Melbourne Overview

Melbourne (pop. 3.9 million) began rather inauspiciously in 1825 when John Batman (yes, Batman) sailed a skiff up the Yarra, got stuck on a sandbank, and justified his blunder by claiming he had found the “ideal place for a village.” Originally named Batmania, the small town underwent a phenomenal growth spurt at the onset of the Victorian Gold Rush three decades later. “Marvelous Melbourne” celebrated its coming-of-age in 1880 by hosting the World Exhibition, which attracted over a million people. When the Victorian economy collapsed after bank failures in the 1890s, Melbourne’s infrastructure followed suit, and its fetid open sewers earned it the nickname “Marvelous Smellbourne.” By the dawn of the 20th century, however, the city had improved enough to challenge Sydney for the honor of being Australia’s capital. While the Canberra compromise deprived both of this status, Melbourne was happy to serve as the government’s temporary home until the Parliament House in Canberra was completed. The city’s 20th-century zenith was the 1956 Olympics, which brought the its competitive passions to an international audience.

Today, Australia’s second-largest city (projected to surpass Sydney in 2020) has blossomed into an impressive cosmopolitan center with an active arts community, a fierce love of sports, and an appetite for gourmet dining and street-side cafes. Recent years have witnessed population growth and an increased international flavor. Melbourne’s neighborhoods (called “precincts”) invite exploration and are easily accessible by tram. With its picturesque waterfront, epic sporting events, happening bar scene, and world-class culture, Melbourne offers big city attractions with a refreshing lack of tourist hype.

Shop at the giant Queen Victoria Market, which offers everything from fresh produce to souvenirs and bric-a-brac .
Experience some seriously chill cafe culture and shopping on Brunswick Street, the main drag of youthful, artsy Fitzroy .
Catch A Game of Aussie Rules Football, Melbourne’s obsession, at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground .
Sun Yourself outside the city limits in St. Kilda; the laid-back, beach-bumming atmosphere makes for a great escape from the hectic city .
Party at the swanky back-alley bars . Don’t leave town without spending a night roving the streets of the city center in search of the poshest digs .

Intercity Transportation

There are two main airports that service Melbourne. The boomerang-shaped Tullamarine International Airport, located 25km northwest of the city center (25min. by car), hosts both domestic and international ...more

Orientation

Melbourne lies along the Yarra River near Port Phillip Bay. The river splits Melbourne into northern and southern regions. The city center, North Melbourne, Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond, ...more

Local Transportation

Melbourne’s public transportation system, the Met (☎ 13 16 38 or 1800 652 313; www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au), consists of three modes of transportation: light-rail trains, buses, and trams, and is ...more

Practical Information

Tourist Offices: Melbourne Visitor Centre in Federation Sq., across from Flinders St. Station at the corner of Flinders St. and Saint Kilda Rd. The sprawling center offers Internet ($1 per 10min ...more