A city with a reputation to maintain, Melbourne is famous variously for being Australia’s coffee capital, the Europe of Australia and consistently ranked amongst the top most liveable cities in the world. CultureShock! Melbourne takes both long- and short-term residents through the city’s inner workings. The city offers world-class urban landscapes and experiences, spiced with a uniquely Melburnian spirit: a stroll along the Yarra River surrounded by a glittering skyline and artisanal sandwich in hand, top-drawer entertainment, restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs, or even a simple breakfast of toast with smashed avo’ and a flat white at a legendary café along a boulevard. Get the most out of your stay in Melbourne with this essential guide to one of the jazziest, most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Ruth Rajasingam is a lawyer by training and taught law for the last ten years. Born in Singapore, she first lived in Melbourne in 1998 for a few years and more recently since 2017.