I think Sotong suggestion is good. I am not saying that what Temujin posted so far are not good, on the contrary they are very interesting. Food and shopping mall are what some people are interested in especially when they go to big city. After all food and shopping play a big part in people’s lifestyle, and lifestyle and culture are related to one another too. Plus I think it's a bit hard to talk about the culture and the people or even the weather when you went there for about 2 weeks. But I understand what Sotong coming from, different perspective would be nice too.

Anyway let me contribute.
Melbourne
This second biggest city in Australia, has been compared with Sydney for a long time. There are always argument of which one is better, Melbourne or Sydney. While Sydney is more commercial, cosmopolitan and lively, Melbourne is less busier and more cultural. I am used to Melbourne, so I guess you know what my choice is. Known as the 'garden state', with numerous gardens and park around the city. Throughout the year Melbourne has established itself to become the culture capital of Australia. Many visitors also name it as the most european city in OZ, and the most multi-cultural city.

If you want to do some shopping, well OZ is never a paradise for the shopaholics. Aussies are not mall people, I find. They prefer outdoors, sports and bbq are like religion somehow. If you want to shop you are wasting your time in OZ. Anyway, the big malls are located in the suburb such as Chadstone and Northpoint. The popular 'Chapel St' is another option, for good quality and local designer's clothes. Known as a 'hip place', Chapel St has reputation for the 'rich' to hang out, although the reputation is slowly going down eversince Crown Casino opening, the new docklands and the better atmosphere in Southbank. Towards the end of Chapel St, you will find that the shop are less glamorous and the sidewalk tend to be dirty too.

Brunswick, Fitzroy St, not far from the city is the most interesting suburb. Eccentric, grunge, artistic, bohemian, vintage, alternative are the words to describe it. Plenty of small cafe and art gallery around. The pubs and cafes are different to those you find in the rest of the city. From jazz pub like The Nightcat to Spanish bars.

Melbourne is not a beach city, Sydney offers much better beaches. However St Kilda beach is another suburb to look out for, not because of the beach, but the atmosphere. Plenty of cake shops along Acland St, always full on Sundays. On the other stretch, Fitzroy st offers a few well-known clubs and pubs.

The new federation square has become Melbourne new landmark. It draws mixed responses from people. When I first saw it it looked like a big chunk of metal falling from the sky and just landed there right in front of Flinders Station. Even now I still find it a bit odd sitting there surrounded by the old european buildings. My friend argued that the architecture of federation square is a symbol of melbourne's diversity. Nevertheless, another big addition to art center and gallery in melbourne.

Someone said that there are more indonesians than caucasians in Melbourne. I am not suprised if you only hang out in the city of course. There are a lot of indonesian students live in the city, especially near RMIT. Another thing to note is Aussies are loud, it's a well known thing. I think they kinda proud of being loud.

There are also Little Italy in Carlton, little Saigon in Richmond, Chinatown in Little Bourke st or Boxhill. Foodwise? The flower drum in China Town won numerous Best Restaurant of the year. Reputed as the Best Chinese /Cantonese resturant in OZ and one of the best in the world. Booking is an issue though, need to book like a month ahead, unless you have connection. The food is good, the service is superb, I've only been there once. Other than that try Shark Finn Inn or Shark Finn House. Kimchi Korean Restaurant in Carnegie offer good food with good price.

Lol I feel like writing "a guide to melbourne"