the first 7-eleven in australia opened on august 24, 1977, in the melbourne suburb of oakleigh. the majority of stores are in metropolitan areas, particularly in central business district areas. stores in suburban areas often operate as petrol stations and most are owned and operated as franchises, with a central administration. 7-eleven bought out mobil's remaining australian petrol stations in 2010, converting them to 7-eleven outlets, resulting in an immediate and unprecedented overnight major expansion of the brand.