be granted the honour For proof that Melbourne is now recognised
to be granted the honour in the awards’ to the city’s food scene. And yet there’s a terraced house in south Melbourne as a top culinary destination, look no further
15-year history. In April, it welcomed more to Melbourne than demographic that was formerly home to a burlesque than Heston Blumenthal’s decision to
culinary colossi from around the world and culinary diversity. Over the past club. Here, chef Shaun Quade serves a temporarily relocate his famous UK-based
and, for a time, was the epicentre of few years, it has overcome second-city multisensory tasting menu of unusual restaurant The Fat Duck to the city in 2015.
global gastronomy. syndrome and stepped out of Sydney’s ingredients – think cow’s udder, cured The six-month pop-up saw the molecular
But what is it that makes Victoria’s shadow. With its mix of Victorian and emu and calamari entrails. This really wizard recreate The Fat Duck’s brilliantly
capital city so special when it comes to modern architecture and an edgy feel, epitomises the city’s current food scene: bonkers cuisine for a new audience, serving
food? Well, Melbourne’s strength lies it is now regarded as the more innovative, confident, artful and quirky. much-talked-about dishes such as sound of
in its diversity. It has one of the largest sophisticated and iconoclastic alternative Then there’s Bar Liberty in Fitzroy – the sea, hot and iced tea, and snail porridge,
Greek-speaking populations outside to Sydney, attracting a young hipster a new-wave wine bar where the bottles for which he scoured the continent for the
of Europe and is also home to large population in the process. And hipsters are wheeled around in an old-fashioned right kind of snails (ultimately unsuccessfully).
Vietnamese, Indian, Sri Lankan and like to eat well. globe, and the BLT has become the Yet it’s what followed that really shows the
GLT, with bacon replaced with gribenes, chef’s love for Melbourne, with the opening
aka Jewish-style fried chicken skin. of an outpost of his multi-Michelin-starred
It shouldn’t work, but in this super-cool Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in the city’s
suburb, it really does. Crown Towers. That he opted for Melbourne
However, while new restaurants are over the more obvious choices of New York or
regularly launching, the city’s dining Dubai speaks volumes.
scene isn’t reliant on the latest trends. At Dinner, rather than produce facsimiles
Flower Drum, in central Melbourne, for of his well-rehearsed dishes as he did with his
example, has stood the test of time since Fat Duck pop-up, Blumenthal has embraced
1975, when it opened to give Australians Australia’s rich bounty of ingredients and
an authentic taste of Cantonese food, woven them into the tapestry of his menu.
but with a local accent. Dishes such as Thus, his rice-and-flesh dish in Melbourne
double-boiled wallaby-tail soup, wild features curried kangaroo tail in place of calf
barramundi noodles and Robbins Island tail; his savoury porridge replaces the frog’s
Wagyu-beef cheek grace the menu at this legs of the London menu with abalone; and
well-loved urban institution. roast groper is substituted for turbot.
No culinary visit to Melbourne would Melbourne is a fitting place for the chef’s
be complete without a visit to chef-patron hyper-experimental cooking. Indeed, he
Ben Shewry’s Attica, in Ripponlea, which ranks it alongside New York, Paris, London
is currently ranked 33rd on the World’s and Tokyo as one of the top cities for food,
50 Best list and has been named Best drawn, he says, by its multicultural nature
Restaurant in Australasia. New Zealander and energetic population.
Shewry may technically be an outsider, Australia’s somewhat out-on-a-limb
but he has left an indelible mark on the location has led to outward-looking diners
city’s food scene, not just with his willing to devour new ideas and broaden their
cerebral cuisine that references its palates. And nowhere is this more apparent
The atrium at Lûmé, which serves an innovative multisensory tasting menu location – his signature dish is salted Market Lane Coffee, on Collins Street, which has its own roastery than here, in the continent’s food capital.
