Joanna James
As one of Australia's most popular tourist hubs, Melbourne welcomes visitors from around the world. Here are 20 interesting aspects on the bustling metropolis that every traveller should know.
Although most tourists are unaware of it, the City of Melbourne was the Australian capital for nearly 26 years. The city reigned supreme as the nation's political epicentre from 1901 till 1927 when Canberra was awarded the status.
Melbourne's tram network is also ranked as the best in all of Australia and the largest tram system available outside of the European continent. In fact, taking the tram is one of the best ways to get around the city.
Home to the largest community of Italian and Greek immigrants outside of Europe, Melbourne's vibrant European residents have declared the former capital their heartland Down Under.
The oldest park in the city is Luna Park and it is also the oldest non-public parkland in the entire world. The privately owned park is a key attraction in Melbourne for tourists and locals.
As a prominent landmark in the sporting world, Melbourne is home to some of Australia's most popular and largest sports stadiums. From the MCG to the stunning race courses, the city is a sport lover's dream destination.
Melbourne is also credited with inventing the 8 hour work shift as a group of stonemasons demanded the reduction of the working hours to a reasonable 8 hours back in 1856 and won. This is why the city is called the “Workingman’s Paradise”.
Bars in Melbourne famously closed at 6pm back in the day and those who travelled to the city in the late 60's would have to buy wine and beer from a supermarket to enjoy a night cap.
Melbourne wasn't always called Melbourne and its birth name was in fact Batmania. Named after landowner John Batman the name fortunately didn't stick.
The largest Chinese settlement in the western world is also found in Melbourne. So the city's Chinatown is among the biggest in the globe.
It was farmers in Melbourne who first invented a Ute t to transport goods from one location to another. Now carmakers the likes of Chevy and Ford retail their own Utes due to the popularity of the vehicle.
It is said that Melbourne is the only city in the world where all four seasons can be experienced in a single day. From hot and humid to pleasant and rainy, the weather patterns shift nearly every hour.
Melbourne also lays claim to the honour of starting the world's first dedicated radio station for members of the LGBT community.
Although Fosters Lager was invented by two men from America, the duo invented the beer variety in the city of Melbourne.
The first film in the globe " The Story of the Kelly Gang” was shot almost entirely in Melbourne in 1906.
Vegemite is not only made in Port Melbourne but the breakfast spread was also invented in the city.
The globe's largest telescope in 1868 was also found in Melbourne as was named the Great Melbourne Telescope.
Melbourne's Hosier Lane Street is lined with the area's top bars and restaurants.
KIWI shoe polish was invented in Melbourne in 1906 by Hamilton McKellan and William Ramsay.
Declared as a" City of Literature" by UNESCO, Melbourne's art, music and theatre scene are the envy of the world. Visitors based at serviced apartments Southbank whether it's the Oaks Southbank or any other accommodation provider will be in the heart of the city's artistic core.
Having been named the "The Most Liveable City” over 5 times, Melbourne is one of the most hospitable cities Down Under.
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