Victoria's vibrant capital – Melbourne – is a wonderful city that is often ranked amongst the world's most liveable each year. Here are some quick facts about Melbourne – including its landmarks, history, culture and more – that you may not already know, useful for both adults and kids.
Voted the world's most liveable city, Melbourne is a beautiful destination and a popular choice for both international and interstate travellers. Learn about the city and all that has combined to make it one of the most lust-worthy destinations in the country.
• Melbourne was the capital city of Australia for 26 years between 1901 and 1927 before the capital shifted to Canberra
• Melbourne has the largest tram system outside of Europe, and the fourth largest in the world overall
• Melbourne was originally named Batmania
• The first ever set of traffic lights in Australia was installed in Melbourne
• Until the year 1966 pubs in Melbourne closed at 6:00pm
• Melbourne has the highest number of restaurants and cafes per number of people than any other city in the world!
• According to the Crimes Act of 1958, if you meet up with a Pirate in Melbourne, you must not trade with them...
• Melbourne is home to the highest Italian and Greek populations in the world outside their own countries
• In 1856, Melbourne workers successfully campaigned for the world's first 8-hour work day. All the rest of us are still thankful today!
• As of the year 2013, around 38% of Melbourne's residents were born overseas
• A person who lives in or comes from Melbourne is called a Melbournian
• Melbourne is known for its unpredictable weather, and it's often possible to experience four seasons in one day
• The maximum temperature every recorded in Melbourne was 46.4 degrees Celsius (115.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in 2009, while the minimum was -2.8 degrees Celsius (28.9 degrees Fahrenheit) all the way back in 1869
• Melbourne's Luna Park is the oldest privately-owned theme park in the world
• The world-famous Australian beer Fosters Lager was originally produced in Melbourne by two Americans
• The world's largest stained-glass ceiling is located in Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria
• Melbourne is considered Australia's unofficial sporting capital, and is the only city in the world with five international standard sporting facilities
• Melbourne holds the world record for highest attendance at a cricket match, with a total of 90,800 spectactors back in 1961
• The ever-popular Australian sport of Aussie Rules Football (AFL) was invented in Melbourne