Ummm, there’s fires burning all over Victoria. Watch out if you go to Melbourne.

It’s a difficult decision. Surfer’s Paradise has great nightlife, and Melbourne is full of culture. Not to say that the nightlife in Melbourne isn’t good, I haven’t experienced it myself.

I think I’d have to recommend Melbourne because there is just so much to do. There’s always something going on. Be sure to visit the Queen Victoria Markets, Federation Square and the Crown Casino.

Melbourne’s Comedy Festival starts from April 1st, so if you enjoy comedy shows of a wide variety, you have until the 26th to go down there. Melbourne is in itself a nice place to visit, though mostly for culture & nightlife than any major sightseeing.

Surfer’s Paradise on the other hand will most likely have better weather, and is a beautiful place to visit. However, it’s not quite as cultural as Melbourne, geared mostly towards tourism and the summer life.

If the choice is one or the other, then go to Melbourne. Brisbane isn’t really that much of a tourist city (I live there – it’s nice, but boring), and you can go to a beach anywhere. Of course, if you want to fly into Melbourne instead, then make your way up the coast to Sydney, Brisbane and north Queensland, that might work too.

I would also have to go with Melbourne. Like someone else already pointed out: if you want nightlife, going up the coast is the most obvious choice. But Melbourne is a nicer city, very relaxed, and there’s a lot to do in the area. The Great Ocean Road is a must see, it was one of my highlights.

One thing I remember though is that it was quite cold when I was in Melbourne, which was around the end of March, start of April, I think. Now, this was in 2000, so Global warming might have taken care of this little issue. Maybe a local can help you out with this. Or the good old Lonely Planet.

43pefty wouldn’t know anything about the bushfires as they don’t even live in Melbourne. I’m a Melbourne girl and the bushfires aren’t effecting the CBD, only country regions.
It depenends what you’re after.
Surfers is boring unless you want to relax on the beach the whole time, or go to cheesy bars. Food isn’t too great there, either. Brisbane is apparently a lot more cultured, but it’s quite a small city.
Melbourne is more European, has lots more quality food, shops, the bars are incredible… My choice is obviously Melbourne! Go to Surfers for a few days, but Melbourne for the rest of your trip.