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Completed in 1870, the Melbourne Town Hall is at the heart of the city's cultural and civic activity, hosting theatre, weddings, receptions and exhibitions. So many of the decisions that have helped shape Melbourne were made within the heritage-listed Town Hall. A mix of bluestone and Tasmanian freestone, the classically designed building features a clock tower and fine masonry. To go behind the scenes and visit the grand Council Chambers and stand where the Beatles and Abba waved from the impressive portico, take a Town Hall tour. As well as the Council Chambers, the Town Hall features a large auditorium, which was remodelled following a fire in 1925 and includes panels decorated with sepia figures. The auditorium's Grand Organ has featured in cutting-edge performances by a range of artists including Philip Glass, Paul Grabowski and the Necks. A free lunchtime concert series has been running since 2003, and the Grand Organ Museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the organ and breathe air into its venerable pipes. Join a free Melbourne Town Hall Tour from Monday to Friday with tours departing at 11am and 1pm. Bookings essential.

Duration: 1-2 hours

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Neighbourhood: Central Business District

Full of discovery and delight, Melbourne’s laneways tease the imagination long after you’ve put your weary feet up to rest. They weave through the heart of the city: cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, throbbing with conversation and espresso coffee. You never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner: cobblestone alleys, old beer barrel hoists and even vats of simmering organic soup. There is the air of Berlin in the street art, a touch of Paris in the umbrella-shaded cafes and, reminiscent of Rome, eateries tucked away in the most unlikely of places. Perhaps you might want a break and cross the Yarra River to Southbank - walk along the promenade, bask in the sun at a waterside bar and decide whether to go to the nearby casino or book a ticket at the Melbourne theatre company.

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See what travellers are saying

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,598 contributions
Historic Town Hall has many useful features
The historic Town Hall is a Melbourne icon, much loved by the citizens of the City. It was constructed in the 1870s, with proceeds from the Great Australian Gold Rush. The Town Hall stands at Collins St and Swanston St, in the center of the City. The Town Hall has many useful features, including the Visitors Center. It's also a venue for the Melbourne Comedy Festival. One useful feature is the public conveniences, on the Collin St side.
Visited October 2023
Travelled solo
Written October 15, 2023
Andrew J
Rowville, Australia36 contributions
Melbourne beautiful regardless of the weather.
Had a great tour with Ken our very knowledgeable tour director. As Melbourne locals we were amazed at the fact Ken shared with us and the beautiful architecture of the town hall. A chance introduction to Sally Capp(current Lord Mayor) a bonus. At no cost and with the knowledge you leave with this is a must do in our beautiful city.
Visited October 2023
Travelled as a couple
Written October 25, 2023
tammyBaltimore_Md
Baltimore, Maryland4,052 contributions
Old history dating back late 1800's
Sits parallel to busy Collins and along both tram lines. Rich in history built in 1870's hosts tons of events and for the next month Comedy Festivals. Lit up beautifully at night
Visited March 2024
Travelled solo
Written March 29, 2024
Andrew P
75 contributions
Great places to visit in Melbourne
Had a wonderful, informative and free tour around this amazing building. The architecture was stunning and the art works were brilliant. We got to see the piano Paul McCartney played and stand on the balcony The Beatles stood on. We also learnt about the history of Melbourne and a little of how the council works. A great thing to do.
Visited July 2024
Travelled as a couple
Written July 17, 2024
Greg H
345 contributions
Knowledgeable team
It was shortly after the Melbourne Visitor Hub opened at 9am on a Friday morning when I stopped by. Tourists were already streaming in, seeking assistance from the two knowledgeable staff members on duty. From their accents, it was clear the visitors came from both nearby and abroad. Melbourne truly has a lively energy. The Visitor Hub is definitely worth a visit to discover what's happening, where to go, and what to see.
Visited August 2024
Travelled solo
Written September 15, 2024

These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5

343 reviews

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150

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35

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5

Jeffry b

Essendon, Australia13,598 contributions

Centre of Melbourne's civic culture

May 2022

The Town Hall lies at the heart of Melbourne's civic culture. It dates from the latter half of the 19th century, when Melbourne was Marvellous. Amongst its many features, are the Visitor's Centre. The City Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions relating to Melbourne. The Town Hall has always been a centre for the perfoming arts; now it's a favourite venue for the annual Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Whether you can gain entrance to the main hall depends on what functions are in progress.

