Melbourne History Tour

Tour Details

About the Tour

Category: History
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Melbourne

Photos & Highlights

Melbourne history tour led by a social historian or curator
Understand Melbourne through its multicultural heritage
Chinese Museum, Little Lonsdale Street, and Little Bourke Street

Tour Description

Since nearly its inception, Australia, and Melbourne in particular, has served as a melting pot, particularly among Asian immigrants. Beginning with the Gold Rush, proceeding through two world wars, and into the modern era, this city has attracted a diversity of immigrants who, in turn, have transformed the city. During our 3-hour Melbourne History Tour, following the city's immigration history with a local historian, we’ll trace and savor Melbourne’s immigrant identities, be it by nibbling our way through Chinatown or discovering a hidden synagogue. Along the way we'll uncover the keys to understanding this city—through the eyes of its people.

(Note: This tour does not include Melbourne's Immigration Museum. That is a part of a our Melbourne Laneways Tour).

Our tour will begin on Little Lonsdale Street where, after World War II, Syrian and Greek immigrants located. Though much has changed since then, we will uncover vestiges of this history, including an early 19th century synagogue now converted into a restaurant. We will also visit a typical terrace house, as well as the archaeological remains uncovered during recent building that paint a vivid image of the social history of Melbourne.

As we travel along what has come to be known affectionately as ‘Little Lon’, we will discover the private lives of boarding houses, warehouses, and factories, and the personal, romantic, and political challenges faced by migrants from India and Syria who lived and worked in them. Moving along we may also stop by Cumberland Place to observe one of the last remaining Victorian terrace houses, located near what was formerly the infamous Madame Brussell’s brothel.

Asia Connections

We will continue on Little Bourke Street, where Chinese immigrants and civil institutions were centralized. We’ll step into a dumpling shop and discuss the different waves of Chinese immigrants, from the gold rush in the 19th century to today’s diaspora. We will also observe how the Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and other Asian groups have settled here, and the differences in the streetscape. We may pass by the headquarters of the Chinese Nationalist Party, which will prompt us to consider the political activities in this part of Melbourne.

We will finish with a visit to the Chinese Museum, located in the midst of this hubbub, which features an excellent collection of memorabilia relating to Melbourne’s immigrant history. We will also learn about contemporary trends, specifically in education, that have lured the newest wave of immigrants from China, transforming this part of the city into a young, exciting college town.

Take Aways

At the end of our time together, perhaps nibbling on some dumplings from one of the great Xiaolongbao houses on Little Bourke, we'll consider the face of Melbourne—and Australia at large—and how much immigration has defined this city and country from the start. (Note, those very interested in Asian cuisine in Australia and visiting Sydney should try our Sydney Food Tour, visiting a superb Vietnamese market).

FAQ

Are any museums or other sites included on this walk?
We generally include the Chinese Museum on this walk, but not the Immigration Museum. That is a part of a our Gold Rush and Laneways tour.. If you have any special requests, feel free to add these to your trip notes when booking.

Where You'll Start

Tour Experts

Tim

Tim Richards is a travel writer whose work has appeared in newspapers, magazines and websites around the world, and in Lonely Planet’s guidebooks. In the 1990s he lived in Egypt and Poland, teaching English, and has since travelled widely in Europe, Asia and North America. He also reviews live arts events, and is the author of the fantasy novel Mind the Gap. Tim has lived in the heart of Melbourne for twenty years, and has seen it regain its gold rush shine as the city centre has been repopulated with residents, students, restaurants and cultural activities. Tim has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Politics from the University of Western Australia.

Brian

Originally from Taiwan, Brian attended Melbourne University and graduated with a BA (Hons) in History and Art History. He has been working as a historian in the fields of architectural and archaeological heritage since 2008. In 2014, Brian joined the Chinese Museum in Melbourne’s Chinatown as a tour guide, and has been providing museum and Chinatown tours to visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds ever since.

Aron

Aron has a Ph.D. in history and has taught history, politics and Australian studies. A member of the Professional Historians Association of Victoria, Aron works on commissioned histories, academic research, heritage and community projects. In his spare time he writes and explores the world. His favorite things in Melbourne are its hidden arcades, bars and streetscapes that range from the decadent to the grungy. He has particular interests in the history of urban planning in Melbourne and the city's struggles over heritage, gentrification and community development.

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7 Reviews – (4.43)

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Brian was well prepared, informative and enthusiastic. The Chinese museum portion of the tour was very interesting. The only downside was that the scope could have been a bit wider including others that formed the early groups of immigrants and those that make up the late 19th and 20th century transplants.

Stephen

Feb. 14, 2018

Spent the first 20 minutes giving us basic information. Should have broken it up a bit with some walking. Guide said it was first time doing this tour--hopeful he we get more comfortable with it over time. We learned a lot and saw some interesting things.

James

Feb. 9, 2018

would skip the Chinese museum. walk rated 6/6, docent rated 6/6

Lucile

Feb. 4, 2018

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