This marvellous picture shows the world-famous Australian illusionist ‘Les’ Cole performing one of his most daring stunts as “The Great Levante”, when he jumped into the Yarra River in shackles from head to toe. The image could almost be a contemporary poster announcing the appearance of “The Great Levante” in Melbourne, where he learned his skills as an apprentice to a canny showman.

Les Levante, chained and manacled, hurtles seawards in his spectacular, death-defying act

Many more pictures of Australia can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

This intriguing picture creates compelling atmosphere and mystery in the simple tension between the figures of Burke and Wills and the mysteriously deserted stockade of Cooper Creek, towards which one of them gestures with growing apprehension. When they enter they find recent traces of cattle and horses, and burnt-out fires; but where have the depot party got to?

Burke and Wills by Andrew Howat

Many more pictures of exploration can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The best pictures of Abel Tasman are colourful and vivid images of the Dutch sailor and explorer who gave his name to Tasmania.
The first picture shows Tasman laying claim to Tasmania.

Abel Tasman staking the Dutch claim to Tasmania by Oliver Frey

The second picture shows Maoris attacking Tasman’s men.

Abel Tasman's ship being attacked by Maoris when trying to land on New Zealand by Andrew Howat

The third picture shows the attack in Murderers’ Bay, New Zealand, so-named by a shocked and devastated Tasman.

The Maoris fell upon the surprised Dutch sailors and in the fight that followed, the crew of the ship's boat were all killed by Oliver Frey

Many more pictures of explorers can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The best pictures of Melbourne Cup Day are all vivid images of one of Australia’s greatest sporting and social events.
The first picture shows the course.

The Melbourne Race-Course on Cup Day

The second picture shows various scenes on Cup Day.

The Australian Derby, the Race for the Melbourne Cup by W T Smedley

The third picture shows the Cup race itself.

The Race for the Melbourne Cup.

Many more pictures of horse racing can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The best pictures of memorable Australian characters in the city of Melbourne are all fine studies of human nature among the indigent members of society.
The first picture shows a rag-picker.

Sketches in Australia: the Melbourne rag picker by W Ralston

The second picture shows a group of the unemployed in Melbourne.

The Labour Market in Australia, the Unemployed who are not anxious for Employment, a Sketch in the Treasury Gardens, Melbourne

The third picture shows a Chinese pedlar’s generosity to the Melbourne well-to-do at Christmas.

Christmas in Melbourne, a Chinese Pedlar making Presents to his Customers

Many more pictures of Melbourne can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The best pictures of the International Exhibition at Melbourne in 1880 show the spectacular exhibition buildings, now a World Heritage Site, and the opening ceremony.
The first picture shows The International Exhibition Building at Melbourne.

The International Exhibition Building at Melbourne, Australia

The second picture shows another view of the Exhibition building.

The International Exhibition Building at Melbourne, Australia

The third picture shows the premiere of the Exhibition Cantata, Victoria by Leon Caron, which was performed by 1000 voices and an orchestra of 125 players.

The Melbourne Exhibition, the Cantata at the Opening Ceremony

Many more pictures of international exhibitions can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The best pictures of Melbourne show the extraordinary growth of the city between the 1830s and the end of the century.
The first picture shows the founding of Melbourne in 1835.

The Founding of Melbourne, August, 1835

The second picture shows a view of Melbourne around 1861.

A view of Melbourne c.1861

The third picture shows the city of Melbourne around 1890.

View of the City of Melbourne, Victoria c.1890

Many more pictures of Melbourne can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The best pictures of the Royal Visit to Melbourne show various State Occasions attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The first picture shows a souvenir postcard.

Prince and Princess of Wales, opening the Federal Parliament, Melbourne, 9 May 1901

The second picture shows the Prince’s speech from the throne at the grand State Opening of the First Parliament of United Australia in 1901.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York opening the First Parliament of United Australia, the Speech from the Throne in the Exhibition Building, Melbourne by Sydney P Hall

The third picture shows an Investiture.

An Investiture at Government House, Melbourne by Sydney P Hall

Many more pictures of royal visits can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The best pictures of the university in Melbourne show its architectural grandeur in the Gothic Revival style.
The first picture shows the original building based on the Oxbridge mediaeval collegiate style with gate-tower and quad

Melbourne University c.1858

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The second picture shows the Wilson Hall.

The Wilson Hall, Melbourne University, Australia

The third picture shows the buildings from the grounds.

Melbourne University

Many more pictures of universities can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The best pictures of Collins Street show the main street of Melbourne thronged with people, trams and the flotsam and jetsam of urban vitality.
The first picture shows trams among other familiar sights.

Collins Street, Melbourne c.1889

The second picture shows the Collins Street entrance to ‘The Block’, a grand shopping arcade.

"The Block" in Collins Street, Melbourne

The third picture shows The Scots’ Church, Collins Street, designed to be the most beautiful building in Australia.

The Scots' Church, Collins Street, Melbourne

Many more pictures of Melbourne can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.