Top Rated Attractions in Melbourne

The St Francis' Church is the oldest Catholic church in Melbourne, the central structure of which dates back to the period before the Gold Rush. A national heritage site, this church was commissioned by the first Catholic priest of Port Philip Some noteworthy features of this church include the Renaissance style Ladye Chapel which was constructed in the 1850s, the new Church tower which was gifted to the church by the Grollo family and the extensive archives which can be found in the adjoining monastery building.

A war memorial built as a token of profound gratitude for all the men and women who served Australia in wars and conflicts, the Shrine of Remembrance was built in 1934 and features permanent and special exhibitions. The monument sits on a grassy knoll with its design inspired by ancient Greek architecture. Every year, on November 11th, celebrated as Remembrance Day, a ray of natural light shines through the roof onto the Stone of Remembrance at 11a, illuminating the word "love" in the inscription on the stone. Two guided tours of the peaceful yet sobering landmark are offered daily. The Galleries of Remembrance showcases artworks, artifacts and medals of soldiers.

At the turn of the century, when the locals talked about a shopping expedition in style, they said they were doing "The Block". When The Block Arcade opened in 1891, it established itself as one of Melbourne's grandest arcades. In fitting style this architectural masterpiece was completely restored in 1988, and is now a National Trust Treasure. It features thirty fascinating specialty shops and boutiques. The intricate mosaic floor and beautiful central dome will transport you to an era when parasol wielding ladies and bowler hatted gentleman strolled by.

Since opening in 1853, the State Library of Victoria has become the one of the largest research and reference libraries in the state. While it is not a lending library, the institution makes books, information, services, and reading rooms available to the public. The State Library of Victoria offers a vast range of collections, which include contemporary and historical books, manuscripts, maps, and photographs. The site also has a courtyard around the central domed building and a multimedia center. The library features several notable historic rooms that inspire awe with their architecture and design. The La Trobe Reading Room is one such striking corner in the library. Inaugurated in 1913, it occupies a beautiful space bathed in light, with a capacity to accommodate a million books and as many as 600 readers. Other noteworthy rooms are the Chess Reading Room and the Redmond Barry Reading Room.

This huge, Victorian-era building is World Heritage-listed for its architectural and historical significance. Situated among the tree-lined avenues of Carlton Gardens, it stands as a Melbourne landmark. The scale and grandeur of the building reflect the wealth of Victoria's gold rush era, so does its richly painted interior. The Exhibition Building was constructed in 1880 to host Melbourne's first Centennial Exhibition, a display of inventions and arts from around the globe. It went on to become the seat of Australia's first parliament in 1901. Daily tours provide an insight into the building's history.

Constructed in the 19th Century, The Abbotsford Convent is a prominent historic landmark in the city. The stunning French-style structure of the cathedral is a sight to behold and tours of the cathedral reveal what a wonder it is in terms of architecture with its tall turrets, rose window and arched doorways. Although the convent stopped functioning as a church in the earlier half of the 20th Century, it is still a cultural hub and is used as a venue for art exhibitions, performances and other cultural and community-based activities. Markets and festivals are also hosted here all year round.