Want To Go On A Melbourne Architectural Tour?
When you decide to visit Melbourne, you have to think about everything that you would like to see. For many architecture lovers, Melbourne has a number of treats on offer. While it is true that it is a new-world metropolis and you are more likely to see modern architecture, Melbourne boasts some amazing Victorian and Neo-Gothic architecture as well as contemporary designs that are convention breaking. When you decide to tour Melbourne to admire the amazing architecture, it is a good idea to wear comfortable shoes. You are likely to do a good amount of walking and you want to enjoy yourself.
While enjoying the Melbourne architecture, you can also take the opportunity to do some shopping and get some entertainment. You can visit museums, galleries, shops and other locations where you can enjoy the sites while stocking up on local souvenirs. You can also enjoy great meals at the various restaurants in the city. Remember to set aside at least a whole day for your tour so that you can make the most of it. Here are some locations that you will enjoy on your architectural tour:
Royal Exhibition Building
Just north of the Central Business District is Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building. You can use your handy Journey Planner to map your route to view what is arguably the city’s best-known architectural structure. It is one of Australia’s two man-made structures considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an impressive achievement for a fairly young city and the REB is one of the world’s oldest remaining exhibition buildings. The Victorian building was designed by Joseph Reed, one of the most influential architects in the city. Built in 1880, REB was designed to house the Melbourne International Exhibition and it incorporates Romanesque, Byzantine, and Italian Renaissance building styles.
Old Treasury Building
Another of Melbourne’s gems on the architectural front is located along Spring Street. The Old Treasury Building is considered one of the best examples of Victorian renaissance revival architecture. Apart from admiring the amazing architecture, visitors are astounded to learn that the architect, JJ Clark was only 19 when he designed the beautiful building! The building was originally home to the Government of Victoria’s Treasury Department but it is now a museum dedicated to the city’s history and it houses an impressive archival collection.
ANZ Gothic Bank
When you turn left off queen Street, you come to Collins Street where you find some of the most iconic architectural marvels in the city. Manchester Unity Building and ANZ Gothic Bank will be worth a second and third look. Located at the corner of Collins and Queen, ANZ Gothic Bank is named after Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd, the building’s owners. This Neo-Gothic masterpiece was designed by William Wardell and completed in 1887. The building’s interior is just as resplendent as the exterior and visitors are welcome to gaze at the jaw-dropping interior that also houses the ANZ banking museum.
Manchester Unity Building
Located at the corner of Swanston and Collins streets is the beautiful Manchester Unity Building. You can take in the sight of the beautiful Art Deco architecture. The elegant, heritage-listed city landmark was built in 1932 and any architecture lover will enjoy looking at the grand building. The building exterior has a modern Gothic grandeur. Walk into the ground-floor arcade to admire the sand-blasted designs on friezes and black-marble tablets. The decorative tiling and cornices, and the amazing ornate elevators will take your breath away.
Federation Square
If you turn right from Flinders, you come to Federation Square. The building was designed by Lab Architecture Studio, working with a local architectural firm Bates Smart. It is considered the epicentre of Melbourne’s action and it attracts both locals and tourists. The civic centre was opened in 2002 and there were different and very strong opinions from residents about the structure. While some people responded with architectural admiration, there are those who were quite horrified. The daring modernist structure may not be everyone’s cup of tea and there are many passionate debates about the design to this day. The centre houses galleries, museums, restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions.
Flinders Station
This street station is considered one of the most iconic images in Melbourne. Flinders Street is Melbourne’s transportation hub and it is a favourite meeting place for the city’s locals. The majestic Victorian building was planned by Victorian Railways Department’s James Fawcett and Ashworth. Commissioned in 1910, the building is the oldest train station in the city and it covers a stretch of two city blocks. As well as attracting locals, this is a popular tourist attraction and a must see for any visitor.
The Royal Arcade
A short walk from Central Station is the amazing Royal Arcade. Many visitors to the location feel like they have travelled back in time to Victorian England. The Arcade was designed in 1869 by Charles Webb who was an influential English architect in the 19th century. He is also responsible for designing other notable landmarks in Melbourne such as The Windsor Hotel and the South Melbourne Town Hall. This elegant heritage building is the oldest still-standing arcade in Australia. The building has a beautiful high glass roof and breathtaking archways, but the most striking and famous design touches are the large whimsical statues of Gog and Magog, the mythical figures.
Parliament of Victoria
Victoria’s Parliament House is one of the oldest and most distinguished public buildings in Australia. The architectural treasure welcomes visitors to share in the city’s history and heritage. At the Parliament of Victoria, you can admire the majesty that is the Queen’s Hall and sit in the chambers where laws are made. Visit the site where Australia’s Federal Parliament proceedings were conducted for 26 years. The building interior features beautiful classical decoration that includes statues, paintings, intricate columns and Minton floor tiles.
To get the most from your Melbourne vacation, make sure that you hire a coach or minibus service. This is especially important when travelling in a group as you can ensure that everyone travels together conveniently and comfortably. When you hire a bus from a reputable company, you can benefit from the experience of a local driver who knows the routes. You can even make use of your hired vehicle to explore other architectural attractions in the surrounding regions of Melbourne!