Melbourne is a mecca for culture, art, fashion and sport this winter. Experience international masterpiece exhibitions, stunning stage musicals, design and film festivals, as well as loads of sport, shopping, spas, cafes, restaurants and bars.

While Miss Saigon continues its successful season at her Majesty’s Theatre, Anthony Warlow will return to the stage in the main role of Phantom of the Opera at the Princess Theatre from 19 July.

From late June, art lovers will flock to Guggenheim Collection: 1940s to Now at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) International and be captivated by the whimsical images on display at Pixar:20 Years of Animation, shown at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Melbourne winter is a time for popular festivals with the Melbourne International Film Festival, the Melbourne Design Festival and The Age Melbourne Writer’s Festival firm favourites.

Sports fans will be spoilt for choice for on-field action, including: Aussie Rules games at the MCG and Telstra Dome; local A-League soccer club Melbourne Victory taking on interstate rivals; Melbourne Storm doing battle in the NRL; and the Bledisloe Cup returning to Melbourne after nearly a decade’s absence

Fashionistas will adore Melbourne Central, QV complex, refurbished GPO, and Bridge Road (Richmond) for Australian and international labels, popular chain stores and bargain factory outlets. Try Greville Street in Prahran, and Brunswick and Gertrude Streets in Fitzroy, for funky gear, retro clothing and recycled treasure.

There are some great travel packages available from Tourism Victoria’s wholesale partners for travel between 1 June 2007 and 31 August 2007. The packages include two nights’ accommodation and a hotel value-add to a wide range of Melbourne hotels.

Further information about these packages are available from the wholesalers:

• Blue Holidays: 13 17 43 or virginblue.com/holidays
• Creative Holidays: 1300 727 747 or creativeholidays.com
• Great Aussie Holidays: 1800 999 179 or aussieholidays.net.au
• Qantas Holidays: 13 27 87 or qantas.com/holidays

For more information about Melbourne in winter, go to visitvictoria.com/Melbourne

Media contact: Karen Strahan, Tourism Victoria, on (03)9653 9745 or 0417 361 465.

Important diary dates:

• Guggenheim Collection: 1940s to Now - 30 June to 7 October
• Pixar: 20 Years of Animation - 28 June to 14 October
• Miss Saigon - until 15 July 2007
• Phantom of the Opera- opening 19 July
• Bledisloe Cup - 30 June
• Melbourne Design Festival - 5 to 15 July
• Melbourne International Film Festival - June to 13 July
• Melbourne Scarf Festival - 29 June to 7 July