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Photo: Gil Meydan, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1858 by a 19-year-old architect, it was the city’s first Italian Renaissance building and many consider that its elegance has not been surpassed by anything in Melbourne since. Contains displays on the history of Melbourne as well as the history of gold in Victoria, including the original gold vaults. Fun activities for children, including the chance to earn a novelty gold licence. The expansive Treasury Gardens behind the building are also worth a visit.
The Old Treasury Building is a former government building, now history museum, located on Spring Street in the city centre of Melbourne, in Victoria, Australia. Built between 1858 and 1862 in the grand Renaissance Revival style, the building was designed to accommodate the Treasury Department, various government officials' offices including the Governor In Council, and basement vaults intended to house gold from the Victorian gold rush. It now houses a range of functions, including a museum of Melbourne's history, known as the Old Treasury Building Museum.
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Built between 1856 and 1879, the Australian federal parliament sat in this impressive building from 1901 to 1927 while Canberra was built. It now houses the state parliament. The majestic façade can be seen right down Bourke St. Tours of the assembly halls and libraries are conducted when parliament is not in session. Visitors are also welcome to sit in the public gallery when parliament is in session.
The original part of this Gothic Revival cathedral was built in the 1850s. It was consecrated in 1897 and the spires added in 1939. It is the largest and tallest church in Australia.
Romanesque-style church built in 1866.
Situated in the midst of Chinatown, it documents and explains the history of Chinese immigrants in Australia. The 'millennium dragon' is on display, the largest Chinese dragon in the world, along with an interactive underground exhibit highlighting the goldfields. Also on-site is a free visitor centre and a gift shop. The museum runs walking tours of Chinatown by appointment ($10 per person).
A largely niche museum, it is the largest fire service-related collection in Australia. Houses historical uniforms, vehicles, photos and other memorabilia.