A Tour Of Melbourne's Architectural Landmarks

If you have limited time in Melbourne, don’t fret, as many of our most architecturally remarkable buildings are located within walking distance of each other. Culture Trip has mapped out a simple route for you to follow, where you will discover six of Melbourne attractions.

1. Shrine of Remembrance

Memorial, Shrine

Start your tour in Kings Domain at the Shrine of Remembrance. Designed by WWI veterans and architects Phillip Hudson and James Wardrop, the Shrine of Remembrance was built to honour Victorians who served during World War I and has since become a memorial to all Australians who have served in a military operation. Housing over 800 objects, photos and uniforms, The Shrine offers a reverent glimpse into Australian military service. On ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, commemorative events are held at the memorial.

2. National Gallery of Victoria

Art Gallery, Building

Heading up St Kilda Road, you will come across a monumental bluestone building on your left. Designed by Roy Grounds, the National Gallery of Victoria has a collection of more than 73,000 works of art. Make your way through the arched entrance, behind the wall of water and towards the Great Hall to see the world’s largest stained-glass ceiling, which casts a kaleidoscope of colours onto the gallery floor. Asides from the Gallery’s permanent collection, NGV also holds exhibitions such as Melbourne Winter Masterpieces.

3. Federation Square

Building

Once you’ve crossed Princes Bridge, you will find Federation Square on your right, sitting on the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street. Completed in 2002, the square was designed by Lab + Bates Smart and incorporates deconstructivist design with a modern minimalist style. Known locally as Fed Square, the piazza features three public spaces, restaurants, bars and event spaces as well as ACMI, the Ian Potter Centre and the SBS Television and Radio Headquarters.

On the opposite side of the Swanston Street, adjacent to Federation Square is Flinders Street Station. Featuring a green dome, arched entrance and clock tower, Flinders Street Station was the first station built in an Australian city and by 1926, it had become the busiest train station in the world. A longstanding rumour is that there was a mix up with building plans and that Flinders Street Station was originally intended for Mumbai. It’s unlikely to be true, but it’s an interesting thought to ponder as you wonder through the terminus.

Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

4. State Library of Victoria

Library

Continue along on Swanston Street for one kilometer, and you will happen on the Neoclassical State Library of Victoria on your right. The Library holds over two million books in addition to significant Australia artifacts, including the diaries of Melbourne founders John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner, and also Ned Kelly’s original armor. Architecturally, the octagonal La Trobe Reading Room is one of the library’s most magnificent features and is the room where many Melbourne authors have chiseled away at their manuscripts.

5. Royal Exhibition Building

Building, Museum, School

From the State Library of Victoria, turn right onto La Trobe Street. After 850 meters, La Trobe Street meets Victoria Street from which you will see Carlton Gardens. Cross the road and follow elm-lined avenues to the Royal Exhibition Building, which held the first Parliament of Australia on the 9th May 1901. Designed by Joseph Reed, the Royal Exhibition Building was built to host the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880 and today, the space hosts exhibitions and festivals.

9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC Australia +61 3 9270 5000

Royal Exjbition Building Tulips Straight | © Diliff/WikiCommons

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.