For the three million
people who call it home, Melbourne is a city of Victorian-era buildings, parks and gardens
and leafy boulevards, of which the inhabitants are justifiably proud. It's vibrant, yet
doesn't have the brash Sydney culture and its multicultural thanks to the many immigrants
who've helped shape its history. It is Australia's second largest city and was founded in
1835, when John Batman (no relation to the comic strip) bought 240,000 hectares of land
from the Aborigines of the Sutigalla clan, on behalf of the Tasmanian-based Port Phillip
Association. In return for their precious land the Aborigines got tools, flour and
clothing. The gold rush saw Melbourne thrive and become the financial and manufacturing
centre of Australia. Since then there has been a steady influx of people from all over the
world, enriching its city character.
Melbourne is a multicultural city located on the banks of the Yarra River
where it meets Port Philip Bay and is home to people from over 140 nations. The Yarra
River meanders its way through the city of Melbourne past glass high-rises and proud old
houses, wide tree-lined boulevards and pretty green parks.
Melbourne has pleasant weather all the year round and there are no
extremes in temperature. But visitors must be prepared for sudden changes in the weather;
the sun can be shining brightly one balmy summer day and you can wake up to a sudden chill
in the air the next day. So it is best to stay prepared for the unexpected. Fall is the
best time of the year since the days are still long and warm – the perfect time to
stroll in Melbourne's many parks and gardens and watch the leaves wear autumnal colours.
