Declared the World's Most Liveable City again in August 2011, Melbourne was founded on 30 August 1835 when settlers from the schooner Enterprize landed on the north bank of the Yarra River. Come celebrate.
Melbourne Day is August 30 - the day the first European settlers landed on the north bank of the Yarra River from the schooner Enterprize in 1835.
This pioneering group is credited with founding the city. The group was led by Captain John Lancey, Launceston builder George Evans and his servant Evan Evans, carpenters William Jackson and Robert Hay Marr, ploughman Charles Wise and blacksmith James Gilbert and his wife Mary.
Although Melburnians continue to debate whether it was John Batman or John Pascoe Fawkner who founded the city, it was those who stepped off the Enterprize, cleared land and built the first dwellings that we acknowledge as the true founders. Read more
Melbourne Day celebrates more than just history. It represents the point at which the proud community of Melbourne began. It is a day to celebrate all that makes Melbourne great - and why we've been declared yet again the world's most liveable city. Join the celebrations
Where Melbourne was founded
Enterprize Park on the lower Yarra's north bank near Melbourne Aquarium is where the first settlers landed from the schooner Enterprize on 30 August 1835 and started a city. The park overlooks the old ships "turning basin", a wide section of the river outside Old Customs House, that was Melbourne's first port around which the city grew.
A large flagpole at the site carries the Melbourne flag to mark the exact spot where the Enterprize arrived and the city was born.
A commemorative plaque, above, was unveiled in August 2002. Show Enterprize Park on a map
Enterprize - Melbourne's tall ship
The original schooner Enterprize brought the first settlers to Melbourne. The replica Enterprize, launched in 1997, is a familar sight on Port Phillip Bay, Docklands Harbour and Hobson's Bay at Williamstown where she is often moored.
Hundreds of families each year take the opportunity to learn about the city's maritime history by visiting the Enterprize during her many Open Days. She is open to the public during the Melbourne Day week-long celebrations.
The ship is managed by the Enterprize Ship Trust, a not-for-profit organisation, that relies on the generous help of businesses and individuals to keep this much-cherished piece of Melbourne's heritage operating.
For further information, visit www.enterprize.com.au
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Melbourne Day 2011 photos
Selected images have been uploaded to our Flickr photostream. Check back soon for more.
See the gallery
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Melbourne Day Banner Competition
Melbourne City School wins the 2011 Melbourne Day Banner Competition.
See the winning entry
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The Enterprize
The schooner Enterprize is open to the public during the Melbourne Day week-long celebrations and other times throughout the year.
How to visit the Enterprize
Melburnian of the Year
2011: Harold Mitchell, prominent businessman and media buyer, for his contribution to Melbourne’s arts, health and education sectors.
2010: Jim Stynes, Melbourne Football Club president, for his tireless dedication to the welfare of Victoria's youth through his work with the Reach Foundation.
2009: Susan Barton, founder of the Lighthouse Foundation, for supporting the youth of Melbourne.
2008: John Bertrand, former America's Cup winning skipper, for his charity work.
2007: Lyn Swinburne, breast cancer crusader and creator of the pink field of women events.
2006: Ron Barassi, AFL great, for inspiring others and his overall contribution to Melbourne.
2005: Andrew Gaze, champion basketballer, inaugural Melburnian of the Year for his "outstanding contribution" and for "tirelessly giving back to both his sport and the wider community".
