Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria and is Australia’s second-largest city, with a population of four million. It is widely viewed as being Australia’s cultural capital.

Melbourne also known as Naarm, is built upon land traditionally belonging to the people of the Kulin nation; the Boon Wurrung and Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) people. Indigenous people have been telling their stories for over 40,000 years – carving rocks, painting on bark and drawing on possum skin cloaks long before books arrived on the first boats – and passing on their stories by oral traditions. Today, local Indigenous literature is a vital expression of an enduring Indigenous culture in Melbourne.

Melbourne’s writers are supported by a robust publishing environment, including a large number of independent and small publishers and by the public’s broad participation in literature – as readers, writers and audiences at events and festivals.

From taking note of the opportunities on offer, to checking out our world-class bookshops and famed libraries, to all sorts of literary forms and genres such as poetry and comic books, and many more topics on top of these, you’ll come to an understanding how integral all these elements are to our city.

As you explore the associated category tabs, you’ll discover there is much to see, do and experience in our City of Literature.