Victoria Attractions
Victoria Historical Sites and Heritage Locations by Area
Victoria Attractions Directory : Historical Sites and Heritage Locations
- Click to read more:
Three inner city houses in Coventry Street are among the few 19th century prefabricated iron buildings remaining in the world.
An audiovisual tour provides a comprehensive account of the importance of these buildings in the history of white settlement in Australia and during the gold rush years in Victoria particularly.
Once a month the volunteers at the 19th century Portable Houses guide a walk around Emerald Hill and also provide refreshments in the courtyard of the historic Iron House...19th Century Portable Iron Houses
South Melbourne, Melbourne Area
- Click to read more:
Barwon Grange is an elegant intact brick home dating from Geelong's earliest residential settlement.
It was built in 1855 and reflects the aspirations of middle class businessman Jonathan Porter O'Brien and his family who had emigrated from Liverpool.
The picturesque Gothic style architecture includes steep gables, unusual decorative timber bargeboards and verandah parapet.
The interior contains a fine collection of early Victorian furniture and fittings faithfully accumulated accord...Barwon Grange
Newtown, Great Ocean Road Area
- Click to read more:
Visitors to Barwon Park are rewarded with a vision from the past....
Built in 1869 for Thomas & Elizabeth Austin, Barwon Park was once one of Australia's grandest mansions. Barwon Park is a majestic 42 room bluestone estate that features a magnificent central staircase and iron lace verandah. With its interiors remaining largely in original condition, Barwon Park resonates the glory of Victoria's pastoral heritage.Barwon Park
Winchelsea, Great Ocean Road Area
- Click to read more:
With the boom of the gold rush in Bendigo came a wave of development in the late 1800s. A substantial tram network was established to link the city.
Today, there is still no better way to experience the sights of Bendigo than aboard the majestic Vintage Talking Tram.
Be delighted by the historic wide streets and remarkable architecture that serve as a reminder of the city founded on Australia s richest goldfield.
A recorded commentary will recount the golden past, famous people and...Bendigo Tramways Vintage `Talking` Tram
Bendigo, Goldfields Area
- Click to read more:
Buda Historic Home & Garden is one of the great heritage assets of the Goldfields region. Buda was built in 1861 and from 1863 was the home of noted silversmith Ernest Leviny and his family. Complete with the family's art and craft collections, furnishings and domestic effects. The gracious historic home that is surrounded by one of the most important large 19th century suburban gardens surviving in Victoria, was home to a remarkably creative Leviny family for a period of 118 years from 1863.
...Buda Historic Home & Garden
Castlemaine, Goldfields Area
- Click to read more:
Experience underground mining of the past and see how miners lived and worked in Bendigo from 1939 to 1954.
On the Mine Experience Tour, don a miner s hat and lamp and travel 61 metres beneath the ground, as you walk in the footsteps of miners who discovered $17 million dollars worth of gold and take part in a guided surface tour of the mine. Tours run regularly each day.
For the more daring, brave a thrilling 2.5 hour Underground Adventure Tour climbing ladders, working mine drills and ...Central Deborah Gold Mine
Bendigo, Goldfields Area
- Click to read more:
The distinctive burgundy and gold City Circle tram provides a free and convenient way to move around Melbourne, and passes a number of sights and attractions including NewQuay dining and entertainment precinct. It circles the CBD's perimeter, running along Flinders Street, Harbour Esplanade, La Trobe Street and Spring Street, a journey that takes nearly 50 minutes. Hop on and off the service and visit the Immigration Museum, Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Museum, Old Melbourne Gaol, and some of M...City Circle Tram
Melbourne, Melbourne Area
- Click to read more:
Exploring the gentle sloping lawns, picturesque flower walks and pine cypress glades within the 2 hectares - Melbourne's Como Historic House and Garden is a compelling experience.
The journey into Como House drifts through time, unmasking the colonial lifestyle of the families who gave the home its life during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. The house and garden is an alluring escape within the heart of Melbourne.
Picnic under the peppercorn tree by the water garden, designe...Como Historic House and Garden
South Yarra, Melbourne Area
- Click to read more:
Dow's Pharmacy in Chiltern is very different from modern retailing and pharmacy. The extent to which retailing and the science of pharmacy and medicine have changed is well highlighted at Dow's Pharmacy.
Built in 1859, the pharmacy remained open until 1968 and was operated by Hilda and Roy Dow from 1929. You will find many original shop fittings, records and pharmaceutical equipment.Dow`s Pharmacy
Chiltern, Murray Area
- Click to read more:
Few cities can boast a garden as magnificent as Fitzroy Gardens so close to the city centre. Valued for its historic, aesthetic, architectural, and horticultural significance, the garden is classified by the National Trust and is definitely worth exploring. Originally set aside as a reserve in 1848, the garden is home to the historic Cook's Cottage, presented to the people of Victoria as a gift for the state's centenary in 1934. The cottage was transported from the Yorkshire village of Great Ayt...Fitzroy Gardens
Melbourne, Melbourne Area
- Click to read more:
Government House is the official residence of the Governor of Victoria, and is located in the precincts of the Botanical Gardens.
