The 1956 Summer Olympics , officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad , were held in 1956 in Melbourne , Australia . However , the equestrian events were not held in Australia because of quarantine regulations . The 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympics , officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad , were an international multi-sport event which was held in Melbourne , Australia , in 1956 , with the exception of the equestrian events , which could not be held in Australia due to quarantine regulations .