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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
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

Only In The City

Only in this City of Ours See what's on
Things you can only do in the city

Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.

  • Tour
  • Entertainment
Ostro x Einder
22 Aug

Ostro x Einder

Julia Busuttil Nishimura crafts a feast beneath the striking installation, Einder by Boris Acket.

  • Art
  • Exhibition
Burdi Burdi
21 – 31 Aug

Burdi Burdi

A sonic installation along Evan Walker Bridge.

  • Free
  • Family and kids
See what's on

Discover more

Tours and cruises

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
Yarra Sunrise Running Tour
Until 31 Dec

Yarra Sunrise Running Tour

Run Melbourne’s parks, landmarks and Yarra River at sunrise on this 8km tour with coffee to finish.

  • Tour
  • Walking tour
History and Donuts Walking Tour
Until 31 Dec

History and Donuts Walking Tour

History, laneways and donuts – explore Melbourne’s sweet side on this 2.5hr walking tour.

  • Tour
  • Walking tour
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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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