Melbourne Etymology - How did Melbourne get its name?
Melbourne was to be named “Glenelg” but Governor Sir Richard Bourke refused the naming and suggested its current name. As an English crown settlement in 1837, Queen Victoria declared the name Melbourne officially to honour the British Prime Minister and her political mentor, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, William Lamb.
Melbourne Location
Located in the southeast of Australia, Melbourne is situated on Port Phillip, occupying most of its coastline, and spreads into the Hinterland towards the Dandenong and Macedon ranges, as well as Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley. It’s only 465 km to Canberra which is an hour-long flight and 654 km to Adelaide; an hour and a half flight. The distance from Melbourne to Sydney is also similar by plane since it’s around 713 km away.
Melbourne Climate
Weather and Temperature
Melbourne is characterised by an oceanic climate that is highly unpredictable, some even say you can witness the four seasons just in one day! Summer starts in December with temperatures ranging between 14 - 25.3°C and little to no rainfall. The hottest days are usually in January and February with temperatures reaching a maximum of 30°C. Autumn follows in March with slightly cooler weather and temperatures ranging between 10.9 – 20.3°C. The season might feature some morning fog as well as some light wind as it comes to an end. Winter then starts in June with temperatures ranging from 6.5 - 14.2°C with occasional frosts as well as snowfall in east Victoria but rainfall is rare. Spring comes with September with October being the wettest month of the year. This season is known to have changeable weather shifting quickly from sunny to windy.
What to Pack and Melbourne Local Timing
Since the weather in Melbourne is unpredictable, it would be smart to pack clothes that you can layer and remove or put on as needed. Make sure you have suitable clothes for all kinds of weather, light for warm days, heavy for the winter, waterproof for rainy, and a trusty windproof jacket. You’ll also need to have an umbrella and a waterproof cover for your backpack for the rainy days in October. Melbourne follows the UTC+10 timing which you should take into account while making travel arrangements and booking your student accommodation in Melbourne. There’s also the fact that Melbourne moves to Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), UTC +11 on the first Sunday in October at 2 AM Eastern Standard Time until the first Sunday in April at 3 AM Eastern Daylight Saving Time.
What are Some Must-Visit Places in Melbourne?
1. Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition
Having your student accommodation in Melbourne will make you dive into the interesting history and culture of Melbourne at the Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition. Set in the middle of beautiful green gardens, the museum holds within its walls a wide range of collections showcasing various cultures. Make sure you check out the Phar Lap exhibit and Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Just across from the museum is the Royal Exhibition Building established in 1880 to hold Melbourne's International Exhibition and it also hosted the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia in 1901.
2. Federation Square
When it opened in 2002 to commemorate 100 years of federation, Federation Square received mixed reactions from the people of Melbourne; some loved it while others didn’t. However, it became an essential landmark of the city that tourists have to stop by during their visit to admire its unique design and how it contrasts the surrounding Victorian buildings. The square hosts around 2000 events per year, so you’ll always find something to entertain you. Make sure you go inside to check out the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, dedicated to Australian art. The square is also known for being one of the largest free Wi-Fi sites in Australia. What can be better than having a PBSA student accommodation in Melbourne and a whole square with free Wi-Fi!
3. Royal Botanic Gardens
Want to get a breath of fresh air after a long week of classes and assignments? Head over to the Royal Botanic Gardens and marvel at the wonders of nature. Established in 1846, these gardens are highly regarded as one of the best in the world with 38 hectares holding more than 8,500 species of plants. The most popular tour at the gardens is the Aboriginal Heritage Walk where you get to know the intriguing heritage of indigenous Australians. Stopping by the gardens during the summer is the best since they set up a live theatre as well as a moonlight cinema where you can watch a movie under the stars.
4. National Gallery of Victoria
With more than 70,000 works of art in two city locations, the National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest public art gallery in Australia. It opened its doors in 1968 then did major renovations in 2003 that gave it its current breathtaking look. Its colourful stained glass ceiling is so charming that there is an area dedicated to visitors lying on the ground to gaze at, called The Great Hall.
5. Arcades and Laneways
“Arcades and Laneways'' is what is used to name the charming maze of alleyways and lanes around Flinders, Collins, and Bourke Streets. They are a must-visit while you’re in the city since they capture the heart and soul of Melbourne. The highlight is the Block Arcade in Collins Street where you can browse through unique shops and admire the mosaic floor and period details. Another can’t miss is the only original shop in the arcade dating back to 1892 the Hopetoun Tea Rooms where you can enjoy a morning cup of refreshing tea. Make sure you also stop by the Royal Arcade which is the oldest arcade in Melbourne.
Melbourne Traditional Food
1. Fairy Bread
This is an Aussie delicacy that will take your taste buds back to your childhood birthday parties. That’s where they’re mostly seen in Australia because of their sweet taste and colourful appearance. Fairy bread consists of white bread made with butter or margarine then completely covered in colourful sweet sprinkles.
2. Anzac Biscuits
If you want to get a taste of Melbourne’s history, head to the nearest bakery and ask for Anzac biscuits and take a trip down memory lane. They were a popular snack for travellers and soldiers back in the time not only for their simplicity and ability to last long distances but also for their unique taste. Its ingredients developed over the years and it became even better, having a sweeter kick to it. These biscuits are made from oats, flour, coconut, butter, golden syrup and baking soda all to create a light fluffy biscuit.
3. Spag Bol
Inspired by Italian spaghetti bolognese, Australians created their variation of this much-beloved pasta dish. Italians use sautéing and braising for the meat-based sauce with a sofrito of celery, onion, carrot and chopped beef or pork. Aussies, on the other hand, cook it with Aussie beef or veal and locally grown mushrooms, truffles and herbs for an authentic Australian flavour.
4. Kangaroo Meat
Australia is almost the only country where kangaroos are present in huge numbers and therefore is the only place where you can taste kangaroo meat. The best thing about kangaroo meat is that it’s low in fat, high in iron, and low on cholesterol as well as completely methane free which is why it’s often used in traditional Australian recipes. Another perk is that it’s very versatile since it’s tender and sweet, making it perfect for grilling and adding strong flavours like garlic, rosemary, or even orange. Be careful though, because kangaroo meat dries easily, so it’s better to cook it rare to medium to keep it tender and juicy.
5. Capricciosa Pizza
Pizza is everywhere, but each city has its take and style of making it that it gets known for like New York Pizza or Chicago Pizza. Melbourne is no different, creating its version of the delicious dough where it’s smaller than New York pies with thicker crusts. What makes Melbourne’s Capricciosa pizza unique is the number of different toppings added to it from olives, shredded ham, and mushrooms.
Universities in Melbourne
1. University of Melbourne
2. Australian Catholic University
3. Australian National University
4. Melbourne Law School
5. Melbourne Institute of Technology
6. La Trobe University, Franklin Street Campus
Transportation In Melbourne
You don’t need to worry about getting around in Melbourne with its comprehensive and various means of transport. The best way to get around, however, is by the tram for its extensive routes across the city. There’s even a free City Circle Tram operating in the central business district to facilitate sightseeing for visitors. You can buy what is called "Myki" passes online and use them for trams, buses, and even trains. As for the bus service, there are two bus zones and the schedules differ depending on the route. Bus fares are determined by the distance travelled with, standard fares ranging from AU$2.70 or AU$3.90 for two hours of rides. The city also has dedicated bike routes for those who love to get around by bicycle, which is a great way to truly take in the city.
Famous Neighbourhoods For Student Accommodation in Melbourne
Little La Trobe St, Lonsdale Street, Ballarat Road, Riversdale Road, Swanston Street, Lygon Street, Bouverie Street, Orr Street, Earl Street, Carlton, Flinders Street, Burwood Road, Raleigh Street, Cobden Street, Berkeley St, La Trobe Street.
Other Student Accommodation In Australia
Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Darwin, Gold Coast, Lismore, Perth, Sydney.
