Accommodation with Oaks Hotels & Resorts in cosmopolitan Melbourne places you at the centre of the city known as the dining, cultural and sporting capital of Australia.

Boasting a diverse multicultural mix of people, food, arts, events and a rich history, Melbourne is best known as Australia’s cultural, dining and fashion capital.

The city is set around Port Phillip Bay and offers visitors a wide range of holiday experiences. Major tourist attractions include St Kilda Beach, The Giant Sky Wheel, Melbourne’s 360° Observation Deck, Luna Park, Melbourne Zoo and Crown Casino. Tourists will also enjoy a multitude of peaceful landscaped gardens, stylish arts and cultural events, and educational museums and historic sites.

A ‘must-do’ when visiting Melbourne is a tram ride through the city where you can discover the inner city precinct, Chapel Street and famous South Melbourne Markets.

Melbourne also hosts some of Australia’s biggest sporting events including The Spring Racing Carnival, the iconic Melbourne Cup held each November at Flemington Race Track, the Australian Open Tennis Tournament, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and the AFL Grand Final is held every year at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

A vibrant city, never short of exciting events here is just a taste of what's coming up in the coming months.

Coming Events in Melbourne - August & September

Taste of Melbourne 2010 - Decadent food and wine are the flavour of the week at Taste of Melbourne between 26 and 29 August. Over four days there take the opportunity to meet top chefs, learn from cooking demonstrations and savour the flavour of gourmet fresh produce. Taste of Melbourne gives attendees the chance to sample up to 40 signature dishes prepared by Melbourne’s most awarded restaurants. Dates and Times: 5:30 and 9:30pm 26-29 August 2010. Location: Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson St, Carlton. Tickets and More information tastefestivals.com.au

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2010 - From August 30 to September 5 fashion takes over Melbourne. Discover Spring/Summer trends and immerse yourself in fashion, runway shows, designer exhibitions, business breakfasts, evening parades and parties. Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is also calling all aspiring models to an open casting. Dates: 30 August – 5 September 2010. Location: Various venues throughout Melbourne. Cost: various. More information:msfw.com.au

Melbourne Writers Festival 2010 - Combining talented writers, artists, thinkers and performers from across the globe, the Melbourne Writers Festival is the city’s premier literary event. Hosted at a range of venues including Federation Square, literary banquets, debates, readings, performances and workshops will feature over 400 writers. Dates: 27 August - 5 September 2010. Location: Federation Square, 2 Swanston St, Melbourne. More information:mwf.com.au

Royal Melbourne Show 2010 -– The Melbourne show spectacular with the usual suspects – amusement rides, show bags, a plethora of free live entertainment, a massive pyrotechnic display, award winning food and wine, arts and crafts. The country comes to the city with animals and livestock a highlight. Dates: 18-28 September 2010. Location: Melbourne Showgrounds, 400 Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale. More information:royalshow.com.au