16 LIVING THE WEALTH REPORT – MELBOURNE EDITION 17
This page, from top
Hollywood’s red carpets with her
The 2016 Australian Open at the
sophisticated spin on modern cocktail Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne;
dressing and well-priced leather staples. Run for it: the city’s streets are
On the accessories front, A-Esque fuses an ideal place to start
quality materials and artisanal
craftsmanship with punchy branding.
Other Aussie names to track down at
department stores David Jones and Myer
include Ellery, NYC-based Tome, Dion
Lee (for his precision tailoring and
body-con dresses) and Kitx. Also add
to the list Christopher Esber, Michael
Lo Sordo and Bassike (a brilliant unisex
A place for movers
denim and basics brand). and shakers
For a selection of the best international
Australians are known for their passion
accessories, stop by multibrand
for healthy living. So it’s no surprise
emporium Miss Louise, concept store
Melbourne has some of the nation’s best
Models backstage at the annual Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival Le Louvre, and the more outré Marais.
spas, wellness facilities and gyms
Those looking for something even more
precious should drop into Paspaley, TALI SHINE
Melbourne à la mode city in on the act, and the Spring Racing which specialises in the world’s finest BE AU T Y AND WELLNES S AU THOR
Carnival in November. Much of the city’s pearls, from Australia’s Kimberley coast.
From fashion festivals to international fashion scene is geared towards this Let’s not forget the boys: Melbourne’s
luxury brands and independent sporting event, with milliners Viktoria premier destination for a curated Melbourne isn’t just about eating,
boutiques, the city is one of the world’s Novak and Nerida Winter specialising in international buy and made-to-measure drinking and culture. Known as
most exciting style destinations avant-garde hats worthy of topping the service with the likes of Tom Ford and Australia’s second city, Melbourne
carnival’s Fashions on the Field accolade. Brioni is Harrolds. Nearby, local brand eclipses Sydney in terms of the number of
K ATRINA ISR AEL But when it comes to native talent, Calibre offers a more lifestyle approach, professional sporting events it hosts – the
FASHION FE AT URES EDITOR, WALLPAPER Scanlan Theodore is the place to shop. while Sneakerboy is renowned for its epic Australian Open, Melbourne Cup, The Melburnians take their morning and the track from Southbank to Docklands,
This fashion-forward institution does selection. After a tailoring experience Ashes and Formula 1 Grand Prix provide lunchtime jogs. Located in the heart which passes through gardens, parks
a polished, contemporary wardrobe with a difference? Head to P Johnson, an enticing calendar for sports fans. And of the metropolis, the 4 km-long Tan and alongside the Maritime Museum.
The sartorial divide between Melbourne like no one else. For directional tailoring which specialises in lightweight, unlined suited to a city with sport on its mind, Track explores the King’s Domain and Fans of yoga can choose from many
and Sydney is one of the refined and and beautifully draped dresses, Toni suiting perfect for warmer climates. Melbourne also has a wealth of spas, picturesque Botanic Gardens. If you’re varieties throughout the city, including
urbane versus the relaxed and coastal. Maticevski has long been the prince Then, all that’s left to do is refuel – gyms and workout studios that creatively feeling more ambitious, there is the aerial, yin or hot yoga (try One Hot Yoga
The former’s fashion heart is akin to that of the Melbourne fashion cognoscenti, after all, Melburnians are as passionate fuse different styles, meaning there’s 29 km (approximately four-hour) Capital or Grass Roots Yoga). Yoga 213 offers fun,
of a European city: it’s a cosmopolitan the latter also earning him a big wedding about their food, wine and coffee as they always something new to try. Hula-hoop City Trail, which has the added benefit of energetic classes that fuse power yoga
metropolis, with a cooler climate that business. Rebecca Vallance is another are about fashion. Check out Chin Chin training and paddle boarding, anyone? taking in all the city’s landmarks along with hip-hop or loud beats (exactly what
encourages exceptional tailoring and Victorian currently scoring points on on Flinders Lane for starters. The cityscape itself is replete with the Yarra River and Inner Circle railway. you never knew you were missing).
