Discover the fascinating history of Victoria in Australia, from the bustling cities that thrived during the gold rush to the diverse museums and cultural sites that honour the rich heritage of Australia's original inhabitants, the Aboriginal communities. Explore the meticulously preserved heritage trams and immerse yourself in the captivating stories of the past. Here's an Australia guide to top 6 places in Australia for history enthusiasts.
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has an ever-growing collection of over 155,000 works of art from more than 15,000 artists, including the world's most extensive collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Established in 1861, the NGV houses over 76,000 works spanning thousands of years and covering many ideas, disciplines, and styles. Many of the pieces in the collection are of international significance. The NGV also regularly features visiting exhibitions of contemporary art. The European collection is substantial, containing some genuinely remarkable masterpieces. The best part is that this collection is available to the public for free.
Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006, Australia
Bendigo, located in the heart of Victoria, is renowned for its history during the infamous gold rush era. It is also well-known for its vibrant food and wine scene. As Australia's first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, Bendigo has established itself as a cultural hub. The city offers a variety of attractions, including galleries, museums, parks, and nature reserves, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing, and camping. Watch out for the remnants of the Bendigo Boom style of buildings developed by migrant German and Austrian architects who came here to avail of the riches of that era.
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre is an important institution dedicated to celebrating the history, art, and culture of Aboriginal peoples in Victoria, Australia. It respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners of Melbourne: the Boonwurrung and the Woi wurrung language groups of the greater Kulin nation. The museum is on land inhabited by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Bunjilaka shares the story of survival against the odds and celebrates vibrant cultures through performances, storytelling, artwork, and more. The First Peoples exhibition, which opened in 2013, presents the Koorie experience in a significant permanent exhibition entirely co-created with Aboriginal people. Bunjilaka's art space, Birrarung Gallery, also hosts three exhibitions a year featuring work by contemporary Koorie artists. The gallery overlooks Milari Garden, where plants of significance to the First Peoples of Victoria are cultivated.
Address: 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) in Melbourne, Australia boasts a diverse and storied array of plant life, encompassing not only the plants themselves, but also the myriad ways in which they are utilised. Established in 1845, this institution, generously supported by the state, is situated on an 87-acre (35-hectare) site along the picturesque Yarra River, which gracefully winds its way through Melbourne. Among its numerous collections, the RBGV is home to the esteemed State Botanical Collection, which is carefully curated and housed at the esteemed National Herbarium of Victoria. Additionally, the RBGV proudly showcases the Lower Yarra River Habitat Collection, a unique exhibit featuring flora indigenous to the original course of the Birrarung/Yarra River.
Address: Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Ballarat is a city in the Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia. It is named from two Aboriginal words: 'balla', meaning elbow or reclining on the elbow, and 'art', meaning place. Ballarat Botanical Gardens, alongside Lake Wendouree, offers a ride on 100-year-old trams used for public transport until 1971. The story of Ballarat Trams and its people is presented through photographs, historical films, and tramway memorabilia. The tramcar fleet, including the first tram in Ballarat in 1887, is on display.
Address: 100 Gillies St N, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350, Australia
Murrup Laarr is a modern artwork featuring a traditionally constructed stone hut situated within a circle of basalt standing stones. "Murrup Laarr," which means "Ancestral Stones" in Wadawurrung. The Wadawurrung nation, also referred to as the Wathaurong, Wathaurung, and Wadda Wurrung, is a resilient Aboriginal Australian community, enriching the land near Melbourne, Geelong, and the Bellarine Peninsula in the state of Victoria. The striking artwork by Deanne Gilson at the North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park in Ballarat showcases the works of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. It celebrates the richness and diversity of culture while conveying significant cultural narratives. The contemporary masterpiece featuring a traditionally built stone hut within a circle of basalt standing stones is adorned with ceramic plates reflecting the stories and symbols of dreaming, memory, and ceremony, it stands as a powerful testament to the enduring cultural heritage of the land.
Address: Zoo Dr, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350, Australia