Melbourne Airport, better known to locals as ‘Tullamarine’ or ‘Tulla’, was the first purpose-built Airport City in the world. Its facilities in 1970 were unsurpassed by any international airport – it had a golf course, hotel, conference centre, art gallery, cinema, bottle shop, exhibition centre, multiple bars and a VIP lounge, and a fine-dining restaurant headed by an executive chef on his way to being awarded three Michelin stars. These facilities were built into Tullamarine’s plan by its principal planner and protagonist, Bill Bradfield, the son of John Bradfield, famous as the chief engineer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Today, Tullamarine remains cutting-edge, with new and expanding terminals, upgraded car parks, more efficient roads, a third runway recently approved and a rail link in the works.

Discover the story of Tullamarine, from its planning and opening to its modern status as a benchmark for all international Airport Cities.

‘This is the book that I had no idea that I needed! Now that I’ve found it, I can’t let it go. It’s magnificent!’ – Tim Ross

‘An outstanding contribution to Australia’s cultural history, superbly illustrated and brilliantly written.’ – Michael Buxton

‘A dazzling and comprehensive account of Australia’s, indeed the world’s, first purpose-built Airport City. Tullamarine (Melbourne Airport) shines here in its glory as never before. A must-read book for anyone interested in Australian ingenuity and the rocky romance of reaching for the skies.’ – Philip Goad