Australia, the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, lying between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. In the 1850s gold was discovered and the gold rush that followed brought people to Australia from all over the world. In 1901, Australia became a nation, forming the Commonwealth of Australia. One year later, Australia became one of the first countries in the world to give women the right to vote.

Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, and home to the world's oldest continuing culture. Australia’s vibrant multiculturalism stems from a combination of Indigenous cultures, early European settlement and mass immigration. Australia is proud of the diversity of its people and enjoys the variety of different cultures and foods that this provides. Australia has an extensive range of things to do with a selection of places to eat and drink, adventures and activities, plan your stay and visit to Melbourne.