
Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, covers approximately 9,992 square kilometres, with a population of 5.2 million as of 2023. The city is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and wide range of attractions, including its famous coffee culture. The average freestanding house in Australia was 229.3m² in 2020/21, while 3-bedroom houses, the most common type, are generally built on a land size of 474m². Melbourne's land area and cultural offerings contribute to its magnitude, but what is considered big can vary depending on individual perspectives and the context of land usage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land area | 9,992 square kilometres |
| Population | 5.2 million |
| Population growth rate | Faster than Sydney's |
| Cultural scene | Vibrant arts scene, festivals, coffee culture |
| Diversity | Residents from over 200 countries, speaking more than 230 languages and dialects |
| Economy | Leading financial centre in the Asia-Pacific region |
| Historical significance | Meeting place for local Kulin nation clans for over 40,000 years |
| Urban zones | Greater Melbourne, Urban Growth Boundary, and council areas |
| Average house size | 3 bedrooms, 414m² block size |
| Cost of building | $2,000–$4,300 per sqf |
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What You'll Learn
- Melbourne's land area is approximately 9,992 square kilometres
- The city's cultural diversity and attractions contribute to its size
- Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) follows a grid layout
- The average free-standing house in Australia was 229.3m² in 2020/21
- Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia

Melbourne's land area is approximately 9,992 square kilometres
Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, covers approximately 9,992 square kilometres of land. This figure refers to Greater Melbourne, which includes the metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs. The City of Melbourne municipality, which encompasses the central city and the innermost suburbs, is significantly smaller at around 37 square kilometres.
Melbourne's land area of 9,992 square kilometres is indeed considered large, especially when compared to other major cities in Australia and worldwide. For context, Sydney, Australia's largest city, covers approximately 12,367.7 square kilometres, while Melbourne's 9,992 square kilometres make it larger than many other well-known cities, such as London (1,569 square kilometres) or Paris (105 square kilometres).
Melbourne's vast land area is due in part to its geographical location and the natural features that surround it. The city extends along the Yarra River towards the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges in the east, and in the west, it follows the path of the Maribyrnong River and its tributaries. The western part of the metropolitan area lies within the Victorian Volcanic Plain Grasslands, while the southeastern suburbs are situated within the Gippsland Plains Grassy Woodland zone.
Melbourne's suburbs spread out from the central city, reaching more than 40 kilometres to the south, 30 kilometres to the east, and 20 kilometres to the north. The western suburbs extend across vast, flat basalt plains and include areas such as Melton, Werribee, and Geelong. The southeastern suburbs along Port Phillip Bay boast major bayside beaches, including popular destinations like St Kilda, Brighton, and Mentone.
Melbourne's land area is not just about its physical size but also the diversity and richness of experiences it offers. The city is known for its vibrant culture, arts scene, and festivals, earning the title of the "Cultural Capital of Australia." Melbourne is also celebrated for its coffee culture, with coffee being more than just a beverage in the city. The city's culinary scene reflects its cultural diversity, with residents from over 200 countries, speaking more than 230 languages and dialects.
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The city's cultural diversity and attractions contribute to its size
Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, covers approximately 9,992 square kilometres of land. However, the city's magnitude transcends its physical size and is defined by its vibrant culture, diverse population, and the myriad experiences it offers. Known as the "Cultural Capital of Australia", Melbourne boasts a dynamic arts scene, a multitude of attractions, and a rich tapestry of cultural diversity that enhances its size and appeal.
Melbourne's cultural scene is renowned for its festivals, art galleries, and cultural institutions. The city is particularly famous for its coffee culture, earning the title of "Coffee Capital of the World". Its streets are lined with countless cafes, coffee festivals, and a preference for locally roasted beans, reflecting a passion for coffee that brings people together. Melbourne's laneways, or small alleyways, showcase world-class street art, appreciated by locals and tourists alike. The city's creative spirit extends to its culinary scene, with over 5,000 cafes and restaurants offering a fusion of international cuisines, wine bars, and hip dining experiences in unique settings.
Melbourne is one of the world's most multicultural cities, with residents from over 200 countries speaking more than 230 languages and dialects. This cultural diversity is reflected in the city's food scene, festivals, and neighbourhoods. The suburb of Collingwood, for example, has transformed from an industrial area to a vibrant hub for food, entertainment, art, and coffee culture. The city also embraces its indigenous heritage, with organisations like the Koorie Heritage Trust offering immersive cultural experiences and guided tours that showcase the history and modern culture of the Kulin nation.
Melbourne's sporting culture also contributes to its size and reputation. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere, and the city has been dubbed Australia's "home of sport". The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia, further enhances Melbourne's cultural appeal, showcasing the nation's largest permanent collection of Australian art.
Melbourne's size is not just defined by its physical expanse but by the richness and diversity of experiences it offers. Its cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene, culinary delights, and sporting attractions make it a dynamic and captivating city, contributing to its perception as one of the world's most liveable cities.
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Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) follows a grid layout
Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, covers an area of approximately 9,992 square kilometres. Beyond its physical expanse, Melbourne is also known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and the breadth of experiences it offers.
At the heart of Melbourne is its Central Business District (CBD). The CBD follows a grid layout, making it relatively easy to navigate. This grid layout, known as the Hoddle Grid, was established by surveyor Robert Russell and his assistants during the first survey of Melbourne in 1836. The grid was later adopted by Robert Hoddle when he arrived in 1837 to continue the survey and regularise the fledgling unauthorised settlement.
The Hoddle Grid forms the centre of Melbourne and is considered the heart of the city by some. It is the oldest part of the city, laid out in 1837, and includes the parallel and perpendicular streets to the north, bounded by Victoria Street and Peel Street. The CBD also extends southeast along the area surrounding St Kilda Road.
The term 'Central Business District' or 'CBD' was first used in a 1964 report on a planning scheme for the central business area of Melbourne. The CBD is not just a financial centre, but it also includes several major attractions. These include the iconic laneways filled with cafes, boutiques, and street art, as well as landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the State Library of Victoria.
Melbourne's CBD is also known for its distinct blend of contemporary and Victorian architecture. The area has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with an increase in residential units, population, jobs, and visitation. This has transformed the CBD from a primarily business-oriented hub to a diverse and vibrant part of the city.
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The average free-standing house in Australia was 229.3m² in 2020/21
The average size of a free-standing house in Australia was 229.3 square metres in 2020/2021. This figure represents a slight decrease from the previous year, 2019/2020, when the average size was 6.5 square metres larger.
Over the past 15 years, the average floor area of new houses in Australia has remained largely unchanged, with an average annual change of -0.2%. The average size has ranged between 229 square metres and 245 square metres. The highest national average floor area was recorded in 2008-2009 at 245.9 square metres, while the lowest was recorded in 2018-2019 at 229.8 square metres.
In the 2020/2021 period, the average floor area of new houses decreased in six states and territories: the Northern Territory (-13.8%), New South Wales (-10.5%), Queensland (-7.6%), Tasmania (-3.4%), Western Australia (-2.8%), and South Australia (-1.7%). During this period, the average floor area of new houses increased in only two states and territories: Victoria (4.4%) and the Australian Capital Territory (1.8%).
The average size of a home in Australia is 195.8 square metres, with free-standing houses typically ranging between 195 square metres and 230 square metres. In comparison, the average size of a new home in Canada is 141.2 square metres, while a new home in the US is 192 square metres.
When considering what size of land is considered big in Melbourne, Australia, it is important to note that Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia, covering approximately 9,992 square kilometres. However, the size of Melbourne is not just defined by its physical expanse but also by its vibrant culture, diverse population, robust economy, historical depth, and potential for future growth.
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Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia
Melbourne's architectural landscape blends Victorian-era structures, such as the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, with one of the world's tallest skylines. The city is also recognised for its street art, live music, and theatre scenes, hosting major annual sporting events such as the Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Open. Beyond its cultural offerings, Melbourne is a leading financial centre in the Asia-Pacific region, ranking 28th globally in the 2024 Global Financial Centres Index. The city houses the headquarters of many of Australia's largest corporations, including ANZ and the National Australia Bank.
Melbourne's economy is highly diversified, with strengths in sectors such as finance, manufacturing, research, IT, education, logistics, transportation, and tourism. The city is home to Australia's second busiest seaport and airport, facilitating its economic growth. Melbourne's educational institutions further contribute to its prominence, with the University of Melbourne ranked as the second oldest and highest-ranked university in Australia. Additionally, RMIT University is ranked 18th globally in Art & Design, and Architecture.
Melbourne's population growth has been significant, with the city recently overtaking Sydney as Australia's largest city in terms of population size. This growth is attributed to international migration, internal migration within Australia, and a natural increase in births. The city's borders have been redrawn to include the district of Melton, contributing to its population surge. Melbourne's diverse population, vibrant culture, and robust economy collectively enhance its stature as the second-largest city in Australia, offering a rich tapestry of experiences and opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive answer to this question as 'big' is a relative term. However, it may be helpful to know that Melbourne covers approximately 9,992 square kilometres. The average free-standing house in Australia was 229.3m² in 2020/21, while the average block size was 414m².
There is no clear data on the current average house size in Melbourne. However, the average house in Australia has three bedrooms and sits on a block size of 474m².
The cost of building a house in Melbourne is around $2,000 – $4,300 per square foot.
















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