Visit Melbourne Town Hall on a Free Guided Tour
Delve into the past of the Town Hall Melbourne on a guided tour designed to captivate visitors with its fascinating tales and stunning architecture.
On this free 60-minute tour led by a knowledgeable guide, wander through the halls where history was made, from debates on Federation to musical debuts by renowned artists.
Read about our experience and then plan your own visit to uncover the historic landmark that is the Town Hall Melbourne.
Related reading: 13 Free Walking Tours of Melbourne Attractions
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits and accessibility advice for Town Hall Melbourne Tours
TOWN HALL MELBOURNE TOURS
Melbourne Town Hall is not just a municipal building, but also a symbol of the city’s resilience and progress. It has witnessed countless historic events, from political rallies to royal visits, shaping the very fabric of Melbourne’s identity.
Our expert tour guide, Jim, with a warm smile, led us through the intricate corridors of the Town Hall, regaling us with tales of its storied past.
Jim introduced himself and asked each of us, in the group of six, to share a little about ourselves and our interests before beginning the walk-through. A personalised touch that created a sense of connection among us. And with only 60 minutes, this meant we could request specific items of interest for a tailor-made tour. How special!
As we wandered through the opulent chambers and elegant ballrooms, we were in awe of the stories and exquisite architecture. The grandeur of the Great Hall, with its soaring ceilings and magnificent organ, left us breathless. It’s hard to imagine this architectural masterpiece as once the largest municipal building in the Southern Hemisphere!
The Yarra Room and Melbourne Room were highlights of the tour for me, where royalty once graced the halls with their presence.
With an abundance of artefacts, art pieces, and historic milestones, it must be impossible to cover everything within just 60 minutes. I imagine every Melbourne Town Hall tour is completely different.
Having a lifetime of passionateness for maps, I’ve often fantasised about finding a real treasure map. Well, I’ve just realised that any map of Melbourne CBD that has the Town Hall shown, in fact, locates a treasure.. civic, cultural, social, and historic.
As a student, I spent 6 years daily walking up and down Swanston Street passing the outstanding bluestone and sandstone building and totally unheeding the grandeur of its architecture and history. However, my eyes were opened when we ventured on a Melbourne Town Hall Guided Tour.
Our amiable guide, Jim, led us through a labyrinth of polished floors, walls decorated with historic paintings, and carved blackwood furnishings in this 1870’s built wonder.
Pondering at the well-worn seats of the Council Chamber, imagining a recital on the grand organ in the auditorium, visualising royalty utilizing the ornate powder room, and picturing the Beatles waving from the portico balcony are all part of the experience.
I could almost feel the energy from days of old as Jim shared his vast knowledge and love of the City’s history. Interesting facts peppered with amusing anecdotes throughout the tour outlined the decisions that made Melbourne the great spot it is today and the Town Hall is undoubtedly the treasure at its centre.
– Chris
Entry and Accessibility
To book a free tour of the Town Hall Melbourne, you need to submit a request online here. As it’s a council building, there is a security scan upon arrival, you need to present a photo ID and check in any large bags.
Tours run at 11 am and 1 pm every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (except public holidays).
Accessible features include ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets.
Getting there is easy via several trams or buses servicing its central location on Swanston Street. Flinders Street Station is a mere 300-metre walk and there are various parking lots close by.
Our Tidbits for Melbourne Town Hall Tours
- The free guided tour lasts one hour;
- Bookings must be made online in advance;
- Tours run at 11 am and 1 pm every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (except public holidays);
- You can subscribe to a mailing list to keep informed of all upcoming events that will feature the Grand Organ! Just head here;
- Ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets are available;
- Hearing loops and headsets available, book in advance;
- We also recommending booking the free City Collection tour at Town Hall;
- Flinders Street Station is 300-metres away, and various buses and trams service the area;
- Plenty of car parking options nearby.
Melbourne Town Hall
90/130 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
City of Melbourne
03 9658 9658, [email protected]
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
