Top Things to do in Melbourne
10 Government Buildings in Melbourne That You Shouldn't Miss
Lovely, laid-back Melbourne has something for everyone: family fare, local and international art, haute boutiques, multicultural dining, Australian and Aboriginal history, spectator sports, and pulsing, swanky nightlife. Cruise on the free City Circle Tram loop to check out unique attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Healesville Sanctuary, which buzzes with local animal species.
Restaurants in Melbourne
1. Flemington Post Office
2. Parliament House of Victoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 449 reviews
Victoria's Parliament House is one of Australia's oldest and most architecturally distinguished public buildings. It is a working State Parliament, and is also the building where Australia's first Federal Parliament met from 1901 until 1927. Free guided tours are provided on non-sitting days, Monday to Friday, at 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:45pm. (Tours for groups of 6 or more are also free, but must be booked in advance) The public galleries in both chambers are open on sitting days for visitors who wish to see Parliament in action. Visitors can book for High Tea or Lunch in Stranger's Corridor during non-sitting weeks.
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
When Australia federated to become a nation in 1901, there was no Commonwealth Parliament -- in fact, Canberra didn't exist, so the Parliament of Victoria became the national Parliament. It was not until the 1920s that the "temporary" Parliament House was established in Canberra. The Parliament of Victoria has a rather plain Legislative Assembly (Lower House) done in green and an ornate rococo Legislative Council (Upper House) where red dominates. The Parliament of Victoria is a legacy of the Great Australian Goldrush, when Melbourne was the richest city on Earth.
3. Government House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
Government House is the official residence of the Govenor of Victoria, currently Linda Dessau. Government House opened in 1876; other places had hosted the Governor before this, including :La Trobe's Cottage, which is near the current residence. in King's Domain The entrance to Government House is imperessive. Government House is in Italianate style, said to resemble Osbourne House, a residence of Queen Victoria. Government House was the official residence of the Govenor General of Australia from 1901-1930, when the GG moved into Yarralumla. The Governor is the official representative of the Head of State. Goverenment House is certainly impressive, it is a fine example of Victorian-era craftsmanship.
4. Melbourne Town Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Completed in 1870, the Melbourne Town Hall is at the heart of the city's cultural and civic activity, hosting theatre, weddings, receptions and exhibitions. So many of the decisions that have helped shape Melbourne were made within the heritage-listed Town Hall. A mix of bluestone and Tasmanian freestone, the classically designed building features a clock tower and fine masonry. To go behind the scenes and visit the grand Council Chambers and stand where the Beatles and Abba waved from the impressive portico, take a Town Hall tour. As well as the Council Chambers, the Town Hall features a large auditorium, which was remodelled following a fire in 1925 and includes panels decorated with sepia figures. The auditorium's Grand Organ has featured in cutting-edge performances by a range of artists including Philip Glass, Paul Grabowski and the Necks. A free lunchtime concert series has been running since 2003, and the Grand Organ Museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the organ and breathe air into its venerable pipes. Join a free Melbourne Town Hall Tour from Monday to Friday with tours departing at 11am and 1pm. Bookings essential.
Reviewed By jrtakesontheworld - Australia, null
The Melbourne Town Hall is certainly decked out around Christmas time. We visited the Town Hall later in the night to view the light show projected onto its facade. Being a 'first-timer', I was entertained by the light show, which is on a rotation, although I suppose you can become jaded by that sort of thing. Well worth a visit.
5. Supreme Court of Victoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Crystalline4u - Traralgon, Australia
This beautifully contrasts against the County Court on the other side of the street... the old and the new... as it should be. If an old building can be maintained, it's wonderful that it is. Erected in 1874-84, the Law Courts comprise two storeys constructed of brick on Malmsbury bluestone footings and faced with Tasmanian freestone. The design is reputed to be based on the design of James Gandon's Four Courts building in Dublin, following a suggestion to Smith and Johnson by Chief Justice Sir William Stawell. The boldness of planning and massing and the mannerist details are highly characteristic of the work of the architect AE Johnson. This is a beautiful building representing the Renaissance Revival style. It can be reached by foot from Southern Cross or there is a bus route that runs up Lonsdale Street.
6. former Police Station - Bourke Street West
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Crystalline4u - Traralgon, Australia
The Station is historically significant as the only remaining intact nineteenth century police station in inner Melbourne. It is a significant remnant of continuous government administration in this area of the western end of Melbourne dating back to 1837. The complex is comprised of a cell block and watchhouse, police barracks and station, sergeant's quarters and marshalling yard. The police station closed in 1970 and these days there is a charming pub in it's wake. It's a stunning building ... the pop of colour from the red brick draws your attention and you will note the bluestone base. It's definitely worth stopping to go ..."ooooh and aahhh".
