Melbourne State/Province: Victoria Country: Australia
Melbourne by the Numbers:
Population: 3.4 million (city); 3.6 million (metropolitan)
Elevation: 433 ft / 131 m
Average Annual Rainfall: 22.3 in / 566 mm
Average January Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
Average July Temperature: 9°C / 48°F
Business district pubs in the early 20th century: over 1,000
Quick Facts:
Major Industries: Tourism, Mining, Food Processing, Chemicals, Steel, Industrial and transport equipment
Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz, angled two and three pin plugs
Time Zone: GMT+10
Country Dialing Code: +61
Area Code: 03
Did You Know?
The Melbourne Cup is the most exciting Australian sporting event. Every November an unofficial holiday draws hundreds of thousands to Flemington or to their local bar to watch the big stakes races, when millions of dollars change hands as everyone bets their favorite nag. You'll be sure to see the most outrageous fashions in hats on the women at this event.
Melbourne is home to the world's first gay and lesbian radio station. It went on air in 1993.
Before Melbourne acquired its current name, it was called Batmania (after one of the co-founders John Batman), Bearbrass, Bearport, Bareheap and Bearbury (some derived from Aboriginal vocabulary: Berren and Bararing).