luxurious outerwear. manicured gardens and parks, where And there is a shorter option of cycling KX Pilates and KX Barre classes in
Collins, Flinders and Bourke Streets the city centre are the place for high-
– along with the smaller laneways that intensity, fast-paced, full-body-toning
thread through the central business workouts that take just 50 minutes.
district and High Street Armadale – Combining traditional reformer pilates
are where most of the international and Melbourne’s fashion heart is akin to that of a European city: MELBOURNE’S MAJOR
with cardio and endurance training, as
SPORTING EVENTS
local designer boutiques are centralised. it’s a cosmopolitan metropolis, with a climate that encourages well as ballet-barre options, these classes
1. T
he Australian Open
Headline style events surround exceptional tailoring and luxurious outerwear Every January, Melbourne are both enjoyable and effective.
COLIN ANDERSON/GE T T Y IMAGES; K ARON PHOTOGR APHY; SAEED KHAN/AFP/GE T T Y IMAGES
March’s Fashion Festival, a consumer- plays host to one of the After all that exercise, you’ll need
based programme that draws the whole world’s most prestigious somewhere to soothe those tired muscles,
tennis tournaments –
Australia’s Grand Slam. and luckily Melbourne is also home to
some of Australia’s best spas. Natural
2. T
he Australian Grand Prix
The motor-racing circus products and innovative treatments are
comes to town in March Melbourne’s specialities, so why not
Shop talk
Melbourne, so my plan was to move to the for four days of high- take a dip in the natural mineral spa at
speed action. Incredibly,
city and set it up. Then a new opportunity Schumacher’s 12-year-old Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, or visit the
came along to open another store, at The Star lap record still stands. eco-conscious Aurora Spa Retreat at The
James Kennedy, group CEO at Emerald Group casino in Sydney. That was the big change 3. The Melbourne Cup Prince hotel? Alternatively, check out the
Investments, explains how his past has informed for me: all of a sudden it was two stores, and The 156-year-old, 3.2 km spas with the most breathtaking city
race is celebrated in style
the future of his luxury-retail business they opened a month apart. The end results each November with family
views, such as Crown Towers and, its
solidified my relationship with the brands, day, women’s day and, of sister hotel, Crown Metropol, or the
which was important as I was so new to it all. course, high-stakes racing. Chinese-inflected and luxurious Chuan
Before entering the family jewellery business, Diversification was key as the business 4. Melbourne Cricket Ground Spa at The Langham.
I’d had a successful career in finance. I had evolved, not only in acquiring more brands, This is the city’s most lively And as for circus skills, the National
sporting venue, hosting
worked on the shop floor of our Sydney store but in looking at other areas, too. Technology international test cricket Institute of Circus Arts is in Melbourne,
when I was younger, but it was the Basel watch was first with Bang & Olufsen, and fashion (including The Ashes), where you can take a three-year degree
fair that really opened my eyes to the industry. was next – last December we launched one-day internationals, club in the subject if you wish. Or head to The
and interstate competitions.
At that time, LK Boutique was quite a a standalone Loewe store in Chadstone, Circus Spot for something more casual.
simple business, with two stores and two Melbourne. I’m a big believer that luxury items Whether you want to work up a sweat
brands – Patek Philippe and Rolex. Mum was are always quality products. My parents or just relax, Melbourne has luxurious,
still running the Sydney store and had been taught me the value of humility, and gave fun and creative options for everyone.
having conversations to open a new site in me the tools to run a successful business. All it takes is a spirit of exploration.18 LIVING THE WEALTH REPORT – MELBOURNE EDITION 19
materially rich contemporary houses,
and are reinventing the city’s suburbs
as a place of light, space and innovation –
Place making and garnering substantial international
acclaim as they do so.