Melbourne s Government House is in the style known as Italianate and is one of the finest examples of this type of architecture in Australia. Built during the gold rush, it is said to be the grandest house in Victoria.
Tours of the state apartments of Government House commence from La Trobe s Cottage (corner Birdwood Avenue and Dallas Brooks Drive, South Yarra...Government House
Melbourne, Melbourne Area
- Click to read more:
Once the city’s historic post office, the beautiful GPO building is home to three soaring levels of boutiques selling Australian and international designer labels, from Akira to Belinda, Leona Edmiston to Spacecraft and Mandarina Duck to Camper shoes. Covering an entire city block it houses more than 60 stores, including some of the best names in fashion. Discover funky threads for guys and girls at Roy, Ben Sherman and Camper Shoes. Find gorgeous gear for girls at Wayne Cooper, Akira, Zimmerman...GPO
Melbourne, Melbourne Area
- Click to read more:
Travelling from Melbourne to Adelaide is one of Australia's great driving journeys. Travel one of the world's most scenic roads through an extended area that includes the world-famous Twelve Apostles, the Otways rainforest, Bells Beach on the Surf Coast, Mount Gambier's Blue Lake, the Coonawarra Wine region and the World Heritage Naracoorte Caves.Great Southern Touring Route
Torquay, Great Ocean Road Area
- Click to read more:
Gulf Station is one of the pioneer farms of the Yarra Valley. Its buildings date from the 1850 s and are the most complete group of solid, timber slab, farm buildings surviving in Victoria.
The original cottage garden has been restored using available records and personal accounts, and has many surviving plants such as roses, lilacs, mulberry and japonica.
The homestead and farm buildings, together with the farm tools, the household utensils, farm animals and cottage garden, give a vivid...Gulf Station
Yarra Glen, Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges Area
- Click to read more:
Imagine life during Ararat's earliest beginnings and the excitement of the Chinese immigrants who discovered one of the world's richest shallow alluvial goldfields.
The world class Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre tells the story of miners from Southern China and brings to life the social, environmental and political situations of immigrant miners in the mid 1800's. Take you own journey and relive the experience of Chinese gold prospectors on their great trek from Robe, South Australia to th...Gum San
Ararat, Grampians Area
- Click to read more:
A visit to the Bendigo Joss House (house of Prayer) provides a glimpse into the Chinese culture and tradition. Significant as the only surviving building of its kind in regional Victoria, it continues to be used as a place of worship. One of Bendigo's original buildings, it is constructed from timber and local handmade bricks and is painted red in the traditional Chinese colour, denoting strength.
Victoria was the destination of many migrants during the gold-rush. Chinese were just one of ma...Joss House
Bendigo, Goldfields Area
- Click to read more:
Completed in 1890, Labassa is a French Renaissance mansion significant for its lush decoration and finely executed interiors.
Labassa internally features detailed stencilling, rich heavy wallpapers and a grand staircase with a magnificent stained-glass window and rare trompe l'oeil ceiling.
Externally Labassa features arcaded verandahs, classical decoration and italian marble panels.Labassa
Caulfield, Melbourne Area
- Click to read more:
Lake View is significant for its association with the distinguished Australian author Henry Handel Richardson (pseudonym for Ethel Richardson). Her early years in Chiltern featured in the third volume of the classic novel, The Fortunes of Richard Mahony.
The charming red brick homestead is furnished in period style and contains a small collection of Richardson memorabilia.Lake View Homestead
Chiltern, Murray Area
- Click to read more:
The McCrae Homestead, built in 1844 by Andrew and Georgiana McCrae, is one of Victoria s oldest homesteads.
The original timber slab house is a physical reminder of the early pioneering life, using locally available materials and primitive construction techniques.
Built to Georgiana s design, it has been refurbished with many original pieces of furniture and paintings brought by the McCrae family from Scotland.
Georgiana was an accomplished artist, musician and diarist.
Her sketc...McCrae Homestead and Museum
Mccrae, Mornington Peninsula Area
- Click to read more:
Experience part of Wandin's heritage.
High on a hill, with the mountain ranges as a backdrop, this 1880's pioneer home sits lovingly restored and furnished by the Wandin community.
The house, built of hand made bricks produced on the site, was finished in 1880's. It was built by Henry Sebire, a stonemason, who originally came from Guernsey in the Channel islands.
