5 reasons why Melbourne is the place to be in 2009

Anyone looking for a travel destination where there will be plenty to do in spring 2009 may wish to look towards holidays in Melbourne, it has been suggested.The region’s tourist board has suggested five activities in the run-up to April that could be suitable for all the family.

Firstly, there is the Australian Open Tennis Championships from January 19th until February 1st, which will see Britain’s Andy Murray in attendance.

Next is the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (March 7th to 23rd). This is the largest event of its kind in the world, including the World’s Longest Lunch.

Third on the list is the Australian Grand Prix which begins on March 26th and will see world champion Lewis Hamilton in action for the first time in 2009.

Melbourne’s International Comedy Festival comes next (April 1st to 26th) and will incorporate a whopping 2,200 performances.

Last but not least is one for the surfers – the Rip Curl Pro event on Bells Beach from April 7th to 18th.

Anyone keen to book holidays to Australia may be interested to know that Virgin Atlantic offers such a service.