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Historic Sites in Melbourne

Historic Sites in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne Historic Sites

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
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What travellers are saying

  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Many prisoners were hanged here
    The Old Melbourne Gaol is sinister, but it is quite fascinating. It was Melbourne's principal gaol for many years, when the prisoners were locked up in tiny cells. Many prisoners were hanged there, including Australia's most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly. Many of the prisoners were pathetic, they were obviously mentally ill. The Old Melbourne Gaol is one of Melbourne's top tourist attractions, be sure to book in advance.
    Review of: Old Melbourne Gaol
    Written 22 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Cathedral is neo-gothic in bluestone
    St Patrick's Cathedral is the cathedral of the Catholic Church in Melbourne. St Parrick's is a neo-gothic Church, built mainly of bluestone, a favorite building material in the 19th century. St Patrick's was named for St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. In days gone by, many Catholics in Melbourne had Irish ancestry.
    Review of: St. Patrick's Cathedral
    Written 23 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AbbottHsu
    Serang, Indonesia788 contributions
    CBD tour
    A place you must visit in CBD. The historical church for you to release your mind and feel the atmosphere in the past. Enjoy.
    Review of: St Paul's Cathedral
    Written 30 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheTennetts
    Brisbane, Australia132 contributions
    An interesting and well worthwhile visit.
    We had a fabulous guide (Justin) who gave us a totally absorbing hour long tour of the various rooms of the Parliament. He had many interesting anecdotes on the various personalities who decorated the walls. It was well worth the visit.
    Review of: Parliament House of Victoria
    Written 8 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Explorer's parents lived in this quaint cottage
    Cooks' Cottage was built in 1775 by the parents of Captain James Cook RN. There is no evidence that James Cook ever lived here. Philanthropist Sir Russell Grimwade deconstructed the cottage, which remains in Fitzroy Gardens, in Melbourne, where it was rebuilt. James Cook explored and charted the east coast of Australia, paving the way for British settlement and the establishment of a penal colony in New South Wales. In recent years, Cooks' Cottage has become controversial because of its connection to colonialism.
    Review of: Cooks' Cottage
    Written 30 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cassie T
    1 contribution
    Well worth a visit if you want to see items used in Melbourne 1700 to early 1900
    From the private collection of Mr Johnston donated to the Heritage Trust. A lovely insight into the household items that were used to entertain or decorate a home from a Jacobite cupboard in the kitchen to chandeliers and tea sets and other associated stuff in all the rooms of this double terrace house. he was an antique dealer travelling between the UK, India, China and Australia. A nice way to spend 2.5 hours
    Review of: The Johnston Collection
    Written 1 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AbbottHsu
    Serang, Indonesia788 contributions
    CBD tour
    A historical building with designated construction in CBD. Lots of tourists stop by, taking the photos before heading to the next destination. Enjoy.
    Review of: Melbourne Town Hall
    Written 30 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Elizabeth A
    Caloundra, Australia22 contributions
    Little Distillery
    What a great little distillery!! We had a tasting paddle and delicious cocktails. The 2 ladies behind the bar were very knowledgeable about the Gin and the history of the tiny little house.. definitely pop in here!!
    Review of: Little Lon Distilling Co.
    Written 17 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Take a wander among the departed
    This cemetery has thousands of graves, some neglected and some, notably for people of Italian origin, lovingly maintained. There are many other interesting features, including a menora commemorating Jewish people who perished in the Holocaust. A Chinese temple is obviosly well-used. The ancient trees add some variety to the cemetery. It's well worth wandering among the departed for an hour or so.
    Review of: Melbourne General Cemetery
    Written 19 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Angie Stern-Lynch 👫
    Newcastle, Australia2,934 contributions
    Simple and nice
    Besides the renovations going on you can still go in and check this cute place out...
    sadly the outside has bits sprayed all over it because history should be left alone but guess that’s life.
    The chapel to enter 💒 just go up to the bar and someone will let you in,
    grab a drink while your there.
    The history is great and when you see old pics you can imagine how it was, spend around 30 mins to go though.
    Review of: Mission to Seafarers Victoria
    Written 11 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CoolGuy
    Singapore, Singapore711 contributions
    Ministry of Defence related
    After we visited the Queen Victoria Gardens, we just chanced upon this beautiful building with very nice external facade.

    We took many beautiful pictures of this place. N happened to know that this place is related to Ministry of Defence.
    Review of: Victoria Barracks, Melbourne
    Written 16 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C...
    Victoria, Australia64,655 contributions
    Marvellous Melbourne
    This is an incredibly beautiful building with exceptional detail. The Melbourne Safe Deposit Building was designed by William Pitt for the Stock Exchange of Melbourne Co. Ltd. and occupied by the Melbourne Safe Deposits Co. Ltd.

    William Pitt (1855-1918), architect and politician, was born on 4 June 1855 in Melbourne. The most prolific years of Pitt's architectural practice coincided with the boom period in Melbourne and his work, more than anyone else's, reflected the confident exuberance of boom-style architecture.

    The Safe Deposit Building is historically significant as the first safe deposit operation in Australia and the basement vaults are largely intact. At the time of construction the Safe Deposit Building was considered the strongest and most secure building in Australia. It is the elegant detail of this building which makes it special; with every level treated separately.

    If you love old buildings, this is a must see on your list. It really does remind me of the tin money boxes of my youth.
    Review of: Old Safety Deposit Building
    Written 31 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    The Doctor who overthrew 5,000 years of dynastic rule
    Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925) is recognized as the founder of modern China. He overthrew 5,000 years of dynastic rule in the Middle Kingdom. Sun Yat-sen was a medical practitioner, and was often known as "Dr Sun." Following the Xinhai Revolution in 1911, Dr Sun became the first provisional President of the Republic of China. The statue is a good representation of Sun Yat-sen, it stands in the forecourt of Melbourne's Chinese Museum.
    Review of: Sun Yat-sen Statue
    Written 1 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark G
    Melbourne, Australia1,816 contributions
    Surprisingly Large Cottage
    Reconstructed and reimagined version of La Trobe's cottage, Is in a different location to the original.
    Review of: La Trobe's Cottage
    Written 24 October 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Founder of Australian football
    Tom Wills (1835-1880) was a sportsman. He came from a family of rich Australian farmers He was descended from convicts. He attended Rugby School in England, where excelled at sports. He became the first Australian cricketer of international renown. Will is regarded as the founder of Australian rules football. On his return to Australia, he codified the rules of the infant game and became its first star. The Australian Football League (AFL) is Australia's most prominent sporting code; without Tom Wills it might be very different.
    Review of: Tom Wills Statue
    Written 20 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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