When you visit Melbourne today, you’ll find a bustling city on the go, fuelled by world-class coffee and an outstanding culinary scene. There’s always a footy, rugby, or cricket game to catch, a theatre or comedy show to get to, or a hidden laneway bar to enjoy some cocktails in. Modern buildings tower overhead, dwarfing the more modest efforts of previous generations.
While there’s always something new and exciting to do in Melbourne, our city’s past is equally fascinating to explore. After all, history and contemporary culture go hand in hand! That’s why we have put together this Melbourne History Guide.
It’s brief, it’s buzzy, but it’s the perfect introduction to the people and events that helped to shape the city we know and love today.
If you want to take a deeper dive into Melbourne’s past while you’re in town, we think you’ll love our Melbourne’s Earliest Buildings Walking Tour, just one of our wider range of Melbourne Day Tours and Private Tours in Melbourne.
But for now, let’s get started on this Melbourne History Guide! If any questions come to mind as we go, please just contact us for the answers you need.
Long before the glittering skyscrapers and bustling laneways, the land now known as Melbourne was inhabited by the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. Their connection to this land spans over 40,000 years, with the area rich in resources and cultural significance.
While Europeans have always called the river running through modern-day Melbourne the Yarra, the Aboriginal name for it was Birrarung (“river of mists”). The differences in these names can be traced back to a waterfall that used to exist on the river, near where the Immigration Museum stands today. The Aboriginal name for the waterfall was Yarra Yarra, meaning “always flowing”. The early European settlers thought Yarra Yarra referred to the whole river, so that’s what they called it.
The Yarra River, or Birrarung, was central to the Wurundjeri’s way of life. They fished in its waters, camped along its banks, and celebrated ceremonies honouring the land and their ancestors. We recognise them as the traditional custodians of the land and pay our respects to their elders – past, present, and emerging.
In 1835, almost 50 years after the First Fleet landed in Sydney, John Batman, a farmer from Tasmania with a penchant for alcohol and entrepreneurship, crossed Bass Strait looking for new grazing land. Finding fertile soil in and around what is now known as Melbourne, he declared it the “place for a village”, signed a treaty with the local Aboriginal people (later declared void), and named the area Batmania. Much to the disappointment of children everywhere, the name didn’t stick any longer than his treaty.
When Batman returned to Tasmania to gather supplies for his new settlement, he did what most Aussie blokes of the day did and went to the pub for a beer and to skite about his new land acquisition (translation: skite = boast). The publican, a sober man named John Pascoe Fawkner, decided there was money to be made, so he put together his own workers and supplies and hot-footed it to Melbourne to establish his settlement before Batman. To this day, there is division amongst historians as to who is the true founding father of the city.
The fledgling settlement quickly developed a bustling economy. Within 15 years of European settlement, Melbourne had grown to boast three butchers, three bakers, and a staggering sixteen pubs. This proliferation of public houses highlighted the settlers’ fondness for social gatherings and a good drink, setting the stage for Melbourne’s enduring love affair with good food and good times.
The city’s first police force was established in 1838, bringing a semblance of order to this lively frontier town. Of course, the first police force was made up of current and ex-convicts, so that law and order was tinged with corruption and bribery!
When you look at a map of Melbourne, you will see a grid pattern of wide, straight streets that makes navigating our city easy. Known as the Hoddle Grid, it was designed by Government Surveyor Robert Hoddle in 1837. His plan was to create an orderly metropolis, free from the narrow laneways and alleys that cluttered other cities. The government believed that laneways were breeding grounds for crime. In their minds, “no laneways = no crime!”
Once again showing their independent spirit, the “no laneways” rule lasted until Hoddle returned to Sydney. Then a labyrinth of laneways and alleys were carved out between those beautiful, broad streets. Added by merchants and traders for easier access to their goods, those laneways and alleys have become a hallmark of the city’s charm, teeming with vibrant street art, cozy cafes, and secret bars.
If the sound of “secret bars” appeals to you, we think you’ll love our Melbourne Hidden Bar Walking Tour!
Melbourne’s early years saw it christened with several curious names: Batmania, Bearbrass, Bearheap, and even Bearburp, reflecting the colourful and chaotic nature of its early days. It was not until 1837 that it was officially named Melbourne, in honour of the British Prime Minister, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne.
This period also saw the construction of some of Melbourne’s oldest buildings, such as St James Old Cathedral (1839) and the Mitre Tavern (1837), which still stand today, offering glimpses into the city’s early colonial architecture. You can visit these buildings and more with an expert local guide on our Melbourne’s Earliest Buildings Walking Tour.
Subsequent years saw other unofficial names for Melbourne. In the 1850s, during the Gold Rush, Chinese miners referred to Melbourne as “New Gold Mountain” (San Francisco having been called Gold Mountain during the earlier Californian gold rush). In the 1880s, at the height of Melbourne’s wealth, the city was known as Marvellous Melbourne, and in the 1890s, for a short, unfortunate period before a sewage system was installed in the city, London papers referred to us as “Smellbourne”!
After 16 years as the Port Phillip District of New South Wales, in 1851, Victoria separated from New South Wales. Just weeks later, which according to some was due to coincidence and most, good planning, gold was discovered in nearby Ballarat and Bendigo, sparking one of the world’s greatest gold rushes.
