Melbourne was founded in 1835 when settler John Batman declared at a point on the northern bank of the Yarra River (at the end of where William Street is now) would be "the place for a village". In 1837, surveyor Robert Hoddle designed Melbourne's central grid pattern which was aligned with the Yarra River and consisted of main thoroughfares 30 metres wide with narrower east-west service lanes. This grid became Melbourne's central business district, bounded by La Trobe Street, Spring Street, Flinders Street and Spencer Street. This created a spacious layout for the city centre which has allowed Melbourne's tram network to remain in place despite demand for road space.

The suburbs immediately surrounding Melbourne (starting from the north and going around clockwise) are North Melbourne, Parkville, Carlton, Fitzroy, East Melbourne, Richmond, South Yarra, Prahran, St Kilda, Albert Park, South Melbourne, Southbank, Docklands and West Melbourne.

Melbourne's city centre is characterised by spacious, tree-lined streets, many with tram lines running along them. The retail precinct includes the Melbourne Central Shopping Centre complete with its own underground railway station, the Bourke Street pedestrian Mall, the part-time Swanston Street Mall, and Collins Street which is home to exclusive fashion and jewellery stores. Chinatown, located along the eastern end of Little Bourke Street, features traditional Chinese shopping and dining experiences, established during the gold rush of the 1850s. A well-know landmark is Federation Square which is situated across the road from Flinders Street Station and opens out onto the Yarra River and adjacent parkland, features the city's official visitor information centre, cafes, restaurants, and a hotel.

Melbourne is a mix of old and new. Exclusive shopping arcades and the bustling Queen Victoria Market, along with historical landmarks from centuries ago, blend in with modern office towers. The Rialto Towers in Collins Street is the central business district's tallest building and an observation deck on level 55 was open to the public up until 2009. Views of the city can be enjoyed from the taller Eureka Tower across the Yarra River in neighbouring Southbank.

Melbourne boasts extensive parklands, with many centred around the Yarra River to the south-east of the central business district. Birrarung Marr, Melbourne's newest park, is located next to Federation Square, while the Kings Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens, between St Kilda Road and the Yarra River, feature the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, several lakes, a large collection of historical monuments and memorials, and pathways all of which traverse manicured gardens and lawns. The Shrine of Remembrance, in Kings Domain, is the scene of an annual Anzac Day dawn service, and includes a visitor centre as well as a viewing balcony inside the shrine which offers spectacular views. Across the Yarra River is Melbourne Park and Olympic Park, featuring international standard sporting and entertainment arenas.

	Australian Centre for the Moving Image Located at Federation Square, find out everything about cinema, television, computer games and screen-based art of the future within galleries, cinemas and studios
	Australian Racing Museum One of Australia's finest collection of thoroughbred horse racing memorabilia with a changing program of innovative exhibitions and displays
	Chinese Museum With an exciting range of changing exhibitions, heritage tours and public seminars, it preserves and display the history of Australians of Chinese descent
	Federation Square Opened in 2002, this public square fronts the Yarra River and is located on the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street, featuring several museums, the Melbourne Visitor Centre, restaurants, bars and function centres
	Immigration Museum Discover the many dimensions of the migration experience from the 1800s through to the present day
	Melbourne Aquarium A total entertainment facility for visitors of all ages, showcasing the creatures of the Southern Ocean
	Melbourne Park & Olympic Park Australia's premier sports and entertainment precinct including the Rod Laver Arena, Vodafone Arena, a function centre, sporting ovals and stadiums
	Old Melbourne Gaol Comprising of the Old Melbourne Gaol, former City Watch House and the Old Magistrate's Court, this extensive complex has been preserved allowing visitors to step back in time and uncover the history of crime and justice in the state
	Shrine of Remembrance Victoria's largest war memorial, honouring those who served in World War I and conflicts since, complete with visitor centre and lookout

	Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre Discover the vibrant living history and culture of the indigenous people of south-east Australia through the centre's interactive visual and sound exhibition
	State Library of Victoria First opened in 1856, it is Victoria's major reference and research library with over two million books and collections of material in digital format

	206 Bourke An Asian food and shopping complex featuring fashion retailers, restaurants and vibrant public spaces
	Australia on Collins With over 60 speciality stores and a food court, this centre offers contemporary shopping for fashion, homewares, gifts and beauty
	Melbourne Central The city centre's major retail hub with over 300 stores and an 11-screen cinema, built around the historic Shot Tower
	Queen Victoria Market Established in 1878, this open-air market has a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere, with almost half the space dedicated to the sale of fresh produce
	QV Occupying the former site of the Queen Victoria Hospital, this urban village features a retail precinct with intimate laneways and a central square surrounded with shops, restaurants and entertainment

	Alexandra Gardens On the southern side of the Yarra River, directly across from Federation Square, these historic gardens were first laid out in 1904 and feature ornamental gardens, lawns, the Riverslide Skate Park and historic rowing boathouses
	Birrarung Marr Located on the northern bank of the Yarra River next to Federation Square, this 7 hectare park features hundreds of trees and plants, terraced lawns and the William Barak Bridge which provides pedestrian access to the MCG and impressive views of the city
	Kings Domain Parkland which encircles Government House and the Shrine of Remembrance, featuring many monuments, sculptures, open lawns, shady trees, gardens and walking tracks
	Queen Victoria Gardens A triangular 5 hectare park fronting St Kilda Road with a series of ornamental ponds, the famous Floral Clock, rose gardens and several monuments and sculptures
	Royal Botanic Gardens Established in 1846 along the southern bank of the Yarra River, it is widely known for its sweeping lawns, lakes and an immense range of plants from across Australia and the world, with a garden shop, cafe and guided tours

	Australian Open Tennis Championships Held in January over two weeks, international tennis stars produce grand slam action as they battle for the coveted Australian Open title, in colourful and vibrant atmosphere with live music and entertainment
	Moomba Waterfest Held across the Labour Day weekend since 1955, it features carnival rides, a street procession and water-based events on the Yarra River including races and fireworks

	That's Melbourne Guide to Melbourne covering events, shopping, dining and entertainment
	Yarra River Precinct Information on Melbourne's Yarra River and the attractions along it, including history, maps, cruises, dining and events

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