The Cheese Stick facts for kids
The Melbourne International Gateway is a huge yellow sculpture in Melbourne, Australia. Most people know it as The Cheese Stick or Cheesestick. It's a famous sight along the CityLink motorway, especially when you're driving near the airport in the Flemington area. It's a giant piece of art that many people see every day!
Quick facts for kids Melbourne International Gateway |
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|---|---|
| Alternative names | The Cheese Stick |
| General information | |
| Location | Flemington, Melbourne, Australia |
| Coordinates | 37°47′00″S 144°56′24″E / 37.783249°S 144.939963°E |
| Opened | 2000 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Denton Corker Marshall |
Contents
What is the Cheese Stick?
The Cheese Stick is a very large yellow steel beam. It is about 70 metres long, which is longer than two basketball courts! Next to it are 39 smaller red beams. This artwork was designed by a well-known architecture company called Denton Corker Marshall. It was finished and opened in the year 2000.
Where Can You See It?
You can find the Cheese Stick on the Tullamarine Freeway. This freeway is a very important road. It connects Melbourne Airport to the city centre, known as the Central Business District. So, many people see this landmark when they travel to and from the airport.
What Does the Cheese Stick Mean?
The design of the Cheese Stick tells a story about Victoria's history. The large yellow beam was inspired by the Victorian gold rush. This was a time in the 1850s when many people came to Victoria hoping to find gold. It was a very exciting and important time for the state.
The Red Beams' Story
The 39 smaller red beams also have a special meaning. They represent the wheat industry in Victoria. Wheat farming has been a big part of the state's economy for a long time. So, the entire artwork celebrates both the past and the important industries of Victoria.
