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Melbourne, Victoria's Capital, with an approaching population of 3M, is Australia's second largest city and financial centre.
History
Founded in 1835, Melbourne is the only city extensively serviced by trams which are the
backbone of its public transport system. Some older trams have been decorated,
riding them is most certainly an excellent way of touring the city. The ideal ride
is from Swanston Street (below) to Saint Kilda Road. The route passes the National
Gallery and Shrine before going on through the shopping areas of South Yarra and Toorak.
Sites & Places
The city offers fine restaurants, cosmopolitan shopping arcades, bustling markets, premier
sporting events and vibrant evening entertainment. Besides the trams, the city has
extensive parks and gardens which lend an old-world charm to contemporary living.
The Fitzroy Gardens feature Captain Cook's cottage, which was transported from England in
1933. Some other gardens include the Flagstaff Gardens, surrounded by
historic buildings, Carlton Gardens, featuring the Royal Exhibition Building,
1880, the Treasury Gardens and the nearby government buildings, Kings Domain,
which includes the Alexandra and Queen Victoria Gardens.
One of Melbourne's oldest buildings is Latrobe Cottage, located on the corner of Birdwood Avenue and Dallas Brooke Drive. The cottage is restored residence of Victoria's first lieutenant-governor. Another beautiful old building is St Paul's Cathedral, on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets.
Other
Parliament House, located Spring street, was erected in 1856, it houses the Victorian
Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly. Royal Mint, constructed
1870, found in William street. The exhibition buildings, located Nicholson street,
erected for Government Exhibition, 1880 by David Mitchell, father of Dame Nellie Melba,
are still used to stage exhibitions. Gordon House, 1889, located in Little Bourke
Street, has been restored and now serves as a modern shopping and entertainment centre. Tasma
Terrace, a notable historic building, located in Parliament Place, has been restored,
converted and furnished and is a fine example of the early three-storey terraces (a rare
type in Melbourne). Another famous historic building is the Old Melbourne Gaol,
where the bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged. Located Russell Street, the gaol is
classified and operated by the National Trust, and exhibits many penal relics.
The tram can be seen on that famous street of Swanston. (picture quality will be improved)
The Exhibition Building in the Carlton Gardens.