Nicholas Craig column

Dec 22 2006 By Nicholas Craig, The Journal

Multi-cultured, multi-layered, marvellously arty Melbourne. That's what they say about themselves out here.

Melbourne is a huge city, much more of a bustling business centre than Perth, but I'm sure it's marvellously arty nonetheless.

The cricket ground is equally impressive. It looks superb - a huge place close to the city - which apparently has the highest light towers of any sporting venue in the world. It hosted the first Test series in 1877, and here we are again, for the 53rd time at Melbourne.

In the interests of research and restaurant-hunting I've been looking round the centre and discovered the city's Chinatown. What a find. It has been here since 1854, one of the first in the world to be created.

It followed from the immigration of many hundreds of Chinese people hoping to make their fortunes in 1851 when gold was discovered in Melbourne. It's still thriving, with the same colour and life as Newcastle's Chinatown but on a much grander scale, in well-preserved historic buildings.

There isn't the same cricket frenzy here as there was in Perth. The city's used to the biggest and best events and there's a lot more going on that competes with the Test Series. Nevertheless the Melbourne Test could be the best of the series. Up to 100,000 people will fill the massive stadium, creating a fantastic carnival-like atmosphere.

Highly unlikely, but Boxing Day could conceivably also see the Test comeback of Michael Vaughan. He could make a big difference to the team's performance and morale. We need all the experienced help we can get.

Browsing through travel guides I've realised why I feel so at home in Melbourne. It isn't the European style of the city centre with its grand old buildings, tramlines, trees and public squares, nor is it the lingering association of the city with Dame Edna Everage.

No, it's because Melbourne has become `the capital of cool'. My natural home. All the beautiful people come here, say the guides, to the Yarra.

There are superb shops, wonderful restaurants, and stylish nightclubs full of cool people, much like me.

I'm hoping England keeps its cool in the heat of the Boxing Day Test in marvellous Melbourne.

Nicholas Craig is a partner at Watson Burton law firm.