The residents of Melbourne have capitalised on the city’s large size and have established the busiest port in Australia. Recreational activities can also be found on the Yarra including:
- Kayaking
- Freshwater fishing
- Boating
After gaining independence in 1901, Melbourne served as the temporary seat of federal parliament until it was moved to Canberra in 1927. Melbourne boasts a very rich culture of music, art, sport and dance. It is one of the liveliest cities in Australia.
Transport
Melbourne has the most developed urban tram system in Australia. In the 1800s, the first trams came into use. They were horse drawn, slow and did not carry many passengers. This service improved when cable trams were introduced. The number of passengers and speed increased significantly however Melbournians were not content with this type of tram. Additional money and time were invested and the electric tram was introduced. The tram network in Melbourne is so important that cars and people come second when it comes to who has the right of way andt raffic lights help to keep trams moving.
Trams revolutionised public transport in Melbourne and are an important part of the city’s identity.
Education
Education is paramount to the story of Melbourne. It is for this reason that the curriculum has been designed to build an all-round individual who is literate and able to succeed in the wider world. Educators have focused on the lower education levels, such as kindergarten and primary school, because it is believed that it is at this level that children will be shaped into who they will become. Literacy in Melbourne has increased over the past 10 years and is expected to continue rising steadily.
At the university level, Melbourne has received praise from many areas, including the Times Higher Education Supplement. Universities in Melbourne include:
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
- University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- Australian Catholic University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Latrobe University
- Victoria University
- Deakin University
Culture
Melbourne is a multicultural city with residents from all corners of the globe. In Melbourne you will always find some kind of celebration or festival going on. The Indian population has the Diwali Festival of Light, while the Latin Americans enjoy their Latin Festival. Melbourne has a large number of festivals held throughout the year and a good number of these are geared towards the appreciation and nurturing of the various arts. Some of the festivals include:
- Moomba
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- Melbourne Fringe Festival
- Melbourne Writers Festival
- Melbourne Arts Festival
The streets of Melbourne are literally littered with entertainment activities. There is everything from theatre to concert halls and nightclubs to amusement parks. The rise of entertainers such as Nick Cave, Anthony Callea and Olivia Newton-John are credited to this remarkable city.
Business
The business sector is booming as well, with companies like BHP Billiton earning revenue as high as $US29 billion. The flourishing economy dates back to the 1800s when Victoria was a major gold producer. A gold rush ensued shortly after gold was discovered in Ballarat, north of Melbourne, in 1851. Melbourne grew rapidly as a result.
The information technology field has also proven to be very promising and has grown steadily. In 2007, Melbourne IT Ltd recorded $US154.4 million in revenue. Tourism is doing well, too, earning billions of dollars from local and international visitors.
Conclusion
Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with a thriving and diverse economy. It has an enviable public transport system, particularly its trams, and a broad cultural life of theatre, dance and the arts. It is one of the world’s most liveable cities.
