Melbourne was meticulously planned. It began as a barely legal, speculative settlement that broke away from New South Wales, and was fortunate to be blessed with farsighted founders who envisioned a great 19 th century city with an abundance of parks and wide roads and boulevards.

Since Robert Hoddle laid out his grid in 1837, many buildings have been raised and razed within the original town reserve bounded by Victoria Street, Hoddle Street and the Yarra River, but the streets and parks remain resolute.

Fitzroy Gardens and the refined residences of East Melbourne sit in the northeast corner. A few minutes to the north are the Carlton Gardens, the surrounding terrace houses of Carlton, the Victoriana of South Parkville, the vast open Royal Park, and the eclectic collection of buildings in the Melbourne University grounds.

The history of the City of Melbourne has always been of great interest to residents and non-residents alike.  

This section is intended to provide a concise, factual and representative history of the City. It also aims to answer the wide range of enquiries typically inspired by the affection that Melburnians and visitors to Melbourne hold for the City.