The City of Melbourne
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Melbourne,
the capital of Victoria,
is the second largest city in Australia. Its multicultural
atmosphere is set amongst Victorian-era buildings and gorgeous
parkland. It has a population
of just over 3 million people, and is a picturesque place
with so much to offer the visitor and resident alike. |
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It's hard to believe that such a fantastic location was abandoned
by the first settlers who had arrived in 1803 and then departed
to Tasmania after staying for less than one year. Being such
a diverse place, Melbourne offers everything for the tourist
from tennis and bikeriding to fishing and windsurfing. |
There are also many
accommodation types to chose from, including apartments,
hotels, motels, campsites, bed
and breakfasts and hostels.
For a listing of hostels in the whole of Victoria visit the Victoria
hostel directory.
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The
city centre, also known as the Central Business District
(CBD), is on the north bank of the Yarra
River. It is approximately 5 kilometres inland from
Port Phillip Bay, where most of the pretty suburbs are situated.
The
city is divided into two parts by the Yarra River, creating
predominantly working class areas in the North and West
regions, and more affluent areas in the South and the East.
The CBD used to be known as the 'Golden Mile', as it is
1 mile long and 1/2 mile wide.
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Southgate
gives access across the Yarra River to the south of the city,
Victoria Street marking the north. To the east you'll find
Fitzroy Gardens and Federation Square, and to the west Spencer
Street and the docklands. |
The heart
of the city is marked by Bourke Street Mall which is situated
between Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street, running north to
south. Bourke Street and Collins Street are the main roads running
west to east.
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Melbourne
was originally settled by graziers, John Batman being the
first. He claimed land just north of Port Phillip Bay, whilst
other graziers also decided to occupy areas near the Yarra
River, but without the necessary permission to colonise.
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Captain
William Lonsdale was sent from Sydney to oversee the land sales.
The township being established in 1835 and named after the British
Prime Minister at the time, Lord Melbourne. Having been originally
considered part of New South Wales, Victoria was established as
a separate colony in 1851.
POPULAR VICTORIA TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
PLEASE NOTE: The Victoria travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for Victoria Holidays can be found on the main Victoria Holidays location guide. |
