Melbourne Town Hall image

Melbourne Town Hall

Tourist attraction City hall

This stately 19th-century town hall is the seat of local government & host to various events. People often mention building, Melbourne, beautiful, great, Christmas, Town, hall, Hall, venue, tour,


Address

90/130 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Website

www.melbourne.vic.gov.au

Contact

+61 3 9658 9658

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (468 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Easter Monday), 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: building (44) Melbourne (25) beautiful (22) great (16) Christmas (15) Town (13) hall (13) Hall (12) venue (11) tour (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Adam G. 2 years ago on Google
    Built way back in 1870 in a French Renaissance style, the historical and heritage-listed Melbourne Town Hall is a beautiful classically designed building in the heart of Melbourne. Not only is it used as Council Chambers, it is often used as a venue for cultural and civic activities, including theatre, school and headliner concerts (the Beatles performed here), corporate functions, cocktail parties, weddings, receptions and a host of exhibitions. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is held here and so is the annual German Market, known as the German Christkindlmarkt and hosted by the Australian German Welfare Society. You can't miss this iconic building during the festive season as it's decorated to look like a huge Christmas present. The Melbourne Town Hall, as does the City of Melbourne itself, really comes to life at Christmas.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frank S. 4 months ago on Google • 956 reviews
    Melbourne Town Hall is a City Landmark and justifiably so. Outside it's a rather sombre bluestone building with a grand edifice. Inside represents the grandeur and optimism of the goldrush era. Grand and opulent without being over the top, the wide marble staircase leads into a gorgeous foyer/prefunction area with ornate polished copper and glass doorways and stained glass windows. The main hall is massively high with a detailed ceiling and a polished wooden floor flanked at one end by a huge raised stage and surrounded by a higher level balcony. Staff from the contract caterers when I've attended have always been super helpful. It's not the easiest venue to get to as parking in the city is always expensive and not always available/booked out. But it's definitely worth while attending a function in such a beautiful and historic building.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Abbott H. 3 months ago on Google • 890 reviews New
    A historical building with designated construction in CBD. Lots of tourists stop by, taking the photos before heading to the next destination. Enjoy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam K. 1 month ago on Google • 770 reviews New
    Such a beautiful old building! Can hire rooms for functions, been here for a 40th that was on the balcony so we could look out to everything happening on Swanston Street. Felt like a Beatle! Also been here for Comedy Festival performances held in the main hall and an upstairs room. Flower display outside always beautiful and Xmas decorations and lights also always lovely. Worth having a look if haven't. 20.8 as part of tour opposite could look down on Town Hall and also has great view of clock. Beautiful flowers as always on display. 16.2.24 love the produce they're growing, looks great and great initiative.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victor 9 months ago on Google • 619 reviews
    City hall has beautiful 19th century architecture. During special occassions, the building is lit up marvellously!! Always a great sight to see how this building is lit up!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Yorn M. 10 months ago on Google • 338 reviews
    In the Melbourne Town Hall, a grand old building was constructed in the late 19th century. I'm a bit surprised to see it's still being used and functioning well in its age. In the past, I visited for concerns and a myriad of diverse events. What really impressed me while passing were the towers of flourishing fresh herbs and spices. I'm not sure how permanent these planters are, but why not. Clearly, they are being carefully looked after judging by their healthy colour and new growth. If you time, please visit this building...
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Disney&Barbie F. 3 months ago on Google • 277 reviews New
    Just wanna show out side cuz i’ve never been inside before. One of the Melbourne landmarks
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nellerichal S. 9 months ago on Google • 461 reviews
    Exceptional heritage building and maintained very well! This place hosts myriads of events from anything to comedy to business events to citizenship ceremony. They also do a great job outside of this building with the herb gardens and flowers etc! There are some amazing old looking at works as well when you look further in detail. Staff here are always helpful and friendly. There is also a super friendly gentleman who is in costumes to add to the experience.

  • 4/5 Jai g. 4 months ago on Google • 371 reviews
    Iconic building located in CBD Melbourne.. build in 19 th century stands magnificent after 100 s of years.. candle light orchestra is famous here.

  • 5/5 BlueFire255 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful building filled with history. The tours are absolutely awesome and are filled with all sorts of fun facts and information. At night the building is absolutely amazing with colorful lights lighting up the building. During the comedy festival it is the place to be, pumping with comedians and all sorts of acts from new local