About Melbourne

Melbourne (pronounced /ˈmelbən/) is the second most populous city in Australia, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 3.8 million (2007 estimate). Located around Port Phillip Bay in Australia’s south-east, Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria. A person from Melbourne is called a Melburnian.

Melbourne is a major centre of commerce, industry and cultural activity. The city is often referred to as Australia’s ’sporting and cultural capital’ and it is home to many of the nation’s most significant cultural and sporting events and institutions. It has been recognised as a gamma world city by the Loughborough University group’s 1999 inventory. Melbourne is notable for its mix of Victorian and contemporary architecture, its extensive tram network and Victorian parks and gardens, as well as its diverse, multicultural society. It was the host city of the 1956 Summer Olympics and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. In 2006, the city hosted the G20 Summit, in which the leaders of the world’s nineteen largest economies met.

Melbourne was founded by free settlers in 1835, 47 years after the first European settlement of Australia, as a pastoral settlement situated around the Yarra River. Transformed rapidly into a major metropolis by the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s, ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ became Australia’s largest and most important city by 1865, but was overtaken by Sydney as the largest city in Australia during the early 20th century.

Melbourne served as the federal seat of government from the time of the new nation’s federation in 1901, until Federal Parliament moved to the purpose-built capital, Canberra, in 1927.

Visit Melbourne is the official website for visitors to Melbourne. That’s Melbourne and The Melbourne Travel Guide are also good sources of visitors’ information for Melbourne.

Some of the things to see and do in Melbourne…

Old Melbourne Gaol

Step back in time and walk the road to the gallows in a 19th century prison and put yourself on trial in an historic Magistrates’ Court. Home to our oldest prison, former Police City Watch House and historic Magistrate’s Court has been at the heart of crime, law and order in Melbourne since the 1840s. Most of Australia’s infamous characters, including iconic bushranger, Ned Kelly and notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor have spent time within the walls of this amazing precinct. Don’t miss out on visiting Australia’s Most Wanted Experience!

Cook’s Cottage

Built in Yorkshire, England in 1755 by the parents of Captain James Cook, Cooks’ Cottage was transported to Melbourne in crates and barrels, re-assembled and officially opened in Fitzroy Gardens, Victoria, in 1934. Combining modern interpretations of Captain Cook’s life and adventures with centuries old relics and a vibrant, colourful English cottage garden, Cooks’ Cottage provides a unique insight into English family life in the 18th century.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens, is one of Victoria’s most popular tourist attractions and is renowned as one of the world’s finest landscaped gardens, extending over 36 hectares and displaying more than 50,000 plants. Come along to the gardens to enjoy a guided walk, browse in the Garden’s Shop or enjoy a drink at one of our popular cafes.

Waterfront City Piazza & Pavilion

Waterfront City is Melbourne’s most exciting event and entertainment precinct. Located minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, this vibrant and modern precinct is the perfect place for business or leisure. Host to many of Melbourne’s major events including Moomba Waterfest, Skandia Invitational, Melbourne Summer Boat & Lifestyle Show and New Year’s Eve, Waterfront City is a dynamic addition to the City of Melbourne. Renowned for its chic selection of waterside bars and restaurants, Waterfront City offers visitors everything from an ice cold beer at James Squire Brewhouse to stunning seafood at Fish Seafood Grill and Restaurant, sweet treats at Hot Chocolate Coffee and Chocolate Bar, or fresh Californian Japanese at Kobe Jones.

Eureka Skydeck 88

Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe inspiring views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere at Melbourne’s iconic Eureka Tower, currently the world’s tallest residential building. Two dedicated lifts propel visitors to Level 88 in under 40 seconds and only Skydeck 88 can give you the world’s only “Edge Experience” – a switchable glass cube which slides out from the building – with you inside! Apart from the unforgettable panorama, Skydeck 88 entertains the entire family with a host of activities and fascinating facts. Located beside the Yarra River in Southbank, Skydeck 88 will change the way you look at Melbourne and maybe the world.

Queen Victoria Markets

The Queen Victoria Markets 513 Elizabeth Street, Corner of Elizabeth Street and Victoria Street, Melbourne. Over 1000 stalls selling just about everything. Melbourne’s shopping Mecca. This historic landmark and tourist attraction is the largest open-air markets in the southern hemisphere. Officially opened 20th March 1878. Market building sells meat products, the open air sheds sell fruit and vegetables, clothing, shoes, baggage, toys, pets, travel goods, jewellery and souvenirs all at bargain prices. Experience the fervour and pace of Melbourne’s most cosmopolitan market. See website for night market dates, tours, events and cooking school details. Operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 06;00 am to 02:00 pm, Fridays from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm, Saturday from 06:00 am to 03:00 pm and Sunday from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm. Phone 03 9320 5822.

Moonlit Sanctuary

The Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park invites you to see Australia’s wildlife at night. Endangered native nocturnal animals, wetlands, animals that have become extinct from the wild, native animals such as kangaroos and emus, souvenirs, art and crafts, café, educational programs. Guided tours available from dusk. Come close to animals now extinct on mainland Australia, like the southern bettong, eastern quoll, and red-bellied pademelon. A knowledgeable guide will provide an entertaining and interesting commentary. Moonlit Sanctuary is an orchestrated environmental immersion experience, which introduces nocturnal fauna to park visitors As so many of Australia’s native animals appear only after dark, they are virtually unknown to the local community, let alone out of state or international visitors. Visitors walk around a bush area after dark in small groups with a guide who gives an entertaining commentary on the animals.