Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital city of the Australian state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. It was founded on August 30, 1835, by settlers from Van Diemen's Land. It was named in honour of the then British Prime Minister, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne.

History

Melbourne was established by settlers from Tasmania in 1835. In 1851, it became the capital city of the newly created colony of Victoria. During the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s, it was transformed into one of the world's largest and wealthiest cities.

Geography

Melbourne is located in the southeastern part of mainland Australia, within the state of Victoria. Geologically, it is built on the confluence of Quaternary lava flows to the west, Silurian mudstones to the east, and Holocene sand accumulation to the southeast along Port Phillip.

Climate

Melbourne experiences a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) with warm summers and cool winters. Its climate is notably variable, with frequent shifts from hot and dry to cold and wet.

Economy

Melbourne has a highly diversified economy with particular strengths in finance, manufacturing, research, IT, education, logistics, transportation and tourism. It is home to many of Australia's largest corporations, including five of the ten largest in the country (based on revenue), and five of the largest seven in the country (based on market capitalisation).

Culture

Melbourne is often referred to as Australia's cultural capital. It is the birthplace of Australian impressionism, Australian rules football, the Australian film and television industries, and Australian contemporary dance.

Education

Melbourne is a major centre of education, hosting several universities that are among the best in the world. These include the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT University.

Transport

Melbourne has an integrated public transport system based around extensive train, tram, bus and taxi systems. It has the largest tram network in the world.

See also

• Tourism in Melbourne
• List of people from Melbourne
• List of suburbs in Melbourne

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