The Royal Arcade has always been one of my favourite arcades in Melbourne. It was also the first arcade in Melbourne. “Its historical significance is profound and underpinned by the fact that, as a significant Victorian era building, it is part of the Victorian Heritage Register. The beauty of the Royal Arcade is it remains largely unchanged today, yet its Renaissance Revival style is in pristine condition.” (quoted from the their website) I find the filtered light and gentle buzz of visitors endearing. The architecture is unique and a fine example of Melbourne 100 years ago. It’s just a shame that there are so many shops available for lease. Clearly Covid has hit the arcade hard. But some of the old timers are still holding in there and keeping their doors open. This arcade holds many memories for me, visiting with my grandma and feeling we were “special” because the shops were “so fancy”. These days I walk the arcade with nostalgia and hope that it’ll return to its days of glory.

This arcade is the first arcade in Melbourne and is the longest-standing arcade in Australia. Its historical significance is profound and underpinned by the fact that, as a significant Victorian era building, it is part of the Victorian Heritage Register. Designed by Charles Webb, who won a competition in 1868, the arcade features a high glass roof and rows of arched windows to the storerooms above each shop. It was formally opened by the City Lord Mayor on 2 May, 1870. At the south end is the arcade's most famous feature, the carved mythical figures of Gog and Magog, flanking 'Gaunt's clock', which triggers the arms of the figures to strike bells each hour,while the north end features a figure of Father Time, all added in 1893. Gaunt was Melbourne's best known clock-maker at the time. Enough about the history... it's also my favourite arcade in Melbourne... there is something special about visiting... my childhood was always filled with visits to see Gog and Magog who scared me. Two giants with mean faces.

We have walked pass many times the entrance of this arcade in this trip but never walked in. We decided to walk the arcades on our last day in Melbourne. Nice arcade. N so near the tram station stop. Worth a visit.

This is such a pretty historic arcade, small but with a few quirky shops. It is right off Bourke Street Mall and won't take you too long to explore, but definitely worth it. Koko Black in the arcade is also a good place to linger a bit longer and have a great hot chocolate.

Royal Arcade, Ausrralia's oldest shopping address, dates to 1870, the high point of Queen Victoria's reign. Gaunt's Clock is guarded by two ancient warriors, Gog and Magog. For exotic gifts, try sweet treats at Koko Black and boutique gifts at Spellbox. Royal Arcade is a quick trip across the Bourke St Mall from Myer.