Proving that, if you build it, they will
Melbourne looks set to add more
come, the city’s architecture has created
architectural trophies to its skyline in the
a stellar stage for business and culture
future, with approval recently granted
JONATHAN BELL for the 242 metre Jean Nouvel-designed
EDITOR-AT-L ARGE, WALLPAPER tower at 383 La Trobe Street. Complex
layered fenestration – part-inspired by
the work of the great American architect
Although Australia’s most recognisable was usurped by a new scheme by British buildings. Locals Ashton Raggatt Frank Lloyd Wright – will ‘animate’
modern building is in Sydney, Melbourne architects WilkinsonEyre. Described by McDougall are the city’s pre-eminent the building for passing visitors,
has always been at the centre of the the firm as ‘three interlocking plectrum cultural architects, and their prominent although the main structure follows
country’s architecture scene – a place shapes’, the 325 metre structure will suite of concert halls and theatres the French architect’s recent predilection
where the grand corporate gesture house almost 700 apartments and a includes the Melbourne Recital Centre, for glassy austerity.
adjoins the creative and the eccentric. 388-room six-star hotel, and have a public MTC Southbank Theatre and Hamer Another major project in the planning
The likes of Denton Corker Marshall, observation deck on its upper levels. Hall Arts Centre. All present a very is the revitalisation of the Malt District
Woods Bagot and John Wardle Architects Closer to the ground, Melbourne Antipodean – some would say uniquely – a former brewery site in the eastern
have built extensively across the city, has retained much of its architectural Melburnian – take on architectural district of Cremorne – with the prospect
garnering global acclaim for buildings heritage, most especially on Collins deconstruction, with faceted forms, of a billion-dollar property overhaul
such as the Melbourne Museum and the Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, angular surfaces and a dense array The widely lauded Federation Square, Sean Godsell and the next will be built by courtesy of the aforementioned Fender
Melbourne School of Design, with its where Victorian gems adjoin new of different colours and materials. planned by Lab Architecture Studio acclaimed Indian firm Studio Mumbai. Katsalidis. New housing, retail space
soaring interior. Residential towers and Bates Smart, encapsulates the Melbourne’s future as an architectural and offices will share a site that mixes
are also on the up, including Wardle’s city’s joyfully chaotic collage aesthetic. hotspot is set to continue with the future refurbished industrial architecture with
award-winning QV1 building and Fender In a similar vein are the assemblage of development of 600 Collins Street – a new-build. Such big sites are few and far
Katsalidis’s Australia 108 in Southbank, Melbourne has retained much of its architectural heritage, fractal-inspired façades enveloping a new multi-use tower by Zaha Hadid Architects between, yet brim with potential in a city
which, when completed in 2018, will most especially on Collins Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, public space close to the railway station with 420 apartments set behind its fluid, that still delights in the unconventional.
complement the studio’s Eureka Tower. where Victorian gems adjoin new buildings and CBD, and Lyons Architects’ Swanston lattice-like façade. Rising 178 metres
Bates Smart’s original proposal for the Academic Building – a pixelated riot that above the popular district, it will be the
One Queensbridge tower (opposite, below) delights and confuses the eye with its studio’s first project in the country.
proximity to other structures. As well as architecture’s big guns,
Small-scale works still find their way Melbourne is home to numerous small
into the public realm, too. The temporary firms, and cutting-edge residential design
pavilion in Queen Victoria Gardens, flourishes in fashionable neighbourhoods
Clockwise from far left
created by British architect Amanda such as Fitzroy North. Here, architecture The Royal Exhibition Building, built
Levete, arose out of the ongoing desire practices the likes of Edwards Moore, in 1880; Federation Square, a modern
to commission one-off structures for Dan Gayfer Design, Andrew Simpson piazza that’s become the heart of
entertainment and the arts in the park. and Austin Maynard Architects all have Melbourne; and an artist’s rendering
The first was designed by Melburnian burgeoning portfolios of modest yet of WilkinsonEyre’s One Queensbridge
High achiever
within one elegant glass shard will encompass
a hotel, residences and a central core rising
from a luxurious lobby brim-full of amenities.
