Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria, and the second largest city in Australia, in terms of population. It is situated in the south-east of the country, around Port Phillip Bay.
It is called the ‘Sporting and Cultural Capital of Australia’ as it is home to a number of major cultural and sporting events and institutions.
The city is also known for its contemporary architecture, extensive tram network and Victorian parks and gardens.
Melbourne is the “Fox Capital” of the western world, with 6-23 foxes every square kilometer in the metropolitan area.
Melbourne before it got its name was also called was called Batmania, Bearbrass, Bearport, Bareheap and Bearbury.
Luna Park, in Melbourne’s bayside suburb of St Kilda, is the oldest amusement park in the world under private management.
Melbourne had the first gay and lesbian radio station in the world, and holds the world record for the highest attendance at a cricket match.
Melbourne is the only city in the world that has five international standard sporting facilities on the fringe of its central business district.
Melbourne’s famous beer, Foster’s Lager, was actually produced by two Americans.
The first Olympic Games hosted by Australia were held in Melbourne, in 1956.
The largest stained glass ceiling of the world is in Melbourne, at ‘The National Gallery of Victoria’.
The tramway system of Melbourne is the largest outside the European continent and the fourth largest in the world.
During the Gold Rush of the 1850s Melbourne was the richest city in the world.
Action taken on 21 April 1856 by Melbourne stonemasons led to the establishment and maintenance of the Eight Hour Day, recognised internationally as a world first.
Car rental companies in Melbourne include Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, Ace, Apex, Avis and Hertz.

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