Melbourne Heritage Buildings
The Shrine of Remembrance was built to remember those who served their country in the Great War of 1914-1918 and all armed conflicts and peacekeeping duties since.
The Shrine of Remembrance is Victoria's largest and most visited war memorial. It is a permanent and lasting memorial to the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) spirit. More than 120 ceremonies are held at the shrine throughout the year.
The Shrine is designed so that at 11am on Remembrance Day (Novemgber 11), a ray of sunlight strikes the memorial stone inside – an effect that simulated every half hour.
| The Shrine has good disability access and facilities | |
| Where: | Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra. |
| Phone: | +61 (0)3 9661 8100 |
| Website: | Shrine of Remembrance |
Across the road from Federation Square, Saint Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican church on the banks of the Yarra River. A landmark in Melbourne, the building was constructed in 1880.
The stunning architecture of the cathedral has been described as a "revival of Gothic transitional style". The interior of the building is just as amazing, with its patterned tiles and English organ. Just outside the cathedral is a statue of a fellow Australian icon, Matthew Flinders.
| Where: | Corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, City |
| Phone: | +61 (0)3 9653 4333 |
| Website: | Saint Paul Cathedral |
Explore the Cooks' Cottage, the only 18th century building in Melbourne. The Cottage was the supposed home of Captain James Cook, the English navigator who explored the Southern Hemisphere and first "discovered" the east coast of Australia.
The Cottage was purchased in 1933 by a wealthy Melbourne businessman, who had it shipped over from its original location in Whitby, England, and presented as a gift to the state of Victoria for its 1934 centenary. The cottage was taken apart brick by brick, before being restored to its current location in the Fitzroy Gardens.
Often referred to as Captain Cook's Cottage, the house was actually built and owned by Cook's parents, James and Grace.
| Where: | Cooks’ Cottage is in Fitzroy Gardens, conveniently close to Melbourne’s CBD |
| Phone: | +61 (0)3 9419 4677 |
Rippon Lea Estate is the last of Australia's grand suburban estates, a national treasure that has recently been added to the National Heritage List.
Just 20 minutes from the CBD of Melbourne, Rippon Lea Estate encompasses a range of sweeping lawns, a tranquil lake and fruit orchard. The Rippon Lea Mansion was designed in 1868, and has stunning features such as stained glass, embossed wallpaper and ceiling papers.
The building has two conservatories, drawing the garden into the mansion. Much of the decoration of Rippon Lea includes garden motifs, reflecting the original owners' love of traditional gardens.
| Where: | 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick. |
| Phone: | +61 (0)3 9523 6095 |
| Website: | Rippon Lea Estate |
For more than 135 years, Melbourne Town Hall has been at the heart of events which have shaped Melbourne. Located in the heart of the CBD, Melbourne Town Hall is the centrepiece of the city's cultural pulse.
There are some 20 events on the Town Hall calendar each day. Everything from weddings to conferences and theatrical performances are hosted here.
This amazing heritage building has an impressive wood pannelled Council Chamber, decorative tiles in the main foyer and many stained glass feature windows. It's also steeped in history - visitors can stand on the Portico where the Beatles waved to the masses of fans or go on a free tour.
| Numbers are limited so bookings are essential and required at least one day in advance. Groups such as international and local students and visitors are more than welcome and can be accommodated. | |
| Where: | 190 Swanston Street, City |
| Phone: | +61 (0)3 9658 9658 |
| Website: | Melbourne Town Hall |
| Email: | townhalltour@melbourne.vic.gov.au. |
Situated in the beautiful Carlton Gardens, the Royal Exhibition Building was completed in 1880 for Melbourne's first International Exhibition. On 1 July 2004, it became the first building in Australia to achieve World Heritage listing.
The Great Hall is a magnificent setting for many events, catering for everything from trade shows to community events and fairs. The soaring dome and expansive gallery are just some of the features of the building that make it unique.
| Where: | Carlton Gardens, Carlton - Access via Carlton Street, Nicholson Street, or Rathdowne Street |
| Website: | Museum Victoria |
Built back in 1841, the Old Melbourne Gaol was once home to many villains, the most infamous being Ned Kelly. This remarkable building has three levels of cells, with catwalks among the upper levels.
The Old Melbourne Gaol is now run as a prison museum by the National Trust of Victoria. Visitors can take part in a candlelit tour of an evening, or a self-guided tour during the day.
| Where: | 377 Russell Street, Melbourne (Between La Trobe and Victoria Streets) |
| Phone: | +61 (0)3 8663 7228 |
| Website: | Old Melbourne Gaol |
Opened in September 1854, Flinders Street Station is a regular hive of activity. The busiest suburban railway station in the Southern Hemisphere, Flinders Street Station also features a 700 metre main platform - the longest in the country.
Flinders Street Station has become one of Melbourne's most famous landmarks. The site of the first steam rail station in Australia, the Station is said to have had its layout plans mixed up with those for Bombay.
Despite many attempts to update the clocks at the main entrance of the station, there has been much public campaigning to retain the original layout.
| Where: | On the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne |
