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Adventurers
John Batman and John Fawkner located an area near present day Melbourne
in 1835 and decided to settle here. They purchased 240,000 hectares from
the local aboriginal tribes with nothing more than foodstuffs, some
knives a pair of scissors and some handkerchiefs. Little did they know
that this simple successful trade on their part would result in the
establishment of a mighty metropolis with a population now nearing 4
million people, the second largest city in Australia. The early days of
Melbourne were simple enough however the city flourished under Fawkners
guidance. By 1840 the city had a population of 10,000 people. By 1851
they declared their independence from the NSW colonial government and
established Melbourne as the capital city of Victoria.
 This same year (1851) saw the discovery of gold at
Bendigo and
Ballarat. News spread quickly throughout Australia and the world,
bringing in an additional 100,000 people to Victoria. Industries and
service businesses were established and Victoria has never looked back.
Australias second city is
a place of contradictions and hidden charms. A leafy, bay side
community on the upside-down a brown Yarra River, it is
cosmopolitan, suburban, cultured, football crazy, well dressed, conservative and
a haven for the avant-garde. Visitors come for its shopping,
restaurants, nightlife and sporting calendar, encouraging the many
Melburnians to say that they live in one of the most civilised
cities in the world. The next major event in Melbourne is the
2006
Commonwealth Games with 72 countries represented over 11 days of
sporting activity across 24 sporting disciplines with some 6000 athletes
and officials competing to honour their countries.
 During February there is the Comedy Festival
and in October the International Festival that includes the Writers
Festival. Melbourne also has the
Australian Open Tennis Championship
(January), the
Australian Grand Prix (March),
Australian Rules
Football (during March to September and held around the country). The
Melbourne Fringe
Festival and many more.
Undoubtedly the most famous event in Melbourne is
The Melbourne Cup, held on the first Tuesday in November
each year. It is an event that stops the
nation for a few minutes each year to place a bet, have a drink, wear a
hat and dress up.
Whatever your desire you will find it in wonderful Melbourne a city
of history, character, charm and style.
Check out our wide range of listed
Melbourne
accommodation. For additional information drop into the local tourism and
visitor centres. |