Written May 10, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dimitris L

Sydney, Australia50,924 contributions

Historic building

Apr 2021

Melbourne Town Hall is a beautiful building. Its architecture is just wonderful. It dates to the second half of the 19th century. It is now used for a variety of functions, like weddings, concerts, theatrical productions, and many other exhibitions.

Written May 12, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b

Essendon, Australia13,598 contributions

The centre of the City of Melbourne

Jul 2021

Melbourne Town Hall is a handsome civic building standing at the corner of Swanston St and Elizabeth St, one of the most prominent sites in the city. The Town Hall was constructed with the proceeds generated by the Great Australian Gold Rush, Apart from inspecting the Town Hall's lavish decorations, the City Gallery has interesting transient exhibitions. The Melbourne Visitor Hub is also a boon for travellers.

Written July 6, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AndyJohn74

Sydney, Australia5,249 contributions

At the heart of Melbourne.

Feb 2021

Located along Swanston Street, the Melbourne Town Hall is one of the historic buildings of this city. Completed 150 years ago it has seen its fair amount of change over the years. Currently undergoing some refurbishment including the roof.

Written February 16, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Swisshen

Perth, Australia2,354 contributions

Great venue

Apr 2022

Sitting on the corner of Collins Street & Swanson Street this is an easy venue to get to by tram. We went here twice to see the comedy shows. There are many room and one of the shows was in the main hall which is nice and the second in the Supper room which is reached by the old elevator or stairs.

Written April 12, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b

Essendon, Australia13,598 contributions

Town Hall is favored for comedy

Mar 2023

The Town Hall is a monument to Melbourne's civic ambition. The Town Hall is a magnificent building, built when Melbourne was truly marvelous. These days, the Town Hall is used for civic events, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. You can also do a free tour.

Written March 9, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

B T

London, UK1,214 contributions

Arduous to get a tour and it's boring

Nov 2022

We went on a free guided tour. The whole thing was a shambles from start to finish. You have to go through an arduous online form to request a tour and we heard no reply so just turned up anyway. Had to go to the information centre next door to book on a tour and they had spaces. You have to go through security, then leave your bag anyway, then fill out an online visitors form and get a pass. The whole thing is way more complicated than it needs to be. The tour guide was very nice, but the tour was terribly boring, way too much unnecessary info. Tour was an hour when it only needed to be 20 mins. Inside it is just a couple of old rooms, nothing special. Don't waste your time, go to the state parliament instead it's much better.

Written November 4, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b

Essendon, Australia13,598 contributions

Historic Town Hall has many useful features

Oct 2023 • Solo

The historic Town Hall is a Melbourne icon, much loved by the citizens of the City. It was constructed in the 1870s, with proceeds from the Great Australian Gold Rush. The Town Hall stands at Collins St and Swanston St, in the center of the City. The Town Hall has many useful features, including the Visitors Center. It's also a venue for the Melbourne Comedy Festival. One useful feature is the public conveniences, on the Collin St side.

Written October 16, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andrew P

75 contributions

Great places to visit in Melbourne

Jul 2024 • Couples

Had a wonderful, informative and free tour around this amazing building. The architecture was stunning and the art works were brilliant. We got to see the piano Paul McCartney played and stand on the balcony The Beatles stood on. We also learnt about the history of Melbourne and a little of how the council works. A great thing to do.

Written July 17, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Greg H

345 contributions

Knowledgeable team

Aug 2024 • Solo

It was shortly after the Melbourne Visitor Hub opened at 9am on a Friday morning when I stopped by. Tourists were already streaming in, seeking assistance from the two knowledgeable staff members on duty. From their accents, it was clear the visitors came from both nearby and abroad. Melbourne truly has a lively energy. The Visitor Hub is definitely worth a visit to discover what's happening, where to go, and what to see.

Written September 15, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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