Melbourne, often hailed as Australia’s cultural capital, is a vibrant and dynamic city that consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable. But for those unfamiliar with the geography of Australia, a common question arises: just Where Is Melbourne located?
Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria, situated on the southeastern coast of mainland Australia. More specifically, it gracefully embraces the northern and eastern shorelines of Port Phillip Bay. This expansive bay opens into the Bass Strait, effectively connecting Melbourne to the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean and the island state of Tasmania.
Geographically, Melbourne’s metropolitan area, often referred to as Greater Melbourne, sprawls across a considerable 9,993 square kilometers (3,858 sq mi). This encompasses not only the central urban hub, including the bustling Melbourne central business district (CBD), but also extends outwards to incorporate 31 local government areas. The city’s reach extends beyond the immediate bay area, stretching into the scenic Mornington Peninsula, westward into parts of West Gippsland, and towards the picturesque hinterlands encompassing the Yarra Valley, the Dandenong Ranges, and the Macedon Ranges.
Melbourne holds the distinction of being the second-most populous city in Australia, after Sydney. As of 2023, the city boasts a population of approximately 5.2 million people, representing a significant 19% of Australia’s total population. These residents, known as “Melburnians,” contribute to the city’s rich multicultural tapestry and energetic atmosphere.
The land upon which Melbourne now stands has a deep and rich history, predating European settlement by tens of thousands of years. For over 40,000 years, this region has been the ancestral home of Aboriginal Victorians. It served as a vital meeting place for the clans of the Kulin Nation, an alliance of five Indigenous Australian peoples. Within the Kulin Nation, the Boonwurrung, Woiwurrung, and Wurundjeri peoples are recognized as the traditional custodians of the lands encompassing modern-day Melbourne.
While a short-lived British penal settlement briefly existed in the Port Phillip area in 1803, the official founding of Melbourne is attributed to free settlers arriving from Van Diemen’s Land (present-day Tasmania) in 1835. By 1837, Melbourne was formally incorporated as a Crown settlement and bestowed with its current name, honoring William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, who was the then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
In conclusion, Melbourne is strategically positioned in southeastern Australia, nestled around Port Phillip Bay in the state of Victoria. Its geographical location has been instrumental in its development as a major cultural and economic hub, attracting millions of residents and visitors alike to experience its unique blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty.
