Official Language:
English
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Currency:
Australian Dollar
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Population:
Approximately 3.4 million call Melbourne home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Melbourne: Melbourne's summer months December through March is the perfect time to visit. Temperatures are in 70°F/21°C to the 80°F/27°C. Off season, during the other months can bring wet and windy days.
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Port: Port Melbourne/Station Pier
Melbourne, capital of Australia's Southeastern state of Victoria is the financial, sporting and cultural center of Australia. As charming as it is cosmopolitan, Melbourne is complete with beautiful boulevards and perfect parks and is approximately the same size as Sydney. Built along the banks of the Yarra River, the city center is best explored on foot.
Melbourne is home to the world’s richest horse race,The Melbourne Cup. It has been held on the first Tuesday in November ever since 1861.
Melbourne, is the creation of Tasmanian farmer John Batment. He arrived in 1835 and began trading blankets and utensils for acres of native land. The gold rushof the 1850s resulted in the explosion of the population and by 1861, Melbourne became the size of Sydney. Today’s skyscrapers stand over many of the early Victorian-style buildings, a reminder of the city’s history.
Though the city grew rapidly, in 1851, the discovery of gold just 50 miles away depopulated the town by 1/3. The growth eventually returned and for a generation the city served as the country's capital up until the national parliament moved to its permanent location to Canberra. Immigration increased following World War II, particularly from Southern Europe, and Southeast Asia, leading to Melbourne's ethnic mix.
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Attractions |
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The Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens:
Home to more than 350 native and exotic animal species. Located only 4 kilometres from the city, it is easily accessible by train or tram.
The Puffing Billy Steam Railway:
Take a ride and wind through the spectacular forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
The Golden Mile:
The government and commercial hub of Melbourne. Home to the main shopping street, major hotels and theaters.
Royal Botanic Gardens:
A collection of Australian native plants within a 19th-century landscaped garden.
Among other highlights are: St. Paul's Cathedral, the State Library and Museum of Victoria, and the Parliament.
Many of the city’s landmarks are within walking distance of each other. You will find many upscale department stores and designer boutiques.
Melbourne's center consists of a 3 mile rectangular grid of streets. The city's highlights can be found at Flinders Street Station, St. Paul's Cathedral and Queen Victoria Market, an open-air flea market. Other sights you will want to see include: the Treasury and State Parliament House buildings; Scots and St. Michael's churches; the 19th-century Block Arcade, and the Old Melbourne Gao. On the south bank, you can find the Victorian Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria. Great views of the city can be found from the Rialto Tower's Observation Deck high above the city skyline at 55 floors.
Shopping:
Southgate Complex offers boutiques & restaurants and Melbourne's Crown Casino.
Golf:
Available at many world-class golf courses such as Royal Melbourne, Huntingdale or Kingston Heath.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.aussie-info.com/places/vic/melbourne/
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