Anyone that has ever been to Melbourne knows there is so much to do and see in Australia‘s cultural capital. Melbourne is a pulsing, fun, and vibrant city, but some weird laws and facts about it make it more interesting. Read on and find out.
Here are 11 Interesting Melbourne Facts You Might Not Have Known
1. The city has been around for longer than you think…
The city of Melbourne was founded in 1835, and 1840, the Flemington racecourse was laid there. This is what makes the racecourse one of the most distinct facing surfaces in Australia. The first race in the ground was held on March 3, 1840. The beds were also perfect for horse racing in Australia since it was a large flat land area.
2. The first telegraphed sporting event was held at the city’s racecourse
The Australian Championship was the town’s talk in 1859 for being the first sporting event that was telegraphed. The event had a massive crowd of around 40,000 people and was held at Flemington. Different events have been held at the racecourse in 2020. Coolmore Stud Stakes will be held on October 30 at Flemington Racecourse as well.
3. The city is home to the most massive glass ceiling, which is stained
The most massive glass ceiling which is stained in the world is found in the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. The top has measurements of 51 meters by 15 meters. Different people visit the NGV to experience sight. Additional exhibitions are also carried out at the place to attract those viewing the coloured glass.
4. Melbourne has the most extensive tramway outside Europe
Europe is known for having outstanding public transport facilities, and three of the largest tramways are found on the continent. The fourth-largest tramway is located in Melbourne. It is a rite of passage in the city to use a tram if you are exploring the city. It is free in some parts of the CBD.
5. It’s illegal to drive your dog or goat in this city
Melbourne’s local by-laws state that driving a dog or goat in any public place if harnessed in a car is illegal. Some parts of the city consider it completely unfair to have your dog or goat pull you around the whole day.
6. Melbourne has a Brakesman (which is very rare)
In the olden days, people would stand in elevators and push a button to get to their destination, but nowadays, Brakesmen are not common in any world. However, in Melbourne’s Luna Park, you will find a Brakesman operating a roller coaster.
7. In 1956 this city changed the Olympic Games
When they were not held in Melbourne, the Olympic games’ opening ceremony did not leave a chance for athletes from all countries to walk in a stadium and introduce themselves. However, in 1956, Melbourne changed the norm when John Ian Wing requested the athletes to walk in the stadium and be a spectacle to the congregation. This has never changed since then.
8. You will be asked weird questions in Melbourne
The Crimes Act developed in 1958 states that people abound not to advertise for a reward for any missing or stolen property without asking questions. If you lose an item in a public transport vehicle or a hotel room, always ask whoever hands you your property questions.
9. It’s the home of Aussie Rules Football
AFL came into existence in 1958 and was invented in Melbourne. The sports came about when a team of Australian men looked for a sport to ensure cricketers remain fit when they are not playing. Since then, the AFL is hosted in the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
10. Melbourne invented different chocolate bars
The Freddy Frog, Crunchie, and Cherry Ripe chocolate bars were invented in this city in 1930, 1929, and 1924. They were created by a confectionery works company working in the city for more than 100 years.
11. The city’s Moomba Festival’s has Misnamed Origins
Melbourne’s annual Moomba Festival, one of Australia’s largest community festivals, was named in 1955 with the intention of meaning “let’s get together and have fun” in an Indigenous language. However, it’s widely believed that “moom” means “buttocks” or “anus” in some Victorian Aboriginal languages, and “-ba” is a locative suffix, roughly translating to “up your bum.” The name was likely a misunderstanding, but it stuck, and the festival remains a beloved event.
Well, there you have it, 11 Interesting Facts that you might not have not known about Melbourne. If you have something to add, feel free to comment in the section provided below.
Living in South Africa and planning a trip to this city in the near future? Check out these Melbourne accommodation options.
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