Keeping It Stylish: The Best Victorian Architecture In Melbourne

Melbourne is a city known for its creative and artsy vibe and is a place many people flock towards to see the sights. Sure, lots of people want to see the cool graffiti and drink at some of the best coffee shops, but there's a lot more to the city than that.

When the British landed, they left a huge stamp of their own on the landscape of many Australian cities, and Melbourne was no exception. A lot of classic British architecture was built here, ranging from Gothic, Elizabethan, Jacobean and, of course, Victorian. Victorian architecture can be found all across the city, and while there are lots of new buildings popping up across the city (some are pretty ugly), it's clear that those Victorian classics aren't going anywhere. 

Architecture in Melbourne: pretty ugly?

We know that Melbourne has erected some absolute monstrosities when it comes to new buildings. Such examples as the Pixel Building and Federation Building spring to mind as the ugliest buildings in the world. But the old Victorian examples save the city from itself and are amazing buildings to look at.  Read on for four of the best examples of Victorian architecture which show that not all buildings in the city are ugly.

Flinders Street Station

We can't talk about Victorian architecture in Melbourne without mentioning Flinders Street Station. This beauty of a building can be found smack dab in the middle of the Central Business District and boy does it make an impression. 

It's probably the most famous building in Melbourne, and it has a very functional purpose as over 110,000 commuters make their way through there each day! For people travelling around Australia, it may be the first building they see when they arrive, and what could be better for your first sight here? 

Royal Exhibition Building

Another Victorian beauty is, of course, the Royal Exhibition Building. It's reminiscent of the Brighton Pavilion in England and is in as great a condition today as it was when it was first built.

It's actually the oldest remaining exhibition pavilion in the world! It was built in 1880 for Melbourne's first international fair, and afterwards, it was used to showcase some of the best innovations and curiosities of the time. You can still visit it in all it's glory today and it makes for a great day out with the family!

Melbourne General Post Office

Most post offices aren't worth writing home about, but the General Post Office in Melbourne is an exception to the rule. Commonly referred to simply as 'GBO', this building is only a few minutes away from Flinders Street Station and it's just as beautiful on the inside as it is outside. 

When you walk past the GBO, you'll often see people on their lunch break enjoying a sandwich on the steps, or meeting up with friends outside. It's a great place to watch the day go by and it makes for a great photo opportunity every time, so make sure to snap a pic!

The Parliament Building

The Parliament Building is one of the most famous buildings in Melbourne and for good reason, it's absolutely stunning! It was built all the way back in 1855 and they are still adding on to it. It was originally inspired by the Leeds Town Hall building in England and they made it bigger and better in Melbourne!

It serves as a beautiful sight in the city which reminds us of the colonial past as well as a political seat of the city. They often run free tours where you can learn everything there is to know about the building and its history. 

Melbourne: It's far from ugly

While there have been some absolute stinkers when it comes to the newer buildings in Melbourne, the Victorian architecture swoops in and saves the day. Each corner has a little bit of history and they serve as beautiful landmarks. Don't take our word for it; get yourself along to Melbourne and see for yourself!