Property and finance writer Catherine Moye on A walkway will link this to further
the landmark development changing the skyline entertainment facilities and restaurants in
an existing complex owned by Crown Hotels.
When a city is as much on the rise as The building’s tapering form will slant
SCOT T BARBOUR /GE T T Y IMAGES; IDP AUSTR ALIA COLLECTION/AL AMY
Melbourne, you have to be exceptional to upwards to a point, where the two side towers
stand out. That’s why the planned 325 metre will stop. The central one will continue to form
One Queensbridge – scheduled for completion an impressive pinnacle. The angled panes of
in 2021 – is one of its most hotly anticipated glass – some of them opaque to give the whole
developments. However, it stands out for a ripple effect – will reflect city, sky and river,
far more than its height. amplifying the eye-catching façade.
‘If you stuck a pin right in the middle of the But it’s not only generous on the outside –
city’s central leisure, corporate and cultural homes range from 90 sq m for a one-bedroom
activity, this location would be it,’ explains apartment to 230 sq m for one with three
Paul Baker, director of WilkinsonEyre. ‘It’s bedrooms. ‘The idea is that you can live in a
brilliantly sited, looking north towards the spacious environment more usually found in
city centre and south to the ocean.’ a country home, but within walking distance of
‘A building’s a complicated thing,’ says everything Melbourne has to offer,’ says Baker.
Baker. ‘We think about it being contextually In short, One Queensbridge offers choice.
appropriate, working within environmental Residents can use the development as a
constraints and how it relates to its neighbours.’ stage for enjoying the best the city has to
Subject to planning approvals, three offer, or simply relax in their spacious home,
dynamically interlocking towers encased contemplating the breathtaking views below.20 LIVING THE WEALTH REPORT – MELBOURNE EDITION 21
Artful Melbourne’s roots as Australia’s artistic
and cultural centre run deep. Well before
of Aboriginal art – and the Australian
Centre for the Moving Image. A gathering
Malthouse Theatre, is a contemporary
drama-and-dance venue set within EDUCATION
manoeuvre the country’s first significant influx
of European settlers, the indigenous
space and the location for many of the
city’s cultural festivals, Fed Square, as it’s
a renovated brewery.
Theatre remains a cultural mainstay
The very fact that
one could go
Australia’s second city it may population was producing great works known, is the place to start an arts tour. for the city, offering both avant-garde on ad infinitum
be, but Melbourne long ago of art – a tradition that still flourishes On the tree-lined boulevard that and mainstream local and international listing the city’s
secured the right to call itself today and forms an essential part of is St Kilda Road, across the Yarra river, productions throughout the year. cultural hubs
the country’s capital of culture the city’s vibrant cultural scene. is the country’s oldest and largest The Melbourne Theatre Company and merely underlines
One of the most exciting ways to museum of art, the National Gallery of Southbank Theatre are both in the
JAC QUIE BY RON its artistic
experience Melbourne’s art history is Victoria. Beyond its striking moat are St Kilda Road precinct, while the grandes
WRITER AND CREATIVE COMMUNICATOR credentials
to walk one of the Bayside Coastal Art international blockbuster exhibitions dames of the Victorian era are back in
Trails, which stretch the 17 km from and smaller, more bespoke offerings, the CBD – the likes of The Regent, The
Brighton to Beaumaris along one of as well as a permanent collection. Princess, The Comedy and Her Majesty’s
the city’s most picturesque coastlines. This is a glorious cultural precinct, combine performance with pomp.
Here you can admire indigenous art dominated by the iconic spire of the For live music, meanwhile, the Palais
inspired by the stories of Carolyn Brigg, Arts Centre, within which are a number Theatre, Prince Bandroom, the iconic
an elder of the Boon Wurrung people, of performance spaces, including Corner Hotel, or the beautiful Forum
and gaze over the same landscapes Hamer Hall, the State Theatre, the Theatre in the centre of town are the
that have inspired artists for centuries. Playhouse and the Fairfax Studio. places to head to. The last of these has
The trail also affords the opportunity Expect to see everything from Wagner’s a ceiling of twinkling stars and has
to admire the work of the Heidelberg Ring Cycle or the Australian Ballet played host to musicians as celebrated
School – the first significant artistic performing Nijinsky, through live music as David Bowie and Madonna. It is closed
movement of European settlers in of all kinds, to an exhibition of Kylie for refurbishment, but will be back – no
Australia, including work by Charles Minogue’s stage costumes. doubt with a bang – later in 2017.
Conder, Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Take a short stroll and you’re at the The independent gallery scene
Streeton and Tom Roberts. Australian Centre for Contemporary Art flourishes in Melbourne – drop by Fehily
Back in the centre of Melbourne, (ACCA) – the only major gallery in the Contemporary, the Murray White Room,
Federation Square – an architectural country that focuses on commissioning Anna Schwartz Gallery, Nellie Castan
statement in its own right – forms the
anchor of the art scene. It houses the
rather than collecting. The structure
itself – a rusty steel façade designed by
Gallery or Tolarno to see work from
new and established local artists alike,
Class act
Ian Potter Centre – the National Gallery local architects Wood Marsh – hints including John Wolseley, Jon Campbell,
Education plays a central role in Australia’s
of Victoria’s Australian collection, at the exciting art experience awaiting Louise Hearman, Nicholas Mangan
prosperity, and Melbourne’s schools, colleges
which includes a sizeable representation inside. ACCA’s nearest neighbour, the and Mirka Mora. Or, if authentic and
and universities have reputations that more
ethically sourced and sold Aboriginal
than speak for themselves
artwork and crafts from local makers is
more your bag, visit Koorie Connections
Altair or Flinders Lane Gallery. The city’s standing as a centre of knowledge
The very fact that one could go on continues to grow, and the substantial
ad infinitum listing the city’s cultural population of local and overseas students
hubs merely underlines its artistic now calling it home adds to its strong cultural
credentials. From the vast, state-owned and academic credentials. The influx of
Melbourne Museum to the small, students from Asia and elsewhere has also
privately run Jewish Museum of energised and enlarged its dynamic food
Australia, each one challenges scene and increased social diversity.
convention and stimulates Located in and around Melbourne is
conversation – which is precisely how Australia’s most respected university, some
Melburnians like it. superb primary and secondary schools and
a number of really innovative clinical and
research bodies.
Two of the country’s most influential
A CITY OF FESTIVALS tertiary institutions, the University of
Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Institute
of Technology (RMIT), are to be found right
Melbourne has a reputation as a city of
in the heart of the city, on campuses that
festivals, and justifiably so. During White
Night in February, for instance, Melburnians offer a rich mix of education, entertainment
in their thousands hit the streets to and sporting and dining facilities.
witness spectacular illuminations and Established in 1853, the University of
ESCH COLLECTION/GE T T Y IMAGES; LUCAS DAWSON
performances. At other times of year, there
Melbourne is internationally recognised and
are prestigious international festivals of
comedy, film, jazz, flowers and gardens. research-intensive, and attracts students
The Melbourne Writers Festival is the star from more than 150 countries. RMIT is in the
of the winter calendar. Other standouts world’s top-100 universities when it comes
include the world-renowned multi-arts
to electrical and mechanical engineering,
Melbourne Festival, the Fringe Festival,
and Midsumma, the annual LGBT accounting, finance, computer science and
celebration. The city’s multicultural information systems.
character is also reflected: the Chinese Melbourne’s Monash University is also
dragon dances his way through the streets
highly regarded. A research institution
at Chinese New Year, Greek food and Opposite and this page,
heritage is celebrated every February, and from left The futuristic Edge with six campuses across Victoria and two
cinephiles can indulge in weeks of Italian, Theatre at dusk; the state-of- more internationally, it is a member of the
Jewish and Scandinavian films in the winter. the-art radiation-therapy unit prestigious Group of Eight – an alliance of
at Melbourne Medical School leading Australian universities.You can also read
