What hill? Where?

Batman's Hill Melbourne

This historical marker shows the height (at 18 metres) of the original Batman's Hill, named for Vandemonian adventurer and grazier John Batman.

The hill was removed completely in 1866 as part of the railway development around what is now Melbourne's main station, Southern Cross Station (previously known as Spencer Street Station).

The original Batman's Hill, now memorialised with this marker, was the point of origin for the original survey of Melbourne by Robert Hoddle in 1837. Robert Hoddle was Surveyor in Charge of Port Phillip District, as it was then known, and is remembered for his laying out of Melbourne, setting out the Town Reserve and section lines of Melbourne's grid layout, now known as 'Hoddle's Grid'. Victoria was declared a separate British colony in 1851 with Robert Hoddle appointed as its first Surveyor General on 15th July 1851.

Batman's Hill was, a little later, used as the starting point to determine the borders of NSW, South Australia and Victoria.

[Susan Wakely]

So interesting and great pop of red.

[Poppo Livy]

It must have been the only hill in Melbourne and they had to go and remove it. Now that's a bit strange

[Suzanne]

Yes I liked the red as well! @wakelys

[Suzanne]

What do you do with a hill that's in the way of a rail yard???

And, in fairness, Melbourne does have a few hills!!

@terryliv

[borof]

Interesting building and historical view.