Melbourne (Australia)

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Melbourne, capital of Victoria is Australia's second largest city. It is located on the magnificent Port Phillip Bay at the mouth of the Yarra River. Melbourne is the cultural heart of Victoria, it is vibrant and highly cosmopolitan city with significant Italian and Greek communities. The city was first settled in 1835, when the Englishman John Batman and a group of businessman bought the land from the local Aborigines. After gold was discovered in 1850s it became the fastest growing city in the British empire. There are numerous gardens and parks including the Royal Botanical Gardens and Melbourne Zoo. The city has many galleries, theatres and museums including the Melbourne Museum located on the northern edge of the city centre. Other attractions include Queen Victoria Market, Federation Square that houses the Victorian National Gallery and the Centre for the Moving Image, the entertainment district Southgate and the Rialto Towers Observation Deck that offers panoramic views of the city.