Overview
Built for Melbourne's 1880 International Exhibition, the Royal Exhibition Building is Australia's only UNESCO World Heritage-listed building. A grand blend of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Renaissance styles, it is also where the first Australian federal parliament convened in 1901. The surrounding Carlton Gardens are a popular Melbourne retreat, especially beautiful in spring with cherry blossoms. The building still hosts major events like Melbourne Design Week and vintage markets.
Opening Hours
Exterior: 24 hours. Guided tours: daily at 14:00 (booking required).
Travel Tips
Stroll through Carlton Gardens while admiring the building's exterior. Melbourne Museum is right next door and makes an easy combined visit.
Hotels near Royal Exhibition Building
Hotels and guesthouses in Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne
Other attractions in Melbourne
Queen Victoria Market
The Southern Hemisphere's largest open-air market, with 150 years of history, fresh produce, and diverse food stalls.
Great Ocean Road
One of the world's great coastal drives, just outside Melbourne, with the Twelve Apostles as its highlight.
Hosier Lane
The symbol of Melbourne's laneway culture — an entire street transformed into a graffiti art gallery.
Flinders Street Station
Melbourne's iconic landmark — a beautiful Edwardian Baroque railway station.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The temple of Australian sport — the Southern Hemisphere's largest stadium, seating 100,000.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
Australia's oldest and largest art gallery, housing over 70,000 works of international art.
Brighton Bathing Boxes
Colorful wooden bathing boxes on a Melbourne beach — a beloved Instagram photo spot.