""purchased"" (in a very shonky deal) by John Batman in 1835. The scenic railway at Luna Park in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda is the world´s oldest operating roller coaster.
Queen Victoria Market was originally built on the site of Melbourne´s first general cemetery. Thousands of bodies are still buried there.
Ned Kelly, Australia´s most famous outlaw, was hanged in the Old Melbourne Gaol on 11 November 1880.
Per capita, Melbourne has the highest concentration of Greek people of any city outside Greece.

Endless beaches, snowcapped mountains, bush re­treats, historic townships and Aus­tralia´s sassiest city - Victoria is proof that good things come in small packages. Whether you want open vistas or urban spaces, big events or intimate escapes, Lonely Planet offers the perfect getaway with the only comprehensive guidebook to Victoria.

TAP INTO THE PULSE with our inside information on magical Melbourne´s best eateries, watering holes, and sports and arts events
WET YOUR WHISTLE - dedicated Wineries chapter offers expert advice on Victoria´s wine industry
GET OUT THERE with our tips for activities in the air, on land or on water - from ballooning to bushwalking, skiing to surfing
REST YOUR HEAD - with country pubs, hip hotels, B&Bs and campsites, we´ve got your sleeping options covered
FIND YOUR WAY or lose yourself (if you prefer) - with over 70 maps of cities, towns, regions and national parks