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What Melbourne looked like in the 1880s

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Melbourne, Australia, in the 1880s, was a time of significant change and development. Melbourne experienced rapid growth and expansion during this decade as it transformed from a colonial outpost to a thriving metropolis. The population of Melbourne grew from around 300,000 in 1880 to over half a million by the end of the decade, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the world at the time.

One of the biggest drivers of this growth was the discovery of gold in Victoria in the 1850s, which brought a rush of people to Melbourne in search of wealth and opportunity. The wealth generated by the gold rush enabled Melbourne to invest in infrastructure, including the construction of new public buildings, parks, and roads. The city also became a hub for industry, with factories, warehouses, and shops being built to support the growing population.

The 1880s saw Melbourne become an important cultural center, with new theaters, museums, and galleries being built. The city also hosted many large-scale events and exhibitions, including the International Exhibition of 1880, which showcased the latest advances in technology, science, and the arts from around the world.

In terms of transportation, Melbourne was greatly improved during the 1880s. The city’s tram network was expanded, and new bridges were built across the Yarra River, making it easier for people to get around. The arrival of the railway also made it easier for people to travel to and from Melbourne, connecting the city to other parts of Australia and helping to spur its growth.

Despite these many advancements, Melbourne was not without its challenges in the 1880s. The growing population placed a strain on the city’s resources, and there were widespread concerns about overcrowding and disease. The housing shortage was particularly acute, with many people living in cramped and unsanitary conditions.

#1 the Queens Arms Hotel, Swanston Street, Melbourne, 1880

the Queens Arms Hotel, Swanston Street, Melbourne, 1880

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#2 Funeral of the Duke of Albany. The procession entering Windsor Castle, 1884,

Funeral of the Duke of Albany. The procession entering Windsor Castle, 1884,

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#6 Corner of Collins and Russell Sts., Melbourne, 1879

Corner of Collins and Russell Sts., Melbourne, 1879

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#10 Flinders Street Station on the south-west corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets stood the Old Fish Market, 1880s

Flinders Street Station on the south-west corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets stood the Old Fish Market, 1880s

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#14 Melbourne’s first cable tram service; between Bridge Road, Richmond, and Spencer Street via Flinders Street, 1885

Melbourne's first cable tram service; between Bridge Road, Richmond, and Spencer Street via Flinders Street, 1885

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#21 The eastern end of Collins Street from the Treasury Building, 1880s

The eastern end of Collins Street from the Treasury Building, 1880s

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#22 The Melbourne Exhibition Building had an impressive lake, 1880

The Melbourne Exhibition Building had an impressive lake, 1880

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#24 The Menzies Hotel, corner Bourke and William Streets, Melbourne, 1870s

The Menzies Hotel, corner Bourke and William Streets, Melbourne, 1870s

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#31 Dock workers on the Williamstown Pier, Williamstown, Melbourne, 1883

Dock workers on the Williamstown Pier, Williamstown, Melbourne, 1883

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#32 Melbourne General Post Office on Elizabeth and Bourke Street, Melbourne, 1880

Melbourne General Post Office on Elizabeth and Bourke Street, Melbourne, 1880

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#33 Bourke Street looking east with the Melbourne General Post Office on the left, Melbourne, 1880

Bourke Street looking east with the Melbourne General Post Office on the left, Melbourne, 1880

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#36 Melbourne Town Hall on the corner of Swanston and Collins Streets, Melbourne, 1880

Melbourne Town Hall on the corner of Swanston and Collins Streets, Melbourne, 1880

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#37 The Melbourne General Post Office on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Bourke Street, Melbourne, 1880

The Melbourne General Post Office on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Bourke Street, Melbourne, 1880

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#38 The Presbyterian Scots’ Church, Melbourne, 1880

The Presbyterian Scots' Church, Melbourne, 1880

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#39 A view down Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Australia, 1880

A view down Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Australia, 1880

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#42 View of the outskirts of the city of Melbourne, 1880s

View of the outskirts of the city of Melbourne, 1880s

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#43 Construction of the Working Men’s College of Melbourne, 1887

Construction of the Working Men's College of Melbourne, 1887

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#45 View of Collins Street from Russell Street in South Melbourne, 1885

View of Collins Street from Russell Street in South Melbourne, 1885

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#46 Construction of the Working Men’s College of Melbourne in the 1880s

Construction of the Working Men's College of Melbourne in the 1880s

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#49 Eastern Market building, Bourke Street, Melbourne, 1880s

Eastern Market building, Bourke Street, Melbourne, 1880s

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#64 The Australian Club-House, William Street, Melbourne, 1880

The Australian Club-House, William Street, Melbourne, 1880

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#68 Railway Pier Sandridge, Melbourne & Hobson’s Bay Railway Pier, 1887

Railway Pier Sandridge, Melbourne & Hobson's Bay Railway Pier, 1887

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#74 Cantata at International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1881

Cantata at International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1881

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#97 View of Melbourne – buildings and surrounds, 1880

View of Melbourne - buildings and surrounds, 1880

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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