Facts About Melbourne: Did you know that during the Gold Rush, Melbourne became the richest city in the world? Most people are just familiar with the historical significance of Melbourne and are unaware of the facts that make this city quite fascinating. If you are an international student planning to study in Melbourne, then this blog will feed your curiosity, as in the sections below, we have covered some interesting facts about Melbourne. Keep reading further to know more!
Table of Contents
- 1. The Black Box (for Planes) Was Invented in Melbourne
- 2. The Tram System in Melbourne is the Largest in the World
- 3. Melbourne was the First Place in Australia Where Traffic Lights Were Installed
- 4. There are Two Kinds of Architecture in Australia – Art Deco and Gold Rush
- 5. The Lady’s Public Toilets were Built to Show off Melbourne’s Wealth
- 6. Until 1966, the Pubs in Melbourne had to close by 6 pm
- Melbourne is Australia’s Coffee Capital
- The City Was Almost Named Batmania
- Melbourne Has the World’s Largest Open-Air Market
- It’s Known for “Four Seasons in a Day”
- Melbourne Hosts the Australian Open
- It’s a UNESCO City of Literature
- Trams are Free in the City Centre
- Street Art is Legal and Celebrated
- It’s Home to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- FAQs
1. The Black Box (for Planes) Was Invented in Melbourne
French worked on Black Box since WWII, but it was actually an Australian who invented the Black Box flight recorder. The man behind Balck Box was David Warren, who invented it in Melbourne in 1953. In 1934, his dad died in a plane crash, which became the motivating factor behind David’s revolutionary invention.
Curious about the city of Sydney? Check out 75 interesting facts about Sydney That You Might Not Know!
2. The Tram System in Melbourne is the Largest in the World
Melbourne is home to the largest tram system in the world, as there are around 250 km of track. Various student accommodations in Melbourne are very close by and connected to the Tram system. In addition to this feat, it is important to note that soon the trams in Melbourne will be solar-powered.
The interesting thing about this is that such feats are usually achieved by European cities. For instance, Paris and London are home to the oldest and largest underground systems in the world.
3. Melbourne was the First Place in Australia Where Traffic Lights Were Installed
In 1928, Melbourne became the first place in Australia where traffic lights started being operated. During this time, a manual version was tried in which police on the footpath were responsible for the signal changeover.
It was only on 13 October 1933 that automatic traffic lights were installed on the corners of Kent and Market Street in Sydney, NSW. This trial in Sydney was called “electro-magnetic vehicle actuated controller”, and was deemed a great success.
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4. There are Two Kinds of Architecture in Australia – Art Deco and Gold Rush
There are primarily two types of architecture you will come across in Melbourne – Gold Rush and Art Deco. You will often find them next to each other as they perfectly cohabitate.
For instance, the Manchester Unit Building is a great example of Art Deco architectural style in Melbourne, which is located in front of Melbourne Town Hall, which is based on the Gold Rush architectural style.
5. The Lady’s Public Toilets were Built to Show off Melbourne’s Wealth
Melbourne emerged as the richest city in the world during the Gold Rush and intended to show that off by building public toilets for ladies. You might be wondering what is showing off in building ladies’ toilets. Well, during that time, since ladies were not allowed to stay out for long, therefore, every city in the world considered the idea of women’s toilets to be useless.
By building public toilets for women, Melbourne tried to showcase the fact that they had enough amount of money to build something that was barely used.
6. Until 1966, the Pubs in Melbourne had to close by 6 pm
Starting in 1915, a curfew was imposed on pubs and bars in Melbourne. Due to this fact, pubs and bars were supposed to close by 6 pm. This curfew started during the First World War and lasted until 1966. This was the very reason behind the origination of the expression “Six o’clock swill”. Australians use this phrase to buy drinks before closing. Although now pubs close way later, the saying still remains the same.
Get to know the city of Manchester a little bit better with our blog – 10 interesting facts about Manchester that You Might Not Know!
