Melbourne is one of Australia’s most fascinating cities. Situated along the shore of Port Phillip, this famous metropolis has a storied history along with many other intriguing aspects that visitors can learn more about while spending time in Melbourne.
Previous Capital of Australia
Today, Melbourne serves as the capital city of the Australian state of Victoria, but the city was once the capital of all of Australia. Melbourne, which was originally known as Batmania, served as Australia’s capital from 1901 until 1927. Sydney was also in contention to become the official capital of Australia, but Canberra was chosen instead.
Location of the First Feature Film Premier
The world’s first full-length film was produced in Melbourne and shown to an audience in 1906 at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre. “The Story of the Kelly Gang” was the name of the movie. Ned Kelly, one of Australia’s most infamous bandits, was the subject of the film.
Vegemite Comes from Melbourne
Many people are only familiar with the Vegemite sandwich from the 1980s song “Down Under,” but Vegemite is an authentic Melbourne food spread that is enjoyed widely throughout Australia. Vegemite was first produced in Melbourne in 1922 and is often applied to sandwich bread, toast, and cracker biscuits. Vegetables, spice extracts, and other ingredients are used to give Vegemite its distinct flavour, and the spread is also certified as a vegan-friendly food item.
Home to Many Foxes
Some people refer to Melbourne as the “Fox Capital of the World” because of its large fox population. Statistics show that there are approximately 20 foxes per square kilometer living in certain parts of Melbourne. The red fox is particularly common in Melbourne and has made its home in the inner parts of the city since the 1930s.
An Olympic First
In 1956, Melbourne became the first city outside of North America and Europe to host the Summer Olympic Games. The event was held from November 22 until December 8 of that year to coincide with Australia’s warmer late-spring season.
In addition to Melbourne’s famous attractions and scenic cityscape, there are many interesting facts about the city that help draw in even more tourists each year. Anyone who visits Melbourne can learn more about these and other aspects of the city that make Melbourne one of the world’s most special places.
