Category: The Melbourne Files

Until the 1960s, Australian pubs used to close at 6pm, and getting a drink after work was a fraught experience. This is, The Six O’Clock Swill.

Overlooking a river in Footscray, in Melbourne’s west, is something unexpected; an ancient Chinese goddess. Meet Mazu, The Heavenly Queen of the Maribyrnong.

The Point Nepean Quarantine Station was many people’s first taste of Melbourne: sick arrivals were once kept in extended quarantine, before entering the city.

In 1984, an acclaimed musician came to Melbourne to film an unusual music video clip. This is Elvis Costello at Flinders Street Station.

Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared while swimming in December, 1967. Presumed drowned, later explanations included the CIA, China, and UFOs.

The corner of Swanston and Bourke Streets used to be dominated by a giant Santa, and a fondly remembered department store. This is Foy’s Rooftop Funpark.

In The Great Melbourne Flood of ’72, a violent storm front buried the CBD under a surging torrent of water.

March, 1918: Alick Wickham, AKA: ‘Prince Wikyama’, completes a world record high dive in Yarra Bend Park in front of 60 000 people.

Australia’s first movie screening came courtesy of a vagabond English magician, and a local promoter looking for a get rich quick scheme.