Historic Sites in Portarlington

"Spend the day hopping between eclectic cafes and small shops, and explore iconic places such as the State Parliament buildings, Shrine of Remembrance, Federation Square, Arts Centre, Yarra River, Fitzroy Garden and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Take advantage of the free tram service around the City Circle loop to get around!"

"The Shrine of Remembrance (commonly referred to as The Shrine) is a war memorial built in honour of the men that fought in World War I. It now functions as a memorial for all Australians who have been sent to war. The Shrine was built during the great depression and construction relied heavily on public contributions."

"The Old Melbourne Gaol operated from 1824 to 1929, and was the scene of 133 hangings, including that of the notorious gang leader, Ned Kelly. Now it’s open as a museum and allows you to walk through the cells, see the stocks and learn about its grisly past. They operate day tours and ghost tours."

"One of the most interesting historical sites in Melbourne is the Old Melbourne Gaol. It was in use from 1842 to 1929 and was ‘home’ to some of Australia’s most notorious criminals, including bushranger Ned Kelly. Oh, the stories it could tell!"

"From 1901 to 1927, Parliament House was the home of the Federal Government before it moved to its permanent home of Canberra. At the top end of Bourke Street, this is where the Victorian Parliament sits to make legislation. Politics doesn’t seem like a big draw-card, but the building has a very fascinating history."

"With such highlights included on the tour itinerary as St. Paul's Cathedral, Federation Square, Chinatown, Parliament House and much more, you're sure to get a true taste of the diversity that Melbourne is all about."

"If you compare it to Europe, Australia does not have many big churches that are worthwhile exploring. Having said that, St Paul’s in Melbourne does deserve a second look. First of all, it is a pretty old church at just 125 years old but most importantly it is the seat of the Anglican Primate of Australia."

"Where St Paul's Cathedral sits is the site of Melbourne's first Christian service, held in 1835. The block was then used as a corn market until St Paul's Cathedral was constructed in 1891. Since then it's been a significant piece of Melbourne's identity."

"Perhaps the most notable council building is Melbourne Town Hall. This heritage listed building was the prototype for numerous suburban town halls. While the building’s architectural significance is clear with its impressive Tasmanian freestone façade (built in 1867), the Prince Alfred Tower (added in 1869) and temple-like portico (1887), it’s also notable for its role in many historical moments."

"Cook’s Cottage is open daily for visitors between 9am – 5pm at a price of $6.50. The visit offers the chance to see the antique furnishing and style of the famous voyager’s family home for a little slice of charming history within the city. The visit shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours, and so visiting several of the city’s gardens can be done easily within a morning or longer if you’re wrapped up in a particular exhibition."

"Set in a two-level 19th-century brick house, The Johnston Collection seems right at home. There are about 1500 items in the permanent collection, with a focus on decorative and fine arts. These include ceramics, furniture, textiles, and glasswork."

"Rippon Lea, cared for by the National Trust, is a beautiful historic mansion with gardens that are just wonderful to explore. The mansion was built in 1868 by a businessman who made his fortune selling soft-goods on the goldfields. Take a guided tour of the house, enjoy the lovely garden and finish up with tea and cake at the Gatehouse cafe."

"Spend the day hopping between eclectic cafes and small shops, and explore iconic places such as the State Parliament buildings, Shrine of Remembrance, Federation Square, Arts Centre, Yarra River, Fitzroy Garden and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Take advantage of the free tram service around the City Circle loop to get around!"

"Wed 8am - 4pm, Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat & Sun 8am-4pmcnr Cecil & York Streets,, South Melbourne. ______________________________________"

"There’s so much more than pizza on offer at Bay Beach Pizza & Pasta in Port Melbourne. Cosily located on Bay Street, diners can sit alfresco and soak up warming rays under red market umbrellas, or din..."

"Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq has a range of fun things to do with family in Melbourne, all in one place. Here you will find loads of arcade games, dodgem cars, VR, ten pin bowling and more!. All the classic arcade games are here, so parents are also entertained, but of course all the latest games are here too."

"Melbourne's Royal Botanical Gardens are simply glorious. From the air, the 94-acre spread evokes a giant green lung in the middle of the city. Drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually, the gardens are considered one of the finest examples of Victorian-era landscaping in the world. You'll find a global selection of plantings and endemic Australian flora. Mini ecosystems, such as a cacti and succulents area, a herb garden and an indigenous rainforest, are set amid vast lawns."

"Another one of the nice places to go with kids Melbourne offers is the Royal Botanic Gardens. Located in Melbourne CBD is the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria which spans over 94 acres and is home to over 10,000 species of native and exotic plants. Various activities are available within the gardens, including a guided tour of the Wurundjeri people’s land where you taste Indigenous food straight from the garden on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk."

"The Botanic Gardens are simply stunning and a joy to explore. Kids will love the Ornamental Lake where you can take them on a punt cruise around the bays and islands. Highlights include the stunning Guilfoyle’s Volcano and the Tropical Glasshouse."