Guidebook
Melbourne
Guidebook Every November the city observes a public holiday … for a horse race
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Overview

Every November the city observes a public holiday … for a horse race

It’s called the Melbourne Cup, and in the words of Mark Twain, “nowhere in the world have I encountered a festival of people that has such a magnificent appeal to the whole nation … the Cup astonishes me."

First Melbourne Cup

The Cup is similar to America’s premier horse race, the Kentucky Derby - “both of which follow the proud British tradition of getting equal parts dolled and fucked up at horse races,” notes Billy Halsley in Deadspin. “It is a perfect event for young and old alike to don their finest of outfits and guzzle copious amounts of alcohol.”

Overview
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“Before I travelled to Melbourne, I pressed friends who lived there for suggestions and advice … ‘You’re going to want to move here,’ one warned.”
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Officially, Melbourne is the world’s second most liveable city
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"Someone once called Melbourne the most European of Australian cities…”
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It’s one of the great foodie cities of the world
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The public buildings are grand and iconic
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It’s rich and edgy in art, culture and music
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Sport is where Melburnians go to worship
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There’s a natural wonderland on the city’s doorstep
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It’s a city that welcomes gays
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Shopping is its middle name
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Every November the city observes a public holiday … for a horse race
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10 other things we think you should know about Melbourne …
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