Journey back to pioneer life in the 1800's as your guide escorts you through the homestead, St. Mary's Chapel, the histor...Mont De Lancey
Wandin North, Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges Area
- Click to read more:
National Trust property, Mulberry Hill is a delightful American colonial style residence, was built in the late 1920 s. It was the home of noted artist Sir Darryl Lindsay and his wife Joan, best remembered as the author of the Australian classic novel Picnic at Hanging Rock.
The Lindsays personal collection of artworks and Georgian furniture are an outstanding feature of the house. Its rural setting and commanding views of Westernport Bay complete the experience of the visit.Mulberry Hill
Langwarrin South, Mornington Peninsula Area
- Click to read more:
Cycle through the peaceful Ovens River Valley, enjoying stunning views of the mountain landscape and experiencing the hospitality and rich heritage of the local towns, on this fascinating rail trail. Following historic railway lines from Wangaratta to Beechworth and/or Bright, the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail provides 94km of bitumen-sealed track well suited to both cycling and walking. The trail journeys deep into pine forests and natural bushland, out through valleys and past some of the...Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail
Wangaratta, Victoria's High Country Area
- Click to read more:
This mythical town is a collection of authentic buildings dating back as far as 1850 through to the 1920s. The site covers 8 acres and features several National Trust Classified buildings and one of the best collections of horse drawn vehicles and farm equipment in Australia.
Browse through the main street shops and soak up the atmosphere of yesteryear. Such buildings as Angus McMillan's Bushy Park Homestead and Rhoden's Halfway House one of the few remaining Cobb & Co Inns. in exiistance.
...Old Gippstown
Moe, Gippsland Area
- Click to read more:
Victoria's first prison, the Old Melbourne Gaol is one of Melbourne's oldest surviving buildings. This imposing bluestone institution is where 136 people, including infamous bushranger Ned Kelly, were hanged.
The building was a focus during some of Australia's most significant historical moments, including the Gold Rush, the Eureka Stockade Rebellion and World War ll.
Night tours run four nights a week. Explore the imposing interior of the Old Melbourne Gaol at night when it would normal...Old Melbourne Gaol Crime & Justice Experience
Melbourne, Melbourne Area
- Click to read more:
The Portarlington Mill is one of the few remaining and preserved Victorian flourmills. An imposing four-storey sandstone structure built in 1857, it has had many roles as the needs of the Bellarine Peninsula and the colony of Victoria evolved.
The building was fully restored by the National Trust and presents the passer-by with an insight into 19th century life. Occasional exhibitions and local history displays add to your visit.Portarlington Mill
Portarlington, Great Ocean Road Area
- Click to read more:
The Red Cliffs Historical Steam Railway was formed in 1994 under the auspices of the Red Cliffs Rotary Club to operate the restored Kerr Stuart 0-4-2T steam locomotive named 'Lukee' (B/N 742/1901) that formerly operated between Red Cliffs railway station and the Red Cliffs pumping station. A two kilometre section of the former 1600mm gauge Red Cliffs - Morkalla branch line has been converted to 610mm gauge for tourist train operation.
The train normally operates on the first Sunday of...Red Cliffs Historical Steam Railway
Red Cliffs, Murray Area
- Click to read more:
To go to Rippon Lea is to see the last of Australia's great privately owned 19th century suburban estates. This mansion, designed and built in 1868 in the Romanesque style, is secreted within a beautifully maintained original Victorian pleasure ground.
The gardens are of international significance. Stroll through the grand Victorian Fernery, relax by the lake or climb the tower. Discover the heritage orchard and the 19th century conservatory.
Guided house tours operate every 30 minutes.Rippon Lea Estate Experience The Wonders
Elsternwick, Melbourne Area
- Click to read more:
Visit Schwerkolt Cottage and step back in time as you explore the original pioneer stone cottage. Enjoy beautiful gardens and a park like setting beside Mullum Mullum Creek, with barbecue facilities, a children's playground and creekside walks.
The Cottage features a barn, smithy, wine cellar, smokehouse and museum and is open weekends and public holidays from 2-5pm with free entry. The gardens and BBQ playground are open each day. There are public facilities and excellent off street par...Schwerkolt Cottage and Museum Complex
Mitcham, Melbourne Area
- Click to read more:
Step back in time and experience Australia's exciting goldrush days at Sovereign Hill. Set on a former goldmining site, this award winning outdoor museum recreates in fascinating detail the hustle and bustle of life in the 1850s. There is so much to do and see.
In the diggings you can pan for REAL gold! Witness $50,000 of molten gold being poured into a bullion bar at Sovereign Hill's Goldpour.
Go 13 metres underground on a tour of the Red Hill Mine, which uses life-size, moving 'hologra...Sovereign Hill
Ballarat, Goldfields Area
- Click to read more:
One of the world's great libraries, the State Library of Victoria is the state's premier reference and research library and a gateway to the world's information. The Library houses items that showcase Victoria's cultural life, past and present, and makes them available to the community through a range of services, exhibitions and cultural programs.
