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  • Old church in central city location surrounded by towering office buildings.
  • Victorian-era row of two-storeyed terrace houses backed by glass and steel office buildings.
  • Old colonial two-storey building on a busy modern street corner.
Until 30 Jun

Step Back in Time: Exploring Early Melbourne

  • Tour
  • Walking tour

Join a fascinating three-hour walking tour to uncover the stories behind Melbourne's oldest surviving buildings – structures that stood before the gold rush transformed the city forever. This isn't just an architecture tour; it's a journey through time.

As you explore the city, you'll visit eight historic buildings that have witnessed Melbourne's evolution. Learn about the people who lived, worshipped, shopped and socialised within their walls. Discover how these buildings have changed and adapted to modern life while still preserving their connection to Melbourne’s early days.

Between the stops, hear about early Melbourne – the struggles, triumphs and quirks of a frontier town finding its feet. You'll pass through streets that once bustled with traders, settlers and pioneers, revealing the hidden stories that shaped this vibrant city.

Whether you're a history buff or just curious about Melbourne's past, this tour will give you a new perspective on the city you thought you knew.

Hours

Date Times
Fri 9 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Mon 12 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Tue 13 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wed 14 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Thu 15 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Fri 16 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Mon 19 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Tue 20 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wed 21 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Thu 22 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Fri 23 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Mon 26 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Tue 27 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wed 28 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Thu 29 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Fri 30 May
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Mon 2 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Tue 3 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wed 4 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Thu 5 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Fri 6 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Mon 9 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Tue 10 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wed 11 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Thu 12 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Fri 13 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Mon 16 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Tue 17 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wed 18 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Thu 19 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Fri 20 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Mon 23 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Tue 24 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wed 25 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Thu 26 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Fri 27 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm
Mon 30 Jun
  • 10am - 1pm 10:00am - 1:00pm

Location

St James’ Old Cathedral
Batman St
West Melbourne 3003

Open in maps location for St James’ Old Cathedral

Price and bookings

Adult / general $90
Book online for Step Back in Time: Exploring Early Melbourne

Contact details

  • telephone number: 0437 845 555
  • email address: info@showmemelbourne.com.au
  • Visit website for Step Back in Time: Exploring Early Melbourne
Facebook page for Step Back in Time: Exploring Early Melbourne Instagram page for Step Back in Time: Exploring Early Melbourne

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Tours and cruises

Discover what locals love about Melbourne with a guided tour of the city and its attractions.​​

  • Tour
  • Walking tour
Sports Precinct Walking Tour
Until 30 Jun

Sports Precinct Walking Tour

Explore Melbourne's sports precinct on foot with a local guide, including a tour of the MCG.

  • Tour
  • Walking tour
The Complete Melbourne Walking Tour
Until 19 May

The Complete Melbourne Walking Tour

Uncover the best of Melbourne's laneways, history and more in our three hour walking experience.

  • Tour
  • Walking tour
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Until 13 Sep

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Take a spine-chilling journey back in time to explore the rich paranormal realm of Old Melbourne.

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Australian Aboriginal Flag Torres Strait Islander Flag

The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.

We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future. For more information, visit Aboriginal Melbourne.

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