Ranked the world's most livable city along with Vancouver; Melbourne is a paradise for tourist all over the world, who flock here each year to experience everything this chameleon city has to offer.

As the capital of Australia's south-east state Victoria, Melbourne is often referred to the country's sporting and cultural centre. However this river side city has so much more to offer, including the latest fashion, a great variety of multicultural cuisine and a mix of modern and Victorian art.

Melbourne's trams, with their ornate Victorian designs are a symbol of the rich culture and art that is alive throughout the streets and alleys. The city celebrates a wide variety of annual cultural events, performing arts and architecture. The Art Centre shaped like a ballerina's tutu and lit up every night with thousands of different coloured lights, is the home of performing arts, hosting everything from the Australian Ballet Company, to various operas and plays. The adjacent National Gallery of Victoria continues this theme, running a mix of temporary and permanent exhibitions, with a large collection of both international and national works that explore every facet of the art world. However if the formal restraints of the high end of art and culture is not your thing, Melbourne is also considered to be Australia's live music capital, meaning you can go to any of the world class pubs and hear great live music from some of the city's most talented up and coming artists.

Like all Australians, sport is an institution in Melbourne. The jam packed sporting calender begins in January when the stars of international tennis compete in the grand slam Australia Open, where the atmosphere is magical and the weather is divine. The thrills continue at the Melbourne Cricket Ground or MCG, which hosts the very best in cricket during the summer and Australian rule football during the winter. As the home of the Australian football code, known as AFL, the MCG is mecca for lovers of football and cricket, with organized tours taking you inside the stadium's memorabilia filled halls and even onto the ground itself. Throughout the year you can also enjoy basketball, swimming, soccer and many other sports in Melbourne's specially designed sports precinct.

For lovers of couture and the latest fashion, Melbourne offers the best stores ranging from designer brands to vintage bargains. Melbourne Central, the cities largest shopping complex has over 300 stores sure to placate any shop-a-holic regardless of their personal style and budget. Whilst unlike the unique and modern architecture of Melbourne Central, the Queen Victoria Market is world famous for its great buys and earthy atmosphere. Here you get so much more than a shopping district, out in the open air the scene is vibrant and cosmopolitan, complete with performing buskers and a variety of produce and goods, making for a truly multicultural and unique affairs that has drawn tourists to this historic site for more than 125 years.

A truly diverse and multicultural city, dining in Melbourne is a treat with restaurants covering every nationality in the world. For fine dinning, Southgate is the place to be, offering unparalleled views of the splendid Yarra River and so many choices.

Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the award winning restaurants, a quick lunch at the less formal Riverside Food Court or a coffee and sweet at the numerous cafés and bars.

In terms of multicultural restaurants the options are endless, try Italian food at the stylish Lygon Street, Carlton or Greek food in the very Mediterranean Russell street. But if you're looking for Chinese food, look no further than Melbourne's enchanting Chinatown. Brightly coloured Chinatown offers traditional laneway eateries that will transport you to lively streets of Beijing. More than just food Chinatown, serves up unique shops and stalls as well as Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Japanese restaurants that are sure to tantalize the tastebuds.

With so much to offer it is impossible to squeeze Melbourne into one short article. This sophisticated city may be less than 200 years old and constantly changing but its vibrant energy never fails to excite and enthrall tourists. Impossible not to love, Melbourne's bustling atmosphere of luscious parks, top restaurants, great shops and rich culture cannot be explained, it has to be experienced.

More infos on Melbourne and Australian in italian language on http://www.ciao-australia.com

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Australia : Information on Australia and Melbourne.

 

From historic attractions and world class museums, to the high tech wizardry of CNN Studios, Atlanta has something to suit nearly every taste. And, thanks to the 1996 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the majority of these attractions are now wheelchair-accessible. That's good news for visitors who walk a little slower or rely on a wheelchair or scooter to get around. Indeed, today everyone can enjoy the diversity of Atlanta.

For a look at how Atlanta has changed over the years, check out the Atlanta History Center. Located on 33 wooded acres, the Atlanta History Center features one of the Southeast's largest history museums, two historic homes and the Swan Coach House restaurant. Accessible parking is available in front of the main building, and there is level access to the museum and barrier-free pathways throughout all of the galleries. Inside you'll find everything from an excellent Civil War exhibition to an interactive exhibition on the Centennial Olympic Games.

Outside, access is variable, but a tour of the Swan House is highly recommended. If you have a car, it's best to drive up to the Swan Coach House and park there. If you're on foot, ask the person at the front desk to map out the most accessible route for you. There is level access to the main floor of the Swan House; and you'll get a good look at the foyer, dining room, sitting area, library, porch, living room, butler's pantry and kitchen on the excellent docent-led tour. The second floor is only accessible by stairs, however only a bedroom and a bathroom are open upstairs, so the bulk of the tour is accessible.

And don't forget to save some time for a leisurely lunch at the Swan Coach House. Originally the coach house and servant's quarters for the Swan House, this Victorian tearoom serves up a scrumptious lunch daily, except Sunday. There is ramp access to the front door and valet parking is available. Menu items range from the signature chicken salad to curried chicken, sandwiches, salads and even crab cakes. Be forewarned that this is a favorite spot for ladies group lunches, so if it's bit too feminine for your man, then just grab a Chick-fil-A sandwich at the Coca-Cola Cafe in the main museum building.

If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in a newsroom, then don't miss the Inside CNN tour. Although the standard tour has some access obstacles, an elevator assisted tour is offered three times a day. The standard tour requires participants to descend approximately seven flights of stairs; so if that's beyond your ability, be sure and opt for the elevator assisted tour.

For folks that can stand up, the tour includes a trip up the world's longest escalator, which is an experience in itself. Other parts of the tour include a look at a simulated control room theater, an introduction to the special effects used in news production, and a chance to watch live broadcasts in the afternoon. It's a fun tour and it lasts about an hour.

No trip to Atlanta is complete without a visit to the High Museum, one of the leading art museums in the Southeastern US. And although the High's permanent collection is quite impressive; it's dwarfed by the temporary Louvre Atlanta exhibition. This three-year exhibition was developed in an exclusive partnership with the Musee du Louvre in Paris, and features hundreds of works from the Louvre's collection; some of which have never been on public display.

Access to the High Museum is excellent, with elevator access to all floors and barrier-free access throughout the galleries. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the front desk. As an added bonus, the museum is conveniently located across the street from the Arts Center MARTA rail station.

Last but not least, save some time to visit Atlanta's newest attraction, the Georgia Aquarium. Opened in November 2005, this gift from the co-founder of The Home Depot features five galleries filled with underwater creatures from around the world. Highlights include an 800,000-gallon tank which houses the Beluga Whales in the Cold Water Quest gallery, and the acrylic tunnel and massive Whale Sharks in the Ocean Voyager gallery. And don't miss the impressive jellies in the Tropical Diver gallery.

Access is good throughout all of the galleries and there is ramped access to the outside ticket area. Keep in mind that this is one of Atlanta's most popular attractions, so buy your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines. Best bet is to visit on a weekday afternoon and stay until closing, for a more relaxed aquarium experience.

About the Author

Candy B. Harrington covers accessible travel and is the author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. Visit Accessible Vacations, or her blog Barrier Free Travels.