Highlights include:
- Cathedral, Block and Royal Arcades
- a busy thoroughfare, formally a Horse Bazaar
- 19th Century warehouses converted to apartments
- Bank Place reminiscent of 19th Century London
Course Summary
Join Isabel Simpson and experience the first in the series – visit the oldest and grandest arcades, walk through a network of fascinating lanes and alleys. Commencing at Bank Place with its unique tavern, touch the edge of the legal precinct, heading northwards. Where was the mansion “Rostella?” Where was the first synagogue in the CBD? We discover treasures of the 1850’s and conclude at the Cathedral Arcade in Swanston Street.
Currently, we have no dates scheduled for this course. Please contact us via email enquiries@cae.edu.au to register your interest.
Learners will explore a section of Melbourne with an experienced tour guide who will focus on historical sites, including sites still present or replaced by later development. Hear about the sites, the characters and the stories from the past.
Meet At: Corner of Collins Street & Bank Place, Melbourne 3000
As these are walking tours of 2 ½ hour duration, please wear comfortable shoes and be prepared with a bottle of water if it is a hot day or a warm clothing if it is cool.
This course, hosted by guide Isabel Simpson, is suitable for those with a specific interest in this part of Melbourne or a general interest in Melbourne’s history, as well as walking for pleasure and fitness. Isabel Simpson is a leading tour guide whose main focus is historical sites, as well as Art History. Isabel has provided fascinating tours for many leading Melbourne institutions including the CAE, National Gallery of Victoria, City museum, conservation groups as well as visitors to Melbourne, including cruise ships. Isabel is an avid researcher who delights in interpreting Melbourne’s past and present by combining history, architecture and people. Isabel holds formal training qualifications and is a member of the Professional Tour Guide Association of Australia (VIC) & nationally accredited guide, Guiding Organisations Australia.