Unexpected Finds on a free State Library of Victoria walking tour
Three free guided tours reveal the history, art and architecture behind Melbourne’s favourite library.
A free guided tour of State Library Victoria takes you well beyond the bookshelves. Volunteer guides share stories most visitors would otherwise walk straight past, from the story behind the domed reading room to what’s tucked away in the galleries. There are three tours to choose from, all free, all led by people who clearly love the building.
Related reading: for the full rundown on visiting the Library itself, including accessibility and what’s on, see our State Library Victoria guide. If you’re visiting for the current rare book exhibition, we’ve also covered World of the Book 2026 in detail.
STATE LIBRARY TOURS
The History of the Library Tour is led by volunteer guides and limited to 10 participants per session, so it stays personal rather than feeling like a crowd shuffling through. Over about an hour, it takes in the heritage reading rooms and The Ian Potter Queens Hall.
The Dome to Catacombs Tour covers more ground, both up and down. You’ll get up close to the La Trobe Reading Room’s dome, then head underground into the Library’s storage catacombs, which most visitors never see.
For book lovers specifically, the World of the Book Tour runs through the current World of the Book exhibition in the Dome Galleries, with more than 400 rare items on display for 2026.
All three tours are free and have portable hearing loop units available for visitors who are hard of hearing.
Related reading: Visit Melbourne Town Hall on a Free Guided Tour
Rob’s tour experience
We recently explored the State Library of Victoria on an incredibly interesting tour to learn all about its heritage.
The architecture of the building has to be seen! From the enormous columns at the main entrance to the exquisite domed roof of the octagonal reading room on the ground floor.
The original building was mooted in 1851 by a 10 thousand pound donation from the Governor of Victoria who had a great belief in books and education.
Interestingly, the first batch of books in the library cost around three thousand pounds and when compared to the building cost, they were very expensive! In consequent years other buildings and extensions were added giving a total of 23 buildings on a 2-acre site.
I was also impressed to hear the Library holds every copy of newspapers ever printed in Metropolitan Melbourne and country Victoria.
I’d recommend the library tour to others, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
– Rob
Diane’s tour experience
On the free History of the Library tour, which lasted about 60 minutes, we learned a lot and heard many intriguing stories about the history of the buildings.
I was most taken by the impressive reading hall, which was originally the Library and is now named Ian Potter Queens Hall, named after Queen Victoria. Back then it was a free place of learning for the people of Melbourne and has also encompassed the National Gallery of Victoria, the Victoria Museum and what we now know as Scienceworks. This area still has the original tables and chairs from 160+ years ago, incredible!
This library was the first lending library in the world! Now, it is only a reference library and has over 5 million books in its collection, some of which are stored on-site while the rest are stored at the University of Ballarat, and are brought on-site when requested.
We enjoyed the Ned Kelly exhibition, which features his complete original suit of armour that he wore during battles with the Victoria Police. Numerous pieces of the suit are on loan from private collectors and Museums Victoria.
– Diane
Beyond the tour
The State Library is free to visit any time, not just on a tour. There’s a bookshop, two cafes, and studios you can book, alongside free Wi-Fi and public computers if you need to get online.
Cowen Gallery
The Cowen Gallery is worth a look even if you haven’t booked a tour. It’s a well-lit space with more than 40 artworks tracing Victoria’s history, including Juan Davila’s Churchill National Park. Good for a quiet twenty minutes before or after your tour.
Pauline Gandel’s Children’s Quarter
If you’ve got grandchildren in tow, the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter is worth the detour. It’s built around a two-storey children’s castle, with reading nooks and a large children’s book collection, all supported by the Gandel Foundation.
Side Trip
Nearby you’ll find the Old Melbourne Gaol and the shops at Melbourne Central. For lunch, we’ve enjoyed RoboMao for Chinese and Stalactites for Greek, both a short distance.
Accessibility and getting there
The Library is open daily from 10am to 6pm, with free entry. Entrance ramps, lifts and accessible toilets are available throughout, along with wheelchair hire. Several spaces have permanent audio hearing loops installed, and dedicated assistive technology workstations are available for visitors with vision, mobility, literacy or cognitive needs.
An Access and Inclusion Librarian is available on (03) 8664 7005, or speak with staff at the Redmond Barry Reading Room or Quad Information Centre when you arrive.
Melbourne Central Station is directly opposite the Library, and trams along Swanston Street stop right outside.
Tidbits For Booking State Library Tours
- Book ahead: tours are free but fill quickly — browse and book State Library tours before you go.
- No booking yet? Head to the Cowen Gallery any time, no tour or ticket needed.
- Bringing grandchildren? Stop by the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter.
- Getting there: Melbourne Central Station is opposite the Library, with trams stopping on Swanston Street outside.
- Accessibility: ramps, lifts, accessible toilets, wheelchair hire and hearing loops are all available — call the Access and Inclusion Librarian on (03) 8664 7005 if you need anything arranged ahead of your visit.
- Free wifi is available, and computers for general use.
- Visit the bookshop and two cafes on site.
State Library of Victoria
328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 8664 7000
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