Melbourne: From Batmania to the Marvellous City - A Hilarious History Lesson
Ever wondered what your favourite city used to be called before it became the cultural capital of cool? Brace yourselves, Melburnians, for a trip down memory lane that's more side-splitting than a stray wombat on roller skates.
 |
| What Did Melbourne Used To Be Called |
Batmania: The Name That Almost Stuck (Thank Goodness It Didn't)
Yep, you read that right. Back in 1835, a fella named John Batman (no relation to the caped crusader) rocked up and declared the place his own. Naturally, he wanted to christen it "Batmania" – a name that sounds more like a rejected superhero alias than a bustling metropolis. Thankfully, Governor Bourke stepped in and, with a monocle raised high, declared: "This calls for something a tad more...sophisticated!"
The Great Melbourne Naming Debacle (It Got a Bit Weird)
So, our city wasn't always destined for greatness. The contenders for Melbourne's official moniker were, well, a bit...interesting. We're talking names like "Barebrass" (not exactly inspiring), "Bearport" (sounds more like a hairy holiday destination), and even "Dutergalla" (just… try saying that five times fast).
Thankfully, Governor Bourke had a thing for British Prime Ministers (posh, right?). In 1837, he settled on "Melbourne" – a far cry from the other options, and a decision we can all be grateful for.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Fun Fact: Melbourne's Aboriginal name is "Narrm," meaning "scrub" in the Boonwurrung language. So, next time you're exploring the city's lush parks, you can appreciate its connection to its deep history.
Melbourne: From Humble Beginnings to Hipster Haven
From a scrappy settlement to a global icon, Melbourne's come a long way. We've traded Batman's dream of a self-named city for world-class coffee, laneway art, and enough sporting events to keep you entertained for a lifetime.
So, raise a glass (preferably filled with a perfectly brewed Melbourne latte) to this incredible city and its hilarious (and slightly embarrassing) past.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
How Melbourne Got Its Name: FAQ
How did Melbourne get its name?
Melbourne was named after Lord Melbourne, the British Prime Minister at the time.
 |
What was Melbourne almost called?
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
Melbourne almost got stuck with the name "Batmania" after John Batman's initial claim to the land.
What is the Aboriginal name for Melbourne?
The Aboriginal name for Melbourne is "Narrm," meaning "scrub" in the Boonwurrung language.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
How old is Melbourne?
Melbourne was founded in 1835.
When did Melbourne become the capital of Victoria?
Melbourne became the capital of Victoria in 1851.
 |
