Many of Melbourne’s most charming features come together along Collins Street, the city’s historic financial centre. As well as unrivalled shopping, dining and entertainment, people come here to admire some of the architectural jewels in Australia’s crown.
One of the best introductions to this fascinating heritage is to join one of the Melbourne Architours. These guided walking tours visit some of the principal buildings of interest and explain their diverse architectural styles, from proud Victorian civic buildings and glorious art deco hotels to modern office blocks.
Melbourne Town Hall, on the corner of Swanston and Collins streets, dates from 1870 and was designed by Joseph Reed, the local architect behind the State Library of Victoria and the Royal Exhibition Building. Nearby are three important centres of worship, representing the longstanding cornerstones of Melbourne’s religious life – Collins Street Baptist Church, St Michael’s Uniting Church and the Presbyterian Scots’ Church.
Another nostalgic reminder of historic Melbourne is the Hopetoun Tearooms, where you can indulge your sweet tooth with afternoon tea served in an atmosphere of old-world elegance. This upper end of Collins Street is known as the “Paris End” because of the preponderance of designer-label shops and luxury hotels. If Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Bulgari are out of your league, grab a table at one of the pavement cafes and watch a parade of beautiful people against a backdrop of equally beautiful buildings. It’s not hard to understand why visitors have been captivated by this charming corner of Melbourne for over a century.
Trams, which run the length of Collins Street, are the most efficient and cost-effective means of transport, as car parking in this area is expensive and in short supply.
Collins Street
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Tours & day trips
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History & culture
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Private & custom tours
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Cruises & boat tours
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Popular places to visit
Immigration Museum
This museum commemorates the extraordinary journeys of settlers who came from all over the world to make Victoria home.
Rialto Towers
You can find out about the history of Melbourne when you stop by Rialto Towers. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.
Hardware Lane
Be spoiled for choice as you browse the restaurants and bars of this atmospheric dining district, hidden in a laneway in Melbourne’s CBD.
Flinders Lane
During your trip to Melbourne, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Flinders Lane. While in this trendy area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
SEA LIFE Melbourne
Find out more about what goes on beneath the waves in one of Australia’s most impressive marine attractions.
Block Arcade
Browse fashion goods, sample creamy chocolate and relax with a tea in this elegant arcade, which remains one of Melbourne's finest historic and architectural landmarks.
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