A stroll through modern Melbourne is step back in time, with the layout of the modern city being centred on the area's history - all upon the shores of picturesque Port Phillip Bay.
Visitors to the well-planned city of Melbourne can hardly miss its array of grand heritage buildings, a few of which are highlighted below.
- Flinders Street Station
- Pause for a moment outside of Flinders Street Station in central Melbourne and experience a momentary time freeze as you're catapulted back to the time when the building was completed in 1854. Still used as the main transport hub for the Melbourne suburban rail network, the building stretches two entire street blocks and welcomes in more than 100,000 commuters each day. Best-known for its huge city-facing clock on the main tower Flinders Street Station is worth a look, if not for travel purposes, but to admire its ornate facades and experience it in all of its grandiose historical beauty.
Location: Melbourne CBD
Its story: www.cv.vic.gov.au
- Old Melbourne Goal - www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au
- This eerie piece of history is the exact place where infamous bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged on 11 November, 1880. Known to have also housed the rebels of the Eureka Stockade and World War II prisoners, the goal now runs night-time tours for those keen to experience some ghostly chronicles of Victorian history.
Location: Melbourne CBD
- Government House - www.governor.vic.gov.au
- Political faithfuls can't visit Melbourne without catching a glimpse of the regal grounds of Government House - Australia's finest example of Italianate architecture. Take a tour inside to check out the 18 inch high skirting boards. Back in early Victorian times, the height of your skirting boards was a measure of wealth!
Location: Melbourne
- Melbourne Museum - www.museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/
- While a modern day construction, the Melbourne Museum is filled with historical stories of Victorian heritage, cultural roots and early icons. The museum houses the preserved heart of Australia's iconic racehorse Phar Lap alongside historical remnants of Victoria's British beginnings in the 1800s and the Aboriginal history of the Koorie culture.
Location: Carlton
- Royal Exhibition Building - www.museumvictoria.com.au/reb/
- Built in 1880 as a home for the Great Exhibition, this stunning architecture is one of Australia's oldest remaining exhibition pavilions. The Commonwealth parliament were seated in the building from 1901, and today the structure is still known for its impressive galleries, meticulously restored interior and huge towering dome. These days the World Heritage listed building is still used for purposes similar to its initial reason for construction, including trade shows, community events and cultural displays.
Location: Carlton
- Como Mansion - www.comohouse.com.au
- Located in the prestigious suburb of South Yarra, this 5 acre property was thought to be erected in 1847 and was home to prominent colonial families in the 19th and 20th centuries before becoming the landmark tourist destination it is today. The mansion is an architectural fusion of the aforementioned Italianate style architecture that Melbourne's Government House is well-known for and the lesser known colonial Australian Regency architecture.
Location: South Yarra
Its story: www.cv.vic.gov.au
- Labassa - www.nattrust.com.au/labassa
- Those interested in architecture can't go past the French Renaissance mansion Labassa - that has become a well-known attraction in Victoria's Caulfield due to its arcaded veranda's, intricate stained glass windows and Italian marble. Labassa was completed in 1890.
Location: Caulfield North