Immigrants flooded in from all over the globe, transforming Melbourne into a vibrant, multicultural city almost overnight. In 1850, the population of the colony was 23,000 people. By 1860, that number had grown to 700,000, bringing diverse cultures and traditions that enriched the city’s fabric. Chinese miners constituted about 9% of the prospectors, contributing to Melbourne’s multiculturalism and economic boom. Today, Melbourne’s Chinatown is the oldest continuously running Chinatown in the Western world.
Our iconic Chinatown is just one of the famous stops on our three-hour Essential Melbourne Walking Tour.
The Eureka Rebellion, which took place in 1854 in Ballarat, just over an hour from Melbourne, was one of the most significant events in early Victoria’s history. Frustrated by high licensing fees imposed on gold miners, a group of miners took a stand, by building a stockade at Eureka to protest against the authorities.
Tensions escalated, leading to clashes between the miners and the government forces. While the rebellion itself did not achieve its immediate goals, it resulted in significant political changes, including the granting of miners’ rights and reforms that laid the foundation for Australia’s democratic principles. The Eureka flag, raised during the rebellion, remains an enduring symbol of defiance and the fight for justice in Australia.
By the 1880s, Melbourne had become the richest city in the world. This era, known as “Marvellous Melbourne,” saw a sudden influx of riches that led to a culture of extravagance and opulence, as newly affluent miners indulged in lavish lifestyles. Ornate costumes, extravagant balls, and opulent feasts became the norm, reflecting the newfound wealth. Taverns overflowed with celebratory crowds dining on imported delicacies and fine wines.
There was so much money floating around that some people developed quite bizarre ways of spending it. Shouting the whole bar to drinks was popular, but one miner took it one step further and filled a horse trough with champagne and invited everyone who passed by to have a drink. Another used full champagne bottles as bowling pins. They clearly had money to burn–quite literally! There are stories of people using 5-pound notes to light their pipes, putting a note between two slices of bread and eating it as a sandwich and even horses could be seen with gold horseshoes and bridles.
Remember, with our Melbourne Private Tours, our expert trip planners can curate the perfect day for your group. Working around your interests, we can show you around our beautiful city on your terms!
Melbourne played a crucial role in Australia’s Federation, with the Australian Constitution being proclaimed from the steps of the Royal Exhibition Building in 1901. This momentous occasion marked the birth of the Commonwealth of Australia, signifying Melbourne’s importance in the nation.
The rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney dates back many years and can be seen in the debate over which city should be the capital of Australia after the Federation in 1901 – wealthy Melbourne, or historic Sydney. Although a compromise was reached, with a new city, Canberra, being built between the two, Melbourne served as the temporary seat of the Federal Parliament of Australia from 1901 to 1911, until Canberra was sufficiently developed to take over the role. During this time, Melbourne solidified its status as a key political and cultural hub in Australia.
The post-World War II era brought a wave of Italian immigrants to an already multicultural Melbourne. We’re eternally grateful to those early Italian arrivals because they brought the first decent coffee to our city – paving the way for Melbourne’s now-renowned coffee culture. Today, Melbourne is often hailed as one of the coffee capitals of the world, with countless cafes serving up expertly crafted brews.
Melbourne has been the sports capital of Australia for many years and has even been named Sports Capital of the World multiple times! The most popular sport in Melbourne is Australian Rules Football, a game only played in Australia and invented right here in Melbourne! Tom Wills, one of the game’s founders, was inspired by the Aboriginal game Marngrook when he formulated the rules of this uniquely Australian sport in 1858.
Our city has since cemented its status as the sporting capital, hosting iconic events like the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, and the Australian Rules Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as well as the 1956 Summer Olympics – the first Olympic Games to be held in the Southern Hemisphere.
For all the sports fans out there looking for an immersive Melbourne experience, find out more about our Sports Lovers Walking Tour and watching Live Aussie Rules Football with a Local Host.
Melbourne’s cultural scene flourished in the 1970s and 1980s, with the city becoming a hub for innovative music and arts. The establishment of the Melbourne Arts Precinct has turned the city into a centre of cultural activities, including world-renowned theatres, galleries, and concert halls.
Renowned for having one of the highest numbers of live music venues per capita in the world, the city’s vibrant music scene caters to all genres, with countless intimate venues such as the Forum or the Corner Hotel, to large-scale events at the MCG, with a capacity of over 100,000 screaming fans, the city provides a stage for both local and international talent. This dynamic musical landscape adds to Melbourne’s cultural richness, making it a must-visit destination for music lovers.
Check out our blog about Melbourne’s best live music venues if you want to catch a gig while you’re in town!
In recent years, Melbourne has continued to evolve, with significant urban developments like the rejuvenation of the Docklands area. The city has also frequently been named the “World’s Most Liveable City,” reflecting its successful blend of innovation, sustainability, and quality of life.
From its ancient Indigenous roots to its bustling laneways and vibrant cultural scene, Melbourne’s history is a tapestry of diverse influences and bold characters. This city, with its rich past and dynamic present, continues to enchant residents and visitors alike, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and innovation that is distinctly Melbourne.
We hope this Melbourne History Guide has inspired you to start planning your time in our home city. Browsing our range of Melbourne Day Tours and Private Tours in Melbourne is the perfect way to start! And for even more local insights and recommendations, be sure to read our Melbourne City Guide.
The Show Me Melbourne team is here to help however we can, so please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have.