National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne (must see)
The National Gallery of Victoria was established in 1861, making it Australia’s longest running public gallery. When it was opened, the Victorian Gold Rush was in full swing and the colony was awash with money, which led to many large bequests and donations to the gallery. Today, it has more than 65,000 pieces in its permanent collection, among which are pieces by international artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Tintoretto, Bernini, Uccello and Veronese. The gallery is also intimately connected to the Australian impressionist movement of the 19th century, known as the Heidelberg School and has some very famous pieces by Frederick McCubbin.
As well as its impressive permanent collection, there is always a full program of visiting exhibitions planned too. Past installations have included Dutch Masters, Caravaggio, Dali and Picasso. One of Picasso’s pieces was famously stolen from the gallery in 1986 in protest against poor arts funding – it was later found in a railway locker. As well as visiting to appreciate the art on the walls, there are always classes and workshops on for adults and children and guided tours and talks help to develop your artistic appreciation and understand more about the creation of the pieces you see before you.
Why You Should Visit:
Regularly home to Australia's biggest and finest art exhibitions.
The free one-hour tours (10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm) are totally worth it.
Plus it's always nice to sit near the fountain or enjoy the High Tea in the upstairs restaurant.
Tip:
Buy tickets online as ticketing is rather slow and understaffed at the gallery.
Only 30 headsets are available per tour. You must go to the Info Desk one hour before the tour and collect a laminated ticket to claim your place.
Not taking the tour? Well then, to see the most interesting contemporary art pieces, start at the top. The lower floors are mostly classic religious/portraits/tableware.
As well as its impressive permanent collection, there is always a full program of visiting exhibitions planned too. Past installations have included Dutch Masters, Caravaggio, Dali and Picasso. One of Picasso’s pieces was famously stolen from the gallery in 1986 in protest against poor arts funding – it was later found in a railway locker. As well as visiting to appreciate the art on the walls, there are always classes and workshops on for adults and children and guided tours and talks help to develop your artistic appreciation and understand more about the creation of the pieces you see before you.
Why You Should Visit:
Regularly home to Australia's biggest and finest art exhibitions.
The free one-hour tours (10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm) are totally worth it.
Plus it's always nice to sit near the fountain or enjoy the High Tea in the upstairs restaurant.
Tip:
Buy tickets online as ticketing is rather slow and understaffed at the gallery.
Only 30 headsets are available per tour. You must go to the Info Desk one hour before the tour and collect a laminated ticket to claim your place.
Not taking the tour? Well then, to see the most interesting contemporary art pieces, start at the top. The lower floors are mostly classic religious/portraits/tableware.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Melbourne. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
National Gallery of Victoria on Map
Sight Name: National Gallery of Victoria
Sight Location: Melbourne, Australia (See walking tours in Melbourne)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Melbourne, Australia (See walking tours in Melbourne)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Melbourne, Australia
Create Your Own Walk in Melbourne
Creating your own self-guided walk in Melbourne is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Laneways and Arcades Walking Tour
With over 40 laneways and arcades found in Melbourne, one can easily traverse a good part of the city's Central Business District through them, without even setting foot on a street. Many of these laneways date back to the Victorian era and are packed to the brim with all sorts of retail establishments and eateries – each with its own distinctive character and charm.
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Melbourne's architecture is a rich cocktail of styles ranging from those practiced in the early years of European settlement of Australia to the more modern ones. Among the historical buildings particularly noticeable here are those from the Victorian era, forming an essential part of the city's heritage.
The Old Melbourne Gaol once served as a prison, from 1842 to 1929, and is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
The Old Melbourne Gaol once served as a prison, from 1842 to 1929, and is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
St. Kilda District Walking Tour
A cosmopolitan seaside suburb of Melbourne overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Saint Kilda District is a charming and culturally rich neighborhood graced with a blend of historical landmarks and contemporary attractions.
One of its prominent sites is the Saint Kilda Town Hall, an imposing municipal building that serves as a hub for various community events and gatherings.
Eildon Mansion, another... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
One of its prominent sites is the Saint Kilda Town Hall, an imposing municipal building that serves as a hub for various community events and gatherings.
Eildon Mansion, another... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Melbourne Food Tour
Relatively small compared to the likes of New York City or London, Melbourne is quite big when it comes to food – standing tall among major international culinary destinations. The influence of multiple waves of immigration from Europe and Southeast Asia has rendered this Australian city's gastronomic landscape insanely varied and opulent.
Indeed, the local food scene caters to a wide... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Indeed, the local food scene caters to a wide... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Melbourne Introduction Walking Tour
Melbourne is the capital and largest city in the Australian state of Victoria. The metro area consists of 31 different towns spread around the bay of Port Philip. Indigenous Australians have lived here for more than 40,000 years. European settlement began in the 1830s when settlers arrived from Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). The settlement, incorporated in 1837, was named for the British Prime... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Chocolate Indulgence Tour of Melbourne
Melbourne has a reputation for cafés and fine restaurants, and lately a chocolate fever has taken over the city. This tour takes you through the alleyways and arcades of the city center whilst stopping at selected chocolate indulgence points. Take your senses on a unique experience through six of...