What You Know About Melbourne, Australia And What You Don't Know About Melbourne, Australia
If you're a Melburnian, you'll be happy to call yourself one after finishing this article. Australia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world today. It is not just a one-dimensional land with a few abandoned towns scattered around it, but rather it is a place with a wide range of beautiful landscapes and people. And although Sydney is it's most popular city, the city of Melbourne is truly a sight to behold.
Melbourne has a well-deserved reputation as one of the world's most livable cities. Additionally, it's known as the "Sporting Capital of the World," but it's also known for its graffiti laneways and outstanding coffee. There's something for everyone in this vibrant Australian metropolis. Those who enjoy the arts, the beach, good food, history, or the great outdoors will all find something to enjoy here.
Here are some amazing facts about the city of Melbourne; which includes a few you were probably familiar with and some that you had absolutely no idea about.
1. Melbourne's St. Kilda Penguins
It's a given fact that a great Southern Hemisphere coastal city must have penguins nearby, and Melbourne is no exception. Known as 'Little Penguins,' the St Kilda Penguins are a unique subspecies of penguin found only in Australia and New Zealand. Obviously, they're called that because they're so tiny. These penguins aren't just small, they're the smallest penguins on the planet.
2. The Largest Open-air Market in the Southern Hemisphere
Melbourne is also home to the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. There are a slew of fantastic markets in Melbourne, from bi-monthly farmer's markets to other open-air markets. Yes, the Largest! Of these, Queen Victoria Market is well-known due to the wide variety of goods it offers.
3. The World's Best Foods
Since the city of Melbourne was founded by immigrants, its culinary scene is as diverse as it is. From Chinese dim sum to Greek Souvlaki to Italian Parmi, British meat pies to Vietnamese Banh Mi and Lebanese flatbreads, the iconic food here has been passed down through families and embraced into Australian culture.
4. Crown Casino is Melbourne's Biggest Casino
The Melbourne Crown Casino Australia is regarded as the largest casino in the city by the total number of gaming machines and table games. It provides a gaming experience that is unmatched in Melbourne, with a dizzying array of gaming options presented in a vibrant and sophisticated setting.
5. The Best Coffee City in the World
In terms of 'the best coffee city in the world,' Melbourne may not immediately come to mind, but if you spend any time here, you'll quickly realize it is. When Italian and Greek immigrants arrived in Melbourne after World War II, their beloved espresso machines brought coffee with them.
In gentrified areas, where the standard of life has improved, independent coffee shops have sprung up and people have more leisure time to enjoy them.
6. Australia's Oldest Railway Station
Among the most beautiful sites in Melbourne, Flinders Street is arguably its most well-known landmark. Flinders Street is Australia's oldest railway station, having opened in 1854. Once a simple timber structure, it was finished in 1910 and has since become a recognizable landmark. Statistically, as many as 100,000 people pass through Flinders Street Station's massive arches on a typical day.
7. Melbourne Was Once The Richest City In The World
Although it might be difficult to believe, Melbourne was once the richest city in the world. Melbourne became the richest city in the world in 1880 as a result of the Victorian Gold Rush.
Conclusion
Australia is an excellent country and it's cities are a testimony to that fact (although there is always room for growth), Melbourne being one of them, with gorgeous landmarks and nature revealed in all its beauty.
So are you looking to get away from it all, have a picnic, relax with a book, or just to take in the vastness of nature so near to the heart of a major metropolis? Melbourne, Australia should be on your list.
