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The state of Victoria occupies an area that for over 40,000 years was inhabited by various Aboriginal clans. The Aboriginal tribes or clans had little technology however their culture is rich and varied. They used complex ceremonies, and possessed sophisticated laws and codes of behavior. They are noted for their belief in using the environment in a sustainable fashion. A group of Tasmanian entrepreneurs established the city in 1885 and the Aboriginal way of life began to change almost instantly. For a time, Europeans tended to keep within sight of a seaport but all that changed when the riches of Australia's interior began to be discovered. Rich gold fields were discovered near Melbourne and the gold rush rolled over the Aboriginals who were forced to flee from ancestral land to avoid massacre or disease. Melbourne is the youngest city of its size in the world and its planned streetscape (streets fan out from a hub like spokes in a wheel) was laid down by a military surveyor Robert Hoddle. The gold rush of the 1850s transformed the city attracting immigrants by the thousand. The city grew fabulously wealthy– fortunes were made and lost – and most of its fine buildings can be traced back to gold origins. Immigration has been a huge influence on the cultural mix of the city- Irish and Chinese gold diggers burrowed into the gold rich soil. Post war waves of refugees, from Greece, Vietnam and other countries made Melbourne their home– resulting in a vibrant cosmopolitan city featuring world-class cuisine from different cultures and ornate designed buildings created by immigrant craftspeople. The gold rush is long over and now the city is a thriving cultural centre that aims to offer visitors a wide and varied entertainment menu. The city went into an economic decline for a time but has revived during the last ten years due to huge economic investment in run down areas, entertainment and infrastructure. Melbourne is not only choc-a-bloc with entertainment but it is a base from where you can swim, surf, roller skate and even ski – although probably not on the same day. It's nightlife and children's facilities are also world class. |