By Experience Oz

Did you know? Some little known facts about Melbourne

By Chloe · August 2023 · 4 min read

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.

The City

• 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...

The People

• 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

The Weather

• 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

The Icons

• 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

The Sporting Culture

• 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

If you're looking for things to do in Melbourne and its surrounding areas, be sure to visit our main Melbourne page for information on tours, attractions, activities, information and much more.

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