Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia. The city occupies a broad open basin, the lower part of which is Port Phillip Bay. The bay is large with a narrow entrance.
Melbourne's commercial centre lies on the northern bank of the Yarra River, which enters Port Phillip Bay to the north. Until recently there has been little to limit the development of the city. Suburbs have spread most rapidly to the undulating landscape of the Dandenong Ranges to the east. Corridors to the south-east and north are now the focus of growth.
Melbourne was Australia's largest city at the time of Federation (1901) and became the new nation's interim capital and seat of Federal Parliament until 1927.
Population: 3 283 000 (1996 Census)
More information on Victoria.
