Ever wondered the History of Melbourne? How Melbourne was founded and how it got its name? Curious about when the first train and tram was made in Melbourne? If that’s a yes, we have put together a brief history all about our wonderful Melbourne city’s history.
History of Melbourne
When was Melbourne founded and how did Melbourne get its name?
Melbourne was founded in 1835 along the infamous Yarra River and that is where the History of Melbourne first started.
Fun fact, the state of Victoria was named after the current queen at that time, Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria decided on the name Melbourne for our city, as an honour to the second Viscount Melbourne, who was the British Prime Minister and a political mentor to Queen Victoria.
Melbourne boomed in the 1850s due to the illustrious Gold Rush. By 1851, Melbourne was a growing town with 29,000 inhabitants. The same year, Victoria separated from New South Wales and become a separate colony, where Melbourne the capital city of Victoria.
When were famous Melbourne attractions built?
Some of Melbourne’s most well known attractions were built:
- Royal Melbourne Hospital was founded in 1848.
- Princess Bridge was built in 1850
- State Library Victoria was built in 1856
- Melbourne University was founded in 1853
- The Old Treasury Building was built in 1862
- Melbourne Town Hall built in 1870
- Government house was built in 1876
- Shrine of remembrance was built in 1934
- Eureka Skydeck began construction in 2002 and opened in 2006.
History of Trains & Stations in Melbourne
We are all used to taking the train and tram around Melbourne. There was a time when Melbourne didn’t have fast and convenient modes of transport. Instead, people walked or travelled to other colonies by horse drawn carriages and coastal ships.
The first ever steam railway in Australia was built in 1854 between Melbourne and Port Melbourne. This allowed the colonies to develop railway systems rapidly afterwards. The first ever railway line opened between Flinders Street Station in Melbourne and Port Melbourne (known before as Sandridge) in 1854.
Flinders street station was first built in 1854. The City Loop we know and love today began construction in 1971 and was completed in 1985. The City Loop opened in 1981, where Melbourne Central was the first station used (previously called Museum Station). Parliament Station later opened in 1983, followed by Flagstaff in 1985.
History of Melbourne Trams
The first electric tram began operating in 1889 between Box Hill and Doncaster. This service was abandoned not long before 7 years. Trams began operating again on Melbourne streets in 1906 from St. Kilda station to Brighton (which is now Stop 132 on Route 96).
This is a brief overview of the key History of Melbourne events which helped shape the city to what is today as one of the most liveable cities in the world!
Stay with us whilst discovering the History of Melbourne
We are perfectly located to discover the History of Melbourne whilst in our beautiful city! We are on the corner of Flinders Lane and Spencer Street, making us the perfect location to get around the city.
There are many accommodation options and promotions available for you to explore.
