Melbourne CBD, Melbourne — Victoria

The Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) is an area located in the northern banks of the Yarra River, right in the heart of the city.

It is the oldest part of the city and is the location of several heritage buildings. One of the most notable is the Melbourne Mint, located on the corner of La Trobe and William Streets. It was completed in 1872 and is a fine example of true Renaissance Revival style.

Another Renaissance Revival style building is the Melbourne General Post Office, located on Bourke Street. Built in the later part of the 19th century, the building is now a luxury shopping center.

The Coops Shoot Tower is another well-known landmark of Melbourne CBD and was built in 1890. Located along La Trobe Street, it is now encased in a conical glass roof and is now part of the Melbourne Central complex.

On the corner of Victoria and Peel Streets, the Queen Victoria Market still remains as one of the city’s main grocery market where people can wander around for goods and souvenirs. It is also a famous heritage building, due to its historic and architectural significance,

Visitors should also take the time to stop by the State Library of Victoria, along La Trobe Street. The library commenced its service in 1856 and is a repository of numerous books and other printed materials. The grounds are also excellent spots for locals and visitors to hang out and relax.

Located on the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets is the Melbourne Town Hall, which officially opened in 1870. Its most prominent feature is the Prince Alfred Tower.

This center of the city’s commercial and financial activity also features several outdoor attractions. Along the banks of the Yarra River are several walking paths that visitors and locals use for leisurely strolls. In the northeastern part of Melbourne CBD is the Flagstaff Gardens that feature several shady spots for picnics and barbecues. In the district’s south eastern part is the Treasury Gardens, which features several walking paths under mature trees and memorials of prominent personalities such as Sir William John Clarke and Robert Burns. The garden is adjacent to another outdoor attraction, the Fitzroy Gardens that contains the Captain Cook Cottage, originally constructed in 1755 in England but was transferred to its present site in 1933.

On the north eastern end of Melbourne CBD is Carlton Gardens, which is a World Heritage Site. Highlights of the garden include the Royal Exhibition Building, IMAX Cinema, and the Melbourne Museum. Several species of water birds also call this garden home, making it ideal for bird watching.

Another good place for visitors to stroll in is the Federation Square, located along the banks of the Yarra River and on Flinders Street. The square is home to several restaurants, cafes, exhibition galleries, museum, and cinemas. It is a pleasant area for both visitors and locals to spend time in. It is also adjacent to Birrarung Marr, the newest park of the city.

Across the river is another extensive park land, the Kings Domain. Within this major outdoor destination are several attractions no visitor should miss, including the Sydney Myer Music Bowl outdoor performance venue, the Government House that is official residence of the Governor of Victoria, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance war memorial, and the historic La Trobe’s Cottage.