Melbourne is Australia’s Coffee Capital
Melbourne is obsessed with coffee! The city is home to some of the best baristas and cafés in the world. In fact, locals take their brews so seriously that international coffee competitions are often held here. Whether you like a flat white or a long black, you’ll find your perfect cup in this city.
The City Was Almost Named Batmania
Yes, you read that right! Melbourne was nearly named Batmania after one of its founders, John Batman. He signed a treaty with the Aboriginal people in 1835. While the name didn’t stick, many streets and landmarks still carry the Batman name today, like Batman Park and Batman Avenue.
Melbourne Has the World’s Largest Open-Air Market
The Queen Victoria Market is not only a foodie’s paradise but also the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s been operating since the 1800s and offers everything from fresh produce to vintage clothes. It’s a must-visit for international students on a budget!
It’s Known for “Four Seasons in a Day”
Melbourne weather is famously unpredictable. Locals often joke that you can experience all four seasons in just one day—sunshine, rain, wind, and even a chill. So, if you’re moving here, make sure to carry a light jacket and an umbrella wherever you go!
Melbourne Hosts the Australian Open
Love tennis? Melbourne hosts one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments—the Australian Open—every January. It’s a huge event that draws international crowds and is a great way to experience the city’s sports culture.
It’s a UNESCO City of Literature
In 2008, Melbourne became the second city in the world to be named a UNESCO City of Literature. The city is home to hundreds of bookstores, literary festivals, writing centers, and some of Australia’s most famous authors. If you’re into reading or writing, this place will feel like home.
Trams are Free in the City Centre
International students love this perk—Melbourne’s CBD (Central Business District) has a Free Tram Zone. You can hop on and off trams within the zone without paying a cent! It’s a super affordable way to get around for classes or weekend adventures.
Street Art is Legal and Celebrated
Melbourne is famous for its vibrant street art. Places like Hosier Lane are legal graffiti zones where artists can express themselves freely. These colorful alleys are top tourist attractions and perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. Even better? Many are right near student areas!
It’s Home to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Every year, comedians from around the globe head to Melbourne for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, one of the biggest in the world. If you’re looking to unwind during your studies, this event is full of laughs and affordable student tickets.
Melbourne is more than just a student city—it’s a place full of surprises, history, and vibrant culture. From trams to street art and quirky laws, every corner has a story. Whether you’re here to study or explore, these fun facts make Melbourne even more special. So, get ready to fall in love with this lively Aussie city!
FAQs
There are many reasons which make Melbourne one of the best places to live in. Some of these reasons are – a great lifestyle, friendly people and endless business opportunities.
Some of the famous food items in Melbourne are – Salt and pepper calamari, Fairy bread, Chicken Parma, Anzac biscuits, Dim sim, Pigs in a blanket, Spag bol and Vegemite.
Melbourne holds the reputation of being the most liveable city in the world. It is also called ‘the sporting capital of the world’. Besides all of this, Melbourne is also popular for its cultural diversity and bayside location, graffiti-laden laneways and excellent coffee.
Melbourne’s crime rate is worse than the national average of Australia.
Mentioned below are some of the interesting facts about Australia are –
– Kangaroos only exist in Australia.
– Australia is a continent and a country.
– The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the biggest reef system in the world.
– Indigenous Australians have lived on the continent for over 65,000 years
Melbourne has one of the best coffee cultures in the world. The city’s laneways are filled with independent cafés serving top-notch espresso and creative brews.
Definitely. With top-ranked universities, multicultural communities, and student-friendly transport and events, Melbourne is a favourite among international students.
Yes! From the Australian Open (tennis) to the Melbourne Cup (horse racing), Formula 1 Grand Prix, and major music and film festivals — there’s always something happening.
Totally! The city offers everything from Michelin-level fine dining to street food from around the world. You’ll find dishes from Indian, Thai, Greek, Italian, and many more cuisines.
Melbourne is generally very safe, especially in student hubs. The city has low crime rates, active public transport, and many services for international student support.
We hope you liked this blog, where we covered some of the interesting facts about Melbourne. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience, you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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