Why Was Melbourne Founded?

1835: Pastoral Expansion Meets Geographic Opportunity

• Grazing lands: Vast plains ideal for sheep/wool export.
• Yarra River & Port Phillip Bay: Fresh water, transport, natural harbor.
• Investment appeal: British capital sought colonial returns.
• Colonial policy: UK encouraged settlement to secure territory.
• Infrastructure advances: Roads, ports, bridges accelerated growth.

John Batman’s party established the settlement; it quickly became a major Australian metropolis.