Parliament House Melbourne
Explore Victoria's historic Parliament House, a stunning Neoclassical building offering free tours and a glimpse into law-making.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better tour access
Parliament House Melbourne
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better tour access

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Victoria's historic Parliament House, a stunning Neoclassical building offering free tours and a glimpse into law-making.
"Blown away by its magnificence and history; a true Melbourne gem that tells stories through its walls."
🎯 Book Free Tours Ahead
Free tours are popular! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out.
🆔 Bring Photo ID
You'll need to check in with security, so have your photo ID ready for entry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legislative Chambers
Inside Parliament House
Witness where Victoria's laws are debated and made. A truly historic and significant part of the building.

Parliamentary Library
Inside Parliament House
Explore this stunning, historic library, a testament to the building's rich past and architectural grandeur.

Grand Colonnaded Facade
Exterior
Admire the impressive neoclassical architecture and imposing colonnades of this iconic Melbourne landmark.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Free Tour
Check Sitting Days
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Free Tours Ahead
Free tours are popular! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out.
🆔 Bring Photo ID
You'll need to check in with security, so have your photo ID ready for entry.
⏰ Arrive Early for Tours
Even with bookings, arriving 30 mins early is wise to ensure a good spot.
🏛️ Explore on Non-Sitting Days
Enjoy a more relaxed visit and delve into history without the sitting day crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Free Tours Ahead
Free tours are popular! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out.
🆔 Bring Photo ID
You'll need to check in with security, so have your photo ID ready for entry.
⏰ Arrive Early for Tours
Even with bookings, arriving 30 mins early is wise to ensure a good spot.
🏛️ Explore on Non-Sitting Days
Enjoy a more relaxed visit and delve into history without the sitting day crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Parliament House Melbourne for its magnificent architecture and rich history, with many highlighting the value of the free guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. The building's grandeur and its past role as Australia's temporary parliament are frequently mentioned as captivating aspects. Some visitors note that tours can fill up quickly, recommending early arrival or advance booking.
"Today Impacters (Impact
English College) of GE Intermediate 5 had a fantastic experience visiting the Parliament House of Victoria. The excursion was very well-organized and professionally led, with the guide who was incredibly knowledgeable, welcoming, and supportive—especially for students who are still developing their English skills.
The staff took the time to explain the history, structure, and function of the Victorian Parliament in a clear and engaging way. They created a very inclusive and respectful environment, which made us feel comfortable and encouraged to participate and ask questions.
The building itself is absolutely beautiful—both inside and out. The grand architecture, detailed interiors, and historic chambers were breathtaking. It was fascinating to walk through such an important and iconic part of Victoria’s history.
This excursion was not only educational, but also truly inspiring. We highly recommend it to other international students and educational groups. A big thank you to the Parliament staff for making this visit so memorable!"
Vlad Hyvää
"Visited Victoria Parliament yesterday and was blown away by its magnificence and history. The grand architecture, intricate details, and sense of heritage made it feel like stepping back in time. A true Melbourne gem that tells stories through its walls. 🇦🇺"
leonardo claver
"We did not go in, and explored it from the outside. The architecture is amazing and lots of pigeons can be spotted flying around it. The tour is free here, would recommend booking the tour in advance."
Shwetabh Shekhar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parliament House Melbourne is centrally located on Spring Street. You can easily reach it by tram, with several lines stopping nearby in the CBD. Walking from Flinders Street Station is also an option, taking about 15-20 minutes.
While there's no dedicated visitor parking, several public car parks are available in the Melbourne CBD. It's often easier and more convenient to use public transport.
Yes, you can walk into the building through the front doors. There's security to check you in.
On sitting days, it's best to use public transport as the car park fills up early. Trams are a convenient option.
The building is generally accessible, and tours are designed to accommodate visitors. It's advisable to contact them in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While you can walk in, booking a free guided tour in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot, as tours can fill up quickly.
Yes, the guided tours of Parliament House Melbourne are completely free of charge.
Opening hours and tour availability can vary, especially between sitting and non-sitting days. It's best to check the official Parliament of Victoria website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Yes, you can visit on a sitting day to watch proceedings from public areas. It's a different experience but very interesting.
You will need to bring a photo ID for security check-in when you visit Parliament House.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Tours typically include visits to the Legislative Chambers, the historic Parliamentary Library, and Queen's Hall, offering insights into the building's history and function.
Yes, you can watch Question Time and other proceedings from public galleries on sitting days. It's a fascinating way to see democracy in action.
There isn't a strict dress code for visitors, but smart casual attire is generally appropriate. Avoid overly casual clothing like beachwear.
The guided tours usually last around 45 minutes, providing a comprehensive overview of the building and its significance.
Parliament House Melbourne is a prime example of Neoclassical architecture, with a grand colonnaded facade.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in public areas for personal use, but restrictions may apply in certain chambers or during specific events. Always check signage or ask staff.
The grand facade, the interior hallways, and the legislative chambers (where permitted) offer excellent photo opportunities. The Parliamentary Library is also very photogenic.
Yes, drone usage is strictly regulated in urban areas like Melbourne's CBD, especially around government buildings. Always check current aviation regulations before flying a drone.
Late afternoon light can be beautiful for exterior shots, highlighting the building's sandstone color. Early morning can also offer fewer crowds.
Flash photography is often discouraged or prohibited inside heritage buildings to protect artifacts and artwork. It's best to avoid using flash unless explicitly permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
🎓 Students & Educational Groups
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: Parliament House Melbourne
Visitors can explore this rich history through free guided tours. These tours offer an invaluable opportunity to learn about the building's past, its architectural features, and its function as a place where laws are made. The Parliamentary Library and the Legislative Chambers are often highlighted as particularly impressive spaces. The building's grandeur, with its detailed interiors and historic chambers, provides a tangible connection to Victoria's political and social development.
Beyond its historical and political significance, Parliament House is a beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture. Its grand facade, featuring imposing colonnades, makes it a striking visual landmark in the Melbourne CBD. The building's exterior and interior details tell stories of a bygone era, making a visit both educational and aesthetically rewarding. It's a place where history, architecture, and governance converge, offering a compelling experience for any visitor.
Navigating Your Visit: Tours and Access
When planning your visit, checking the sitting days is important. On sitting days, you can observe parliamentary proceedings, which offers a dynamic glimpse into the legislative process. However, these days can be busier. On non-sitting days, the atmosphere is more relaxed, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of the building's history and architecture. Visitors can simply walk in through the front doors, where security will check them in. Remember to bring a photo ID for this process.
For those interested in a more comprehensive experience, consider visiting during non-sitting days when you might also have the opportunity to enjoy lunch or cake in Strangers Corridor. The building's accessibility is generally good, and staff are known for being welcoming and informative, especially for groups with developing English skills.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit