City guide: Melbourne

We've sorely missed it from the calendar over the last two years, but F1 is returning to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix.

With weekend tickets sold out and an expected attendance of 130,000 people, we know that plenty of Williams Racing fans will be in Australia's second-largest city, cheering on Nicky and Alex.

So, we've put together our guide to this incredible location – which has something for sports fans, food fiends, coffee addicts and culture buffs alike.

Melbourne is regularly-billed as the sporting capital of the world. On a non-race weekend at Albert Park you can walk and drive the circuit, as almost all of the racetrack is on public roads. Visitors can even check out the busts of former Australian F1 world champions Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones while there.

Sporting fans must visit "The G", the Southern Hemisphere's largest cricket ground. But you won’t just find the gentleman's sport here – the stadium is the symbolic home of Aussie Rules, too.

Still haven't had your sporting fix? Then, come back in January when the city welcomes the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year – the Australian Open in Melbourne Park.

But, if you're more interested in football (soccer) and rugby matches, or basketball and UFC events, grab a seat at the Marvel Stadium near Docklands.

Melbourne is home to a diverse mix of neighbourhoods offering the perfect base for a Formula One weekend.

The F1 circuit at Albert Park is a stone's throw from the beachside streets of St. Kilda and the leafy suburb of South Yarra.

Melbourne's CBD is the spot to immerse yourself in the city's culture, while Richmond is the hub for sports fans.

Further north are the neighbourhoods of Carlton and Fitzroy – the scene for cosy cafes and restaurants, live music, and indie shops.

Nature lovers get spoiled in Australia as it is, and Melbourne is no exception. So if you'd like to escape the city hubbub for a day, you can take a stroll or boat ride along the iconic Yarra River toward the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Then, head for St Kilda Pier at dusk to spend an evening with the fairy penguins living on the city's coastline.

Brighton beach is the best spot in town for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. This relaxing, sandy spot in Port Phillip Bay is lined by rainbow beach huts and the distant Melbourne skyline.

An early morning trip to Melbourne Zoo lets you experience the wildlife of the Australian bush in the heart of Melbourne, where you can get up close with koalas, kangaroos and wombats.

The CBD is the heart of Melbourne. Here you'll find Federation Square – or Fed Square, as the locals call it – home to art galleries, exhibitions, waterfront bars… and big screen coverage of the Australian Grand Prix.

Wander north for street-art spotting through the CBD's laneways and alleys, where music venues and restaurants are the canvas for giant graffiti murals.

Shopaholics will want to fill their bags at the bustling Bourke Street Mall. Stop by the bazaars and vintage stores in the eclectic Chapel Street precinct for hidden treasures.

Queen Victoria Market, or Vic Market, is one of the oldest in Australia. You'll find a range of speciality traders here – from locally-made crafts and clothing, to sports fan souvenirs.

Vic Market is also the perfect place to grab a bite. From specialist bakers and luxury delis to street food vendors from around the world.

Flinders Lane is the spot for chic eateries and gastronomic experiences. Or head to Richmond to experience the best Vietnamese cuisine in the city.

Melbourne is famed for its coffee culture. You'll find everything from espressos to nitro brews and pour-overs across the city, as well as the promise of a freshly-roasted caffeine fix.

There's no shortage of bars, craft breweries and wine specialists across Melbourne either. But head to Carlton for a refreshing glass of chardonnay, shiraz, or pinot noir from the nearby Yarra Valley.

Melbourne is a walkable city and easy to navigate, thanks to its grid layout.

But if you want to get around at speed, pick up a reloadable myki card to use the city's trains, trams and buses.

If you're staying centrally in the CBD or a nearby neighbourhood, you won't need a car to get around.

Language: English Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) Weather: Changeable. You can experience all seasons in a day – even in summer.