June 1847 – Melbourne is proclaimed a city, at a time when its population is over 11,000 (out of over 33,000 for the whole of the Port Phillip District). More…
Month
May 1853
May 1853 – A rare crystalline gold nugget of 23 ounces (717 grams) is discovered at Mt Ivor, near present-day Heathcote, and is purchased by La Trobe – it’s now in the Natural History Museum, London. More…
April 1838
April 1838 – The first punt is launched on the Yarra River midway between the foot of Swanston and Russell Streets. More…
March 1837
March 1837 – Robert Hoddle is appointed surveyor for the Port Phillip District of New South Wales and commences the planning of Melbourne. More…
February 1846
February 1846 – The Melbourne Botanic Gardens are founded on a site of 120 acres selected by La Trobe; the director commences from the beginning of March. More…
January 1839
January 1839 – Charles Joseph La Trobe is appointed Superintendent of the Port Phillip District of New South Wales; he arrives in Melbourne from London nine months later. More…