Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria, Australia, and the country’s second-largest city by population. It is located at the heads of Port Phillip Bay on the Yarra River. The city was founded in 1835 by settlers led by John Batman and was named after William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne. Growth accelerated during the gold rush of the 1850s, establishing Melbourne as a commercial and cultural center.

Melbourne is renowned for its arts, education, and sports. It is home to major universities such as the University of Melbourne and RMIT University, and cultural institutions including the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne Museum. The city hosts international events such as the Australian Open tennis championship and the AFL Grand Final, and it is known for its laneways, coffee culture, and dining scene.

Melbourne has a highly multicultural population, with communities from around the world contributing to a diverse linguistic landscape, including Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, and Mandarin speakers. The climate is temperate oceanic, with four distinct seasons and variable weather. The city is served by an extensive public transport network centered on trams, complemented by trains and buses; Melbourne Airport is the main international gateway, with Avalon Airport also serving the region.