If you are looking for somewhere to live and work in Australia, consider Melbourne. Why? For a number of years it has been voted one of the most liveable cities in the world. As I live in Melbourne, I have wracked my brain to come up with this list of reasons of what makes Melbourne, Australia so liveable? 

Even if you don’t want to live and work in Melbourne, but just want to visit the reasons that make Melbourne liveable are evident. And even as a solo visitor to Melbourne, in a couple on a romantic break in Melbourne, on a friends weekend escape or with your family to Melbourne, without further ado, here are some reasons that make Melbourne such a liveable city. And a great place to visit.

Why is Melbourne such a liveable City?

Here are 14 good reasons why Melbourne is a great place to live and work.

1. Melbourne is the capital city of the state of Victoria in Australia. It is known for its culturally diverse communities, having people from around 140 cultures calling it home.
2. Melbourne was built on gold, gold found in one of the world’s largest gold fields in the Bendigo and Ballarat region. So you will see many grand buildings that have been designed and built on a specifically designed grid making it easy to get around the city.
3. Running through Melbourne is the Yarra River offering scenic views and activities like rowing and river cruises.
4. The city is famous for its coffee culture. We can thank Italian immigrants taking up residence in Melbourne for that who introduced their espresso-style coffee. Experience the coffee for yourself made by passionate baristas in one of the numerous cafes.
5. Love a good laugh, you’re in luck, Melbourne hosts the Melbourne International Comedy Festival every year during March and April. It is one of the worlds renowned comedy festivals. 
6. The city is known for its street art. There are many laneways where you can see it, like Hosier Lane.
7. Melbourne has many gardens and open air areas to enjoy. Yep, the Royal Botanic Gardens are popular to visit as is The Domain and Carlton Gardens. With extensive plant collections and scenic landscapes, you can walk around enjoying the outdoors in the middle of the city.
8. Known as the sporting capital of Australia, the city is home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This is one of the world’s largest and most famous sports stadiums. It hosts many cricket, AFL (Australian Rules Football) and other sports plus, music concerts. Adding to the name of sporting capital of Australia, Melbourne hosts the Australian Open every January. This is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. And then the city hosts the annual Melbourne Cup, a prestigious horse racing event known as ‘the race that stops a nation’.
9. Not far from the MCG is Melbourne’s Federation Square. This is a cultural precinct, hosting events, exhibitions, and performances. It’s across the road from one of Melbourne’s icons – Flinders Street Train Station and right next to NGV (National Gallery Victoria).
10. Speaking of trains, the city’s public transport system is second to none. Trams, trains and buses all work together providing fast and enjoyable transport around Melbourne. In fact, the tram network is one of the largest tram networks in the world.
11. The city is known for its vibrant food scene, offering a wide variety of international cuisines. A walk down Hardware Lane or Lygon Street in Carlton is testament to this. Then there is Melbourne’s Southbank area. This is a hub for dining, entertainment and arts.
12. As well as these food hubs, Melbourne’s laneways and arcades are famous for their boutique shops, hidden gems and cafes.
13. And Melbourne has a historic market on its doorstep – Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market offering fresh produce, food stalls, and unique goods.
14. The city is headquarters to many Australian and International companies providing work in the city. As well as many retail areas and cafes and restaurants providing employment.

Melbourne vs Sydney Debate

The Sydney vs Melbourne debate has long been a contentious issue. Each city having pros and cons. Sydney has the great harbour and maybe better weather and is often the first place international visitors want to see. But when deciding on the best place to live and work in Australia, Melbourne is the city that makes the liveable city list time and time again – say no more!

And that’s a Wrap

And this my friends, is why Melbourne is often ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Have you been to Melbourne?

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