Melbourne Facts for Kids

If you are looking for something to ignite the imagination of kids, then we have all the fun facts for kids about Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne is a city full of exciting and fun activities for kids as well as fabulous street art, entertainment options galore, a rich history and more!

Make sure you take a look at all the other places we have fun facts about!

Here are a few fun facts about Melbourne to get you started:

More than 5,000,000 people call Melbourne home.
Melbourne has the largest tram network in the world. These iconic green and yellow trams are not only a convenient mode of transport but also a fun way to explore the city.
Melbourne hosted the 1956 summer Olympics, the first in the Southern Hemisphere.

Where is Melbourne?

Melbourne is Located in the state of Victoria

Melbourne is located in the south east of Australia in the state of Victoria. It is a city of more than 5,000,000 people situated on Port Phillip Bay. Melbourne is the capital city of the state and more than 75% of the state’s population lives in the city.

Planning a trip to Melbourne? Don’t forget to take a map!

When was Melbourne established as a city?

Melbourne was founded in 1835 before booming during the gold rush of the 1850s. It was named after Lord William Lamb, the British Prime Minister at the time who lived in a village called Melbourne in England.

Prior to this, the area was the Kulin nation, encompassing many groups of Aboriginal Australians (including Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples) who had lived there for more than 30,000 years.

Like to know more about Melbourne’s history? Read up with this selection of books.

What is the geography of Melbourne?

Melbourne is located on the Yarra River, which runs from west to east through the city of Melbourne. It stretches a total of approximately 242 kilometres from its source in the Yarra Ranges National Park to its mouth at Port Phillip Bay.

Fun fact – A cruise along the Yarra River offers kids a unique perspective of Melbourne’s skyline. They can learn about the city’s history while enjoying scenic views from the water.

Melbourne is situated on Port Phillip Bay, a large, shallow bay which serves as a significant natural harbour for the city. The bay itself is 1,930 square kilometres and has a shoreline that stretches for more than 260 kilometres!

What are the emblems of Melbourne?

Common Heather is the Floral emblem of Victoria where Melbourne is located

The Melbourne Coat of Arms has two gold lions either side of a shield with the motto ‘We gather strength as we go’ written in latin.

The floral emblem of Victoria (where Melbourne is located) is the Common Heath (Epacris impressa). This small, pink, bell-shaped flower is native to southeastern Australia.

Fun Fact – Victoria was the first state to recognise a floral emblem.

The state animal is the leadbeater possum and the state bird is the helmeted honeyeater.

The culture of Melbourne

Melbourne may be the most culturally diverse city in Australia, home to more than 140 different cultures! It is believed that around 55% of the residents of Melbourne were born overseas!

This city focuses a lot on outdoor activities which is great for families. Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens is a paradise for nature-loving kids. They can explore various gardens, spot native wildlife, and even enjoy picnics amidst beautiful surroundings.

For families who love to explore by foot, Melbourne is a fabulous city. It is renowned for its vibrant street art scene with street art, colourful graffiti and murals scattered throughout laneways and streets across the city.

Sport in Melbourne

Melbourne could be called the sporting capital of Australia as kids can watch many sports live including Australian Rules Football (AFL), tennis, motor sports and more. The Australian Open Tennis Tournament is held every January at Rod Laver arena in Melbourne and is the first of the four Grand Slam tournaments around the world.

Inspired to take up tennis? Grab a racquet here!

The Australian Rules Football Grand Final is also held in Melbourne and attended by around 100,000 people.

The Melbourne Grand Prix is a motor sport event held in March where drivers drive the streets of the city. It is one of the 23 Grand Prix events held yearly around the world.

Melbourne also hosted the 1956 summer Olympics and were the first Olympics in the Southern Hemisphere.

What animals are in Melbourne?

Just a short drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island is home to the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins! Kids can watch the famous penguin parade when these penguins waddle ashore at dusk every night.

You can visit these penguins on this tour here.

Looking for a cuddly penguin? Take a look at these.

If you are short on time and looking to see a large number of animals in one day, the Melbourne Zoo is home to a wide array of animals from around the world. Kids can get up close with their favourite creatures, from lions and tigers to elephants and giraffes.

Located along the Yarra River in the heart of the city, Melbourne Aquarium provides an immersive underwater experience for kids. They can marvel at colourful fish, majestic sharks, and playful penguins.

Want to learn more about fish? Check out these books.

What activities are for kids in Melbourne?

Luna Park is a historic amusement park that has been entertaining families for generations. Kids can enjoy thrilling rides, carnival games, and delicious treats.

The Melbourne Museum is a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons, interactive displays, and cultural artifacts. It’s a perfect destination for curious young minds.

Scienceworks is an interactive science museum where kids can engage in hands-on experiments and exploration. From space exhibits to robotics, there’s plenty to spark their curiosity and imagination.

Last minute fun facts:

The Moomba Festival is one of Australia’s largest community festivals, and features water-based activities, fireworks displays, and a colourful parade along the Yarra River.
You can see Ned Kelly’s historic suit of armour at the State Library of Victoria in the centre of Melbourne.
Melbourne takes their coffee very seriously and boasts a huge number of coffee shops throughout the city.
Melbourne weather can be very unpredictable with locals joking that there are often four seasons in one day!

So there you have it – all the fun facts for kids about Melbourne that you could need!