Completed in stages from 1856 with its grand steps and colonnade, this building housed the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia from 1901 to 1927 before Canberra became the national capital, and remains the seat of the Victorian Parliament.
Parliament House Victoria on Spring Street was built in stages from 1856, with the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council chambers, grand entrance steps and colonnaded facade completed over subsequent decades, though the building's originally planned central dome was never constructed. Designed principally by architect Peter Kerr in a neoclassical style, the building's bluestone and sandstone construction and the sweep of its front steps have made it one of Melbourne's most recognisable civic landmarks. From 1901 to 1927 it served as the seat of the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia, while the national capital of Canberra was being built, before Victoria's own state parliament resumed sole use of the building. Preserved interiors include the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly chambers with their original Victorian-era furnishings and ornate ceilings, Queen's Hall with its statue of Queen Victoria, and the parliamentary library. Public tours, guided by parliamentary staff, run on non-sitting weekdays and move through the working chambers and ceremonial spaces in a set route, giving visitors access to an active seat of government rather than a static exhibit. Ongoing heritage conservation maintains the original stonework and interiors, and the incomplete dome remains a visible reminder of the building's staged and unfinished 19th-century construction.
| Admission | Adult Free (public tour) · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Free public tours run on non-sitting weekdays; building generally open 8:30AM-5:30PM Mon-Fri |
| Address | Spring St, East Melbourne VIC 3002 |
Why it matters
Parliament House Victoria served as the seat of Australia's first Commonwealth Parliament from 1901 to 1927 while Canberra was under construction, making it the birthplace of federal Australian government as well as the ongoing home of the Victorian Parliament.
Location
Spring St, East Melbourne VIC 3002
-37.8103, 144.9733 View on map
Highlights
- The Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly chambers
- Queen's Hall and its statue of Queen Victoria
- The grand front steps and neoclassical colonnade on Spring Street
- Site of the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia, 1901-1927
- The parliamentary library with its original Victorian-era fittings
Tips for visiting
- Free guided tours run only on non-sitting weekdays, so check the parliamentary sitting calendar before visiting
- Arrive at the Spring Street entrance for scheduled tour departures
- Photography inside the chambers may be restricted during tours, so check with the guide
- Combine with a walk down Spring Street toward the Old Treasury Building and Fitzroy Gardens
- Security screening applies on entry, similar to other active government buildings
Frequently asked questions
Is Parliament House Victoria open to the public?
Yes, free public tours run on non-sitting weekdays, taking visitors through the chambers and ceremonial rooms.
How long does a tour take?
Guided tours typically run around 45 minutes to an hour.
Can visitors watch parliament in session?
Yes, the public galleries are open when parliament is sitting, subject to security screening and available seating.
Is Parliament House wheelchair accessible?
Yes, accessible entry and lift access are available, though visitors with mobility needs should advise staff ahead of a tour.