South Melbourne

South Melbourne, between South Bank of the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay, originated at the elevated area first known as Emerald Hill, 2 km south of central Melbourne.

Emerald Hill, an old volcanic outcrop, stood out from the surrounding swamp land and had greener vegetation. Its elevation above the Yarra delta attracted the initial European settlement. During summer, the swamp land dried out and it could be used for recreation or military training.