Historic Sites in Victoria

"A museum, a landmark and an observation deck packed into one completely free attraction in Melbourne. Yes, entry to the Shrine of Remembrance nestled in the Melbourne Gardens won’t cost you a damn thang. Head down when Melbourne weather isn’t PMS’ing and roam the dimly lit corridors of the crypts, read up on Australia’s involvement in the World Wars, make a dash for the terrace to soak in views of the Melbourne CBD and take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens."

"Melbourne’s iconic monument was built as a memorial to honour all those who served during World War I and all Australians who have since served in military conflict and peacekeeping operations. Open daily, visitors can wander through reflective exhibition spaces including Galleries of Remembrance, The Victoria Cross and Gallery of Medals and see over 800 objects including photos, uniforms and historical artefacts."

"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!"

"This attraction is for those with a fascination for the morbid. Many of Australia’s most notorious criminals were executed here for a total of 133. This included killers who had become famous worldwide for the severity of their crimes, such as the serial killer Frederick Bailey Deming."

"A free City Circle tram runs throughout town, starting at Flinders Street Station, and takes in must-see attractions such as St Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House and the Royal Exhibition Building. Hop off the tram at Flagstaff Station and take a five minute stroll to Queen Victoria Market. The market has been a Melbourne landmark for more than a century and offers an incredible range of local and imported gourmet foods. Grab a coffee from Market Lane Coffee, in the Deli Hall, and a spinach and cheese borek from the Borek Shop."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"The weather's getting cool and carb cravings are kicking in. Lucky for us, there's a whole stack of bakeries and cafes to slice into - even in lockdown. Opening hours may differ right now, so be sure to check with the business directly before visiting."

"Couple Stephen and Niharika Hogan scoured South America top to tip and brought their love for the continent’s cuisines back home to an intimate venue on Bridge Road in Richmond. Onda’s compact menu (which is about half vegetarian) pays homage to Latin flavours but isn’t wedded to tradition. The ambitious dishes get full points for creativity."

"South American flavours and the warmth of home await diners at ONDA Bar & Eatery on Bridge Road in Richmond. Meaning vibes in Spanish, ONDA fuses good energy with soulful food in trendy surrounds of p..."

"The geometric, zinc-clad home of Melbourne art collectors Charles and Leah Justin doubles as the Justin Art House Museum. Book ahead for a private tour of the couple's dynamic collection of contemporary art, consisting of more than 250 pieces amassed over four decades. There's a strong emphasis on video and digital art, with the works rotated regularly. Guided tours take around two hours. The house was designed by the couple's daughter, Elisa."

"One of the best Melbourne playgrounds that has been recently constructed, Pipemakers Park is set in an area of Melbourne's Inner West with industrial history and a rich indigenous history. The playground is split into sections, each with a totem/wayfinding sign that explains the Aboriginal name of the country and it's meaning. There is a sandpit, water play, space for imaginative play and a large climbing fort."

"Visit the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens for somewhere unique in Melbourne – it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest existing exhibition buildings in the world. The building hosts various exhibitions and events in all areas of interest, of which price for each will vary so check out what’s on before visiting. Regardless, a simple walk around the outside provides a moment to admire the restoration work on this wonderful building!"

"A popular spot for very good reason – again no permit required and lots of open space in the manicured gardens and sweeping paths. There’s also the picturesque Royal Exhibition building, modern Melbourne Museum and the Rubix Cube wall, so you could easily spend an entire shoot here and make it look like you traveled to three different locations. Great for San Remo Ballroom."

"If you are planning a visit to the Melbourne Museum which is located in the historic Royal Exhibition Building then you can’t walk past the wonderful Carlton Gardens. These gardens are world heritage listed and are well worth a visit in any season. Make sure you check out the ornamental lakes and the fountains (kids love water in action)."

"Flinders Street Station is among Melbourne’s most recognizable landmarks & the busiest suburban railway Station in the southern hemisphere. The Melburnian idiom “I’ll meet you under the clocks” refers to the row of clocks above the main entrance, which indicate the departure time of the next train on each line"

"While Sydney has the Opera House (pfft), Melbourne has Flinders Street Station. Operating as the hub of the metropolitan train network, this city icon welcomes thousands of workers into the city every day. The station is also Melbourne's most popular meeting place."

"But on those amazing evenings when the setting sun really lights up the clouds, the colourful sky can add even more to your Flinders Street Station photos."