What to do and see in Victoria, Australia: The Best Historic Sites

"The Rip", also known as "The Heads", is a dangerous stretch of water in Victoria, Australia, connecting Port Phillip and Bass Strait. It is the only entrance for shipping into Port Phillip and hence into Melbourne. Because of large tidal flows through the relatively narrow channel from the bay to the ocean, and a high rocky seabed, The Rip has claimed many ships and lives. Geographically, it is t

Here on display are the fabulous silo paintings done by Melbourne artist Cam Scale of a WWI Nurse, a modern Combat Medic and a Lighthorseman with his Steed. North Vic Trails is a Non Profit Community Group consisting of people from small towns. We are trying to help our rural regional towns suffering in the current climate especially after the drought and bushfires and now COVID 19 restrictions. Through promoting the silo art, other artworks and features for small town communities we hope to increase tourism to the northern regions of Victoria. So come visit us, stay for a bit and enjoy the many fabulous sights we have to offer.

Located to the north of the city, Coburg Pine Ridge Cemetery is a peaceful place with a rich local history that can be discovered via a heritage walk. While the cemetery is mostly full, there are a number of memorial options available. The Friends of Coburg Cemetery takes an active interest in the rich history of the cemetery and the area it serves, and runs historical tours from time to time.

Step back in time and walk the road to the gallows in a 19th century prison, be arrested in a modern-day Police Station or put yourself on trial in court.Home to Melbourne's oldest prison, historic Magistrates' Court and former Police City Watch House, Russell Street has been at the heart of crime, law and order in Melbourne since the 1840s. Most of Australia’s infamous characters, including iconic bushranger, Ned Kelly and notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor have spent time within the walls of this amazing precinct. A ticket to the Old Melbourne Gaol grants you visiting rights to the past, present and future of crime and justice in Australia.

Rippon Lea is a large nineteenth century mansion surrounded by 7 hectares of Victorian pleasure gardens. It is listed on the National Heritage Register because it is one of the finest examples of an original suburban estate in Australia.

St Paul's Anglican Cathedral is a beautiful, historic building, situated in the centre of the City of Melbourne, Australia. It is a place of worship and prayer. St Paul's is built on the site where the first public Christian services in Melbourne were led by Dr Alexander Thomson in 1836. Soon afterwards a small wooden chapel was built elsewhere, and the area became a corn market until 1848, when it was made available for the building of the bluestone St Paul's Parish Church. Consecrated in 1852, this Church was used until 1885, when it was demolished to make way for the present Cathedral. The decision to build on the site of the existing church was made because of its proximity to the railway and soon to be completed cable tramway service.The Swanston Street and Flinders Street corner remains one of Melbourne's busiest intersections today, ensuring the Cathedral is a place at the heart of city life.

At Sovereign Hill, the story of an important time and place in Australian History, and the people who lived it, lives on. An internationally acclaimed tourist attraction, Sovereign Hill prides itself on its close attention to detail found in every aspect of this living, outdoor museum. Sovereign Hill is a glimpse of the vigour and excitement of life on Australia’s 1850s goldfields. Visitors can find real gold in the creek – gold pans are provided and it’s ‘finders keepers’, see $150,000 worth of molten gold poured into a gleaming bar, and take in the rich program of activities, shows and demonstrations. On Main Street there are working shops, hotels and a theatre – all based on original Ballarat businesses. Visitors are able to watch goldfields tradespeople in action and take a ride around the township in a horse-drawn coach. For the brave hearted, journey underground on a gold mine tour.

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.