The Golden Mile

Melbourne's Golden Mile is a 4 km trail that takes you along the major streets of the city past many of our famed buildings many of which are open to the public. It's the story of this city from 1835 - 1901. And it's FREE. All you need to do is follow the brass discs which are set in the pavements - the smaller ones are to follow and the larger discs keep you 'on track'.

Just follow the gold (yes they are) dots on the footpath

In the Gold Rush Era which began in the 1850's Melbourne was a city paved in gold!  The trail begins at the Immigration Museum (a must) in Flinders Street and ends at the Royal Exhibition Building (another must!) But it is what is in between that is just as fascinating. If you were to do the trail - which is divided into 10 precincts - it would take 2.5 - 3.5 hours but it can be taken either in pieces or just as you are wandering the city streets.

Just follow the Golden Mile (well 3.9 kms actually) to learn about Marvellous Melbourne

If you are really serious about the trail then either collect the brochure at the Cottage or from the Visitor Information Centre at Federation Square (a good place to stop to familiarise yourself with all that Melbourne has to offer) or see details below regarding a free app for the tour. Personally I like to just come upon the brass discs as I am walking through the city and follow those en route to my next port-of-call. 

Don't get confused with the footpath dining boundary dots - they are silver!

The brochure covers in detail all that you will pass and gives a great, if brief, account of what you are passing.Some of the highlights include:

Venice of the South - the Rialto Hotel

Marvellous Smellbourne!

A fortune to be won and lost!

Where gentlemen prefer bonds (note the spelling!)

Savages in suits

There is a tavern in the town

A cathedral for capitalists

The hidden dome

The Treasury - built on gold

Ghosts and spiders

A philanthropic failure

The madam and the mace

Remarkably Melbourne Museum has an app (iphone and android) for The Golden Mile so why not download it onto your phone and off you go (details here) It's up to you to find the reason for naming the above - make it a city adventure!