The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Liveability Ranking assesses living conditions in 140 cities across the globe by assigning a rating across five broad categories, including: stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure.
Melbourne, coming out on top in all categories, is the first city ever to be named the world’s most liveable for five consecutive years, firmly cementing its position as a must-visit destination.
Here are five reasons why Melbourne deserves its title as the world’s top city to call home:
1. ARTS
Melbourne offers one of the highest densities of commercial art galleries in the world, including The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Ian Potter Centre which houses the nation’s largest permanent collection of Australian art. Museum Victoria is the southern hemisphere’s largest museum and the city hosts more than 3,000 live music performances every week
2. EATING AND DRINKING
Melbourne’s famed inner-city bistros and cafes can seat a combined 178,320 hungry citizens at any one point in time. Every day, on average, the Port of Melbourne handles 30 tonnes of coffee beans, enough to produce 3 million cups of coffee each day. For the winelovers Victoria is home to over 850 wineries, including 650 cellar door experiences and 21 distinct wine regions.
3. WILDLIFE
Although the state comprises just 3% of Australia’s total landmass, Victoria is home to 30% of Australia’s native animals with 139 mammal species in Victoria including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, possums, wombats, platypus and echidnas. Victoria’s parks are home to more than 4,300 native plants and 948 native animal species.
4. SPORT
Melbourne is the only city in the world that has five international standard sporting facilities on the fringe of its central business district. The city plays host to the Australian Open Tennis Championships, the Australian Grand Prix, the Australian 500CC Motorcycle Grand Prix and the Australian Football League Grand Final.
And who could forget the ‘race that stops the nation’ with the Melbourne Cup Carnival attracting over 343,000 visitors from 42 countries in 2014.
5. FESTIVAL CITY
Melbourne boasts the International Comedy Festival, the International Jazz Festival and this year marks the 30th anniversary of Melbourne Festival.
No wonder this city has won again! As a Sydneysider I have to give props where they’re due. Well played Melbourne, well played.
