Historic Sites in Docklands

"Melbourne’s iconic monument was built as a memorial to honour all those who served during World War I and all Australians who have since served in military conflict and peacekeeping operations. Open daily, visitors can wander through reflective exhibition spaces including Galleries of Remembrance, The Victoria Cross and Gallery of Medals and see over 800 objects including photos, uniforms and historical artefacts."

"The Shrine of Remembrance (commonly referred to as The Shrine) is a war memorial built in honour of the men that fought in World War I. It now functions as a memorial for all Australians who have been sent to war. The Shrine was built during the great depression and construction relied heavily on public contributions."

"Lookout north-westerly down the Ceremonial Avenue back toward the CBD as the light fades and the sun drops to the west and the twilight colours briefly fill the sky. Can you see someone staring back at you?. It’s the face of William Barak on the ‘Portrait Building’."

"One of the more lifeless buildings of Melbourne on the outside, the old Melbourne Gaol has quite a ghastly history to back it up. Sitting right on Russel street (another very famous Melbourne street) is an incredibly eerie, 3 story high former prison. While it’s no longer a prison (it was officially closed in 1924), it’s now a museum filled with relics of the past and the history of some of Australia’s most notorious criminals."

"For 87 years, Victoria’s Old Melbourne Gaol housed minor offenders and notorious criminals including gangster Squizzy Taylor. Among those executed were bushranger Ned Kelly and Jack the Ripper suspect Frederick Bailey Deeming. Today, the prison operates as a museum where visitors can see death masks, Kelly gang weapons and memorabilia from prisoners and staff."

"A free City Circle tram runs throughout town, starting at Flinders Street Station, and takes in must-see attractions such as St Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House and the Royal Exhibition Building. Hop off the tram at Flagstaff Station and take a five minute stroll to Queen Victoria Market. The market has been a Melbourne landmark for more than a century and offers an incredible range of local and imported gourmet foods. Grab a coffee from Market Lane Coffee, in the Deli Hall, and a spinach and cheese borek from the Borek Shop."

"You may not want to attend a sitting but there are also tours that you can book when Parliament is not sitting. This way you can get access to some extra information on the building and the things that happen behind the scenes. The express tours take only 20 minutes, perfect if you have children that have the attention span of a goldfish."

"Spend the day hopping between eclectic cafes and small shops, and explore iconic places such as the State Parliament buildings, Shrine of Remembrance, Federation Square, Arts Centre, Yarra River, Fitzroy Garden and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Take advantage of the free tram service around the City Circle loop to get around!"

"If you compare it to Europe, Australia does not have many big churches that are worthwhile exploring. Having said that, St Paul’s in Melbourne does deserve a second look. First of all, it is a pretty old church at just 125 years old but most importantly it is the seat of the Anglican Primate of Australia."

"Where St Paul's Cathedral sits is the site of Melbourne's first Christian service, held in 1835. The block was then used as a corn market until St Paul's Cathedral was constructed in 1891. Since then it's been a significant piece of Melbourne's identity."

"With such highlights included on the tour itinerary as St. Paul's Cathedral, Federation Square, Chinatown, Parliament House and much more, you're sure to get a true taste of the diversity that Melbourne is all about."

"Perhaps the most notable council building is Melbourne Town Hall. This heritage listed building was the prototype for numerous suburban town halls. While the building’s architectural significance is clear with its impressive Tasmanian freestone façade (built in 1867), the Prince Alfred Tower (added in 1869) and temple-like portico (1887), it’s also notable for its role in many historical moments."

"The Mission to Seafarers, Victoria, active from 1857, has operated since 1917 from the heritage-listed building, 717 Flinders St, on the banks of the River Yarra. The Mission is highly regarded for its long and continuing service to those who live and work at sea. Guided tours available or casual visits are welcome 365 days of the year, refreshments available."

"Cook’s Cottage is open daily for visitors between 9am – 5pm at a price of $6.50. The visit offers the chance to see the antique furnishing and style of the famous voyager’s family home for a little slice of charming history within the city. The visit shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours, and so visiting several of the city’s gardens can be done easily within a morning or longer if you’re wrapped up in a particular exhibition."

"As the birthplace of Aussie Rules Football and the site of such famous venues as the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rod Laver Arena and Flemington Racecourse, a sports tour of Melbourne will let you get a behind-the-scenes look at these world class sporting venues. You'll visit famous sights including the MCG and Rod Laver Arena as well as the National Sports Museum to see memorabilia and learn about the city and the country's history and love of sport."

"Melbourne loves sports - and the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the sports capital of the nation. Commonly referred to as ‘The G’ it is the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere and the 10th largest in the world. Founded in 1853 by the Melbourne Cricket Club, the MCG has since hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics, two cricket world cups, and The Commonwealth Games."

"If your family loves sports then the Melbourne Cricket Ground needs to be on your itinerary!. If there are no matches on you can still visit. Just book the tour and also make sure you visit the National Sports Museum."

"Easily Melbourne's largest and most popular beach, a day out at St. Kilda beach is always a mixed bag in terms of what to expect. Popular with people from all walks of life (especially during the summer months) including those with kids, it is always a major drawcard for a ton of tourists, especially in comparison with some of the other beaches listed here, and is basically Melbourne's equivalent to a Manly or Bondi of Sydney beach fame. While St. Kilda beach has a fairly "seedy" reputation, many steps have been taken over the past decade or so to clean up its image and improve on the public perception, especially in terms of catering to families with kids, with the beachfront having been recently redeveloped."

"A perfect stroll for weddings held at Doyles Bridge Hotel and Windows on the Bay, although we’d suggest getting a lift back to Doyles if you can arrange it. White sand, flat blue water and some garden area to hide in – even the toilets are picturesque."

"The modern architecture of the Islamic Museum of Australia is quite striking, but the exhibitions inside are also presented in an engaging and contemporary way. Some of the museum is dedicated to immigration and tells fascination stories of Muslims who came to Australia, including the Afghan cameleers and Malay pearlers. But there’s also a lot on display that shows the wonders of the Islamic culture, including architecture, art, and textiles."

"Australia’s rich maritime history unravels through the Polly Woodside ship that has preserved antiquity in its bowels. The ship was launched in Belfast in 1885, and had sailed 1.5 million kilometres around the globe. Today, it is located in Melbourne's South Wharf precinct and is one of the major attractions of the city."

"Polly Woodside is a three-masted iron-hulled barque, built in Belfast in 1885. She carried coal, nitrate, and wheat between Britain and South America, then cargo in the New Zealand trade. She became a coal hulk in 1923, and was used as a service lighter in WWII in New Guinea."

"A museum ship is a perfect hands-on experience that will delight kids of all ages. In Melbourne, have a look at the Polly Woodside which can be found at 21 South Wharf Promenade. The ship is 130 years old and has circumnavigated the world 17 times!"