By Adam Sonin

Copyright thesun

MELBOURNE’s claim to fame is that it’s the sporting capital of the world.

But you’ll be saying G’day to lots more other entertainment in the vibrant, cosmopolitan Australian city.

WHY SHOULD I GO?

IT is packed with family attractions, beautiful gardens, historic architecture, festivals, theatre and music.

There are hotels, restaurants, cafes and shopping for every budget.

Sports fans will be in their element.

Melbourne is the only city to host a Grand Slam tennis championship and F1 Grand Prix.

If you follow England cricket, book now for the Ashes Test, which starts on Boxing Day at the 100,000-seater Melbourne Cricket Ground.

ARE STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

EVERY single one. A grid system from north to south or east to west, so easy to navigate.

Gleaming skyscrapers stand alongside the old jail, central library and Flinders Street Station — Australia’s first city railway station opened in 1854.

That’s where you can take an underpass or walk over the adjacent bridge to cross the River Yarra on to Southbank.

See amazing murals and graffiti along nearby laneways.

Take the path along the river to reach the sporting complex, beautiful Botanic Gardens and impressive Shrine of Remembrance memorial.

But you don’t have to walk everywhere as Melbourne has the largest light railway network in the world, with 24 tram routes.

Buy a Myki card for £3 and top up when needed to hop on a tram to the zoo, aquarium or Luna Park, home to the world’s oldest wooden rollercoaster.

A free No35 tram runs around the city centre, so you can walk from any of the 35 stops.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?

TAKE a sports tour with Sporting Capital Tours to discover all about legends, including cricket’s Sir Donald Bradman and tennis ace Rod Laver.

A superb interactive museum at the MCG highlights nearly 100 sports.

Stroll through Fitzroy Gardens to find Cooks’ Cottage, originally owned by the parents of British explorer Captain James Cook.

It stood in Yorkshire but was dismantled and rebuilt to commemorate Victoria’s centenary in 1934.

To learn about Aboriginal history, art and culture, visit the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square and take one of their walking tours.

Sail down the Yarra with Melbourne River Cruises on an evening dinner voyage.

For spectacular views, go to floor 88 of the Skydeck, plus there’s a fantastic VR experience too, where you fly over Melbourne.

The Old Melbourne Gaol, where famous outlaw Ned Kelly was hanged, is fascinating and chilling.

I FANCY A DRINK

GO for the best coffee, from £2.50, at Streat Cafe in Queen Victoria Market and then browse the stalls selling clothes, crafts and souvenirs.

For £6, get a pint of beer, the Transport Bar on Fed Square or sip a cocktail overlooking the beach at Elwood Bathers.

Take a Hop It wine-tasting trip to one of the Yarra Valley wineries.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

STALACTITES a Greek family-run restaurant since 1978 has superb meats off the grill, salads and the best humous.

Try Tazio for traditional Italian fare and make sure you order the tiramisu.

To go up in the dining world, Eureka 89 at Skydeck has fabulous views to go with the food.

While Lune Croissanterie, claims to have the world’s best croissants.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

THE Ibis Melbourne Central Hotel may not be fancy but it has everything you need.

The best thing is it’s in the heart of the city, so you easily get to all the sights.