Melbourne’s history and heritage in a day

Melbourne has an intriguing history of settlement, gold and the unique characters that have called it home. Discover some of its stories below:

Morning:
Como House
Visit Como House – a colonial mansion set on 5 acres of historic gardens overlooking the Yarra River. This remarkable house and garden provide a delightful escape within the heart of Melbourne and the extensive and original collection throughout the house provide a rare insight into the Armytage family and their influence on Melbourne society during their 96-year residency from 1865 to 1959.
Williams Road, South Yarra
Ph +61 3 9827 2500

Lunch:
Golden Mile Heritage Trail
Melbourne’s Golden Mile Heritage Trail, a self-guided walking trail that links most of the city’s key heritage sites, is the best way to see Melbourne’s historic buildings and precincts. A brochure of the walk can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre at Federation Square. Stop for lunch on the way at the Hopetoun Tearooms in Block Arcade on Collins Street. Inspired by wonderful European design this is one of the oldest arcades still trading in Australia.
Ph 1300 780 045 (Book a guided tour – Australia only)

Afternoon:
Melbourne Museum
Spend your afternoon at the award-winning Melbourne Museum. Discover the vibrant history of Melbourne, from Australia's iconic racehorse Phar Lap to a restored Luna Park Big Dipper carriage; experience indigenous cultures of the Pacific and south eastern Australia; discover Australian's amazingly diverse land and marine environments or walk through a living Forest Gallery growing right inside the museum building.
Carlton Gardens, Rathdowne Street, Carlton
Ph +61 3 8341 7777

Evening:
Old Melbourne Gaol
Take night tour of the Old Melbourne Gaol and experience the chilling atmosphere inside the forbidding walls of Victoria’s oldest surviving remand prison. Gain an insight into prison life in a model nineteenth century gaol and, if you dare, explore the gaol by candlelight and discover the gruesome realities of prison life last century. Performances commence after dark, twice a week.
Bookings are essential.
Russell Street, between Victoria and La Trobe streets, CBD
Ph +61 3 9663 7228