Melbourne's history and heritage

The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges that it is located on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation. This special place is now known by its European name of Melbourne.

A street in Chinatown with traditional structures connecting above the roads with lanterns hanging from above.

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Melbourne's history
Melbourne's heritage
Our key historic buildings
Melbourne throughout history
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Melbourne's history

Today, Melbourne is one of the great multicultural cities of the world and is a significant meeting place.

For the Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung, Taungurong, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wathaurung which make up the Kulin Nation, Melbourne has always been an important meeting place and location for events of social, educational, sporting and cultural significance.

Since its European settlement in 1835, different nationalities have migrated to Melbourne at various stages of its history and have contributed significantly to the city's growing identity.

Find out more about Melbourne’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and its multicultural history.

Discover our history

The History of the City of Melbourne booklet provides a historical overview of the foundation of Melbourne and the creation and growth of the Melbourne City Council.

It is intended for all levels or readership and aims to present a concise, factual and representative history of the City of Melbourne. It also aims to provide answers to the wide range of enquiries typically inspired by the affection that Melburnians and visitors to Melbourne hold for the city.

The History of the City of Melbourne
pdf, 2.52MB

Melbourne's history and heritage

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Council, mayor and lord mayor history

Melbourne City Council began as a Town Council in 1842. 

Melbourne Town Hall history

Find out about the building’s history and features including the auditorium, council chambers and grand organ, and the recent renovation of the ground floor space.

Coat of arms

Learn about the design and background to the City of Melbourne’s coat of arms.

Parks and gardens history

From the early days of settlement to the well-used green spaces of today.

Building Melbourne

Since its founding in 1835, Melbourne has taken form from a small settlement to the vibrant city it is today.

Neighbourhood histories

Thematic Environmental Histories (neighbourhood histories) offer insights into the influences and changes that have helped shape our city.

Celebrating women in Melbourne's history

We’re taking action to address the gender imbalance in the city’s statues.

Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner

Learn more about these significant figures in Melbourne's early history.

State-listed heritage

The City of Melbourne owns and manages more than 25 places listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) that are of state-level heritage significance.

Heritage resources

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Melbourne's heritage

Heritage places reflect the many peoples and cultures that have shaped Melbourne's landscape. To conserve the city's buildings, places and objects, different levels of heritage significance are managed by various government agencies and legislation.

Melbourne's heritage

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Heritage Strategy

The City of Melbourne’s Heritage Strategy sets out a plan to protect the city’s heritage buildings, places and objects. It has been developed to ensure the city's rich combination of traditions, memories, places and objects are identified and protected.