Old Treasury Building
20 Spring St., East Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3002
Designed by a 19-year-old architect in the 19th century, this building is one of Melbourne’s finest architectural showcases. The Old Treasury Building museum houses the original gold vaults used in the Victoria gold rush era. You can also find rare documents describing important events in Victoria’s history. There are ongoing, revolving exhibitions taking you into Victoria’s past.
The basics
The museum at the Old Treasury Building is open six days a week, from Sunday to Friday. Admission is free. You can walk between exhibitions, which change regularly, and check out the old gold vaults. Occasionally, you’ll encounter school groups or corporate events, but those groups need to be booked in advance. Alternatively, you can book a ticket to a public tour held on the last Sundays of the month for a fee.
Things to know before you go
Check the website or call ahead to find out what events and exhibitions are taking place during your visit.
Tours are available for a more in-depth look at the museum. Individual tours are on the last Sunday of the month. Private group tours from 10-50 people can also be booked for a fee.
Take advantage of the gift shop, where all kinds of cool history and design-focused products are available to purchase and make great gifts.
How to get there
Melbourne has a fantastic public transportation system that allows easy access to the Old Treasury Building. If visiting by train, use the Parliament Station exit. Hop on several of the Collins or Bourke Street trams to take you very near. Note that within the CBD, trams are free. There’s no on-site parking available, but if you drive, there are nearby lots.
When to get there
The Old Treasury Building is open Sunday to Friday from around mid-morning through mid-afternoon, with the last admission at 3:45pm. It’s open year-round, and all inside, so it’s a good choice on a blustery Melbourne day. Weekends and school holidays see more visitors than weekdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Ways to tour Melbourne on your own
Melbourne is a walkable city with a remarkable public transportation system, helping visitors get around just fine. One way to learn facts and figures about the city and gain insider knowledge is to book an audio tour. These tours let you travel at your own pace, stopping at the sites you like for as long as you like, and you won't have to adhere to a fixed group itinerary.
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