The State Library of Victoria was founded in 1854, largely through the efforts of a number of prominent Melbourne citizens such as Sir Redmond Ba...State Library of Victoria
Melbourne, Melbourne Area
- Click to read more:
Established over 40 years ago, the Museum offers visitors the chance to step out of the present and discover an early Australian inland settlement. You will enjoy a day of activities centred on a social history collection that includes the everyday as well as the unique.
Located in a picturesque river setting, explore over 50 buildings of active and static displays and discover how settlers lived and entertained themselves in times past.
There are a wide range of activities to keep to yo...Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement Museum
Swan Hill, Murray Area
- Click to read more:
The scenic 1160-kilometre drive from Melbourne and Sydney takes in national parks, surf beaches, Victoria's lake district and unique and important ecosystems. Dolphin watching tours depart from Jervis Bay, and seals, dolphins, and turtles are a common sight at Montague Island Nature Reserve, near Narooma. Eden's Killer Whale Museum reveals the importance of whales to the town's history, the resort town of Merimbula is known for its for great beaches and seafood, Berry for its art galleries and a...Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive
Mallacoota, Gippsland Area
- Click to read more:
A major attraction on the Mornington Peninsula is The Briars Park.
The Park is a beautiful example of 'Cultural Landscape', with a long history of Aboriginal occupation, followed by European occupation of one of the first pastoral 'runs' on the Mornington Peninsula, represented today by a complex of heritage listed farm buildings and gardens.
The Briars 1840s Homestead houses a world renowned collection of Napoleonic memorabilia, established by Dame Mabel Brookes to mark the relations...The Briars Park
Mount Martha, Mornington Peninsula Area
- Click to read more:
The Eureka Centre, at the Eureka Stockade in Ballarat, stands at the site of one of the most significant events in Australia's history - the Eureka Rebellion.
In December 1854, Ballarat's diggers took up arms against a corrupt and unjust goldfields administration. After years of oppression, the bloody battle that followed led to the birth of true democracy in Australia.
The Eureka Rebellion was a revolution; it was a struggle for a principle, a stand against injustice and oppression...The Eureka Centre
Ballarat, Goldfields Area
- Click to read more:
Established in 1859, this is one of the few substantially intact provincial newspaper printeries remaining from the gold mining era.
Just as the Chiltern area attracted gold prospectors, the first edition of the newspaper appeared on 24 August 1859.
The first proprietors were Felix Ashworth, George Boyer, and George H Mott. Within two years the Federal Standard had incorporated Rutherglen s first newspaper, The Murray Gazette, Albury s first newspaper, The Border Post, and The Ovens Cons...The Federal Standard Printing Works
Chiltern, Murray Area
- Click to read more:
The house and old world garden at The Heights dates back to the 1850s. The house was erected in 1855 and is remarkable for being the largest (14 rooms) German, prefabricated house in Victoria.
During the 1930s, the building was extensively altered to reflect contemporary taste although the extensive gardens, stables, outbuildings and water tower survive intact from the 19th century.
The heights retains a small collection of fine Georgian furniture collected by the last owners, Louis an...The Heights Heritage House and Garden
Newtown, Great Ocean Road Area
- Click to read more:
Tower Hill State Game Reserve sits inside an extinct volcano and is a haven for wildlife and water birds. There are over 200 kangaroos and koalas in this tiny crater-bound eco system, many living around the visitor car park, as well as kangaroos, emus, echidnas and wallabies and water birds. Boardwalks, nesting boxes and a bird hide have been constructed to assist bird watchers. Visit Tower Hill’s Natural History Centre to experience the history and evolution of Tower Hill. Learn about its reveg...Tower Hill State Reserve
Tower Hill, Great Ocean Road Area
- Click to read more:
Ride with Walhalla Goldfields Railway through the spectacular Stringers Creek Gorge.
As you begin your journey and depart the Walhalla Heritage Precinct, you will travel through the station yard which lies between Stringers Creek and the cliff-face that underpins the Brunton's Bridge Road.
After you leave the engine and carriage sheds behind the first kilometre and a half is almost entirely built over six large trestle bridges that criss-cross Stringers Creek Gorge in an effort to find a...Walhalla Goldfield Railway
Walhalla, Gippsland Area
- Click to read more:
Werribee Park is an outstanding cultural and heritage attraction offering a full diversity of experiences within the one location.
From the lowlands of Scotland, Thomas and Andrew Chirnside travelled to Australia in the mid 1800s. Armed with determination and motivated by their family motto Do or Die , the brothers set about creating a vast pastoral empire. Werribee Park is a testament to their successful business venture whilst offering visitors of today a rare glimpse into the extravagant...Werribee Park
Werribee, Melbourne Area
