South Gate in melbourne

Southgate gives access across the Yarra River to the south of the city, Victoria Street marking the north. To the east you'll find Fitzroy Gardens and Federation Square, and to the west Spencer Street and the docklands.

The heart of the city is marked by Bourke Street Mall which is situated between Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street, running north to south. Bourke Street and Collins Street are the main roads running west to east.

Melbourne was originally settled by graziers, John Batman being the first. He claimed land just north of Port Phillip Bay, whilst other graziers also decided to occupy areas near the Yarra River, but without the necessary permission to colonise.

Captain William Lonsdale was sent from Sydney to oversee the land sales. The township being established in 1835 and named after the British Prime Minister at the time, Lord Melbourne. Having been originally considered part of New South Wales, Victoria was established as a separate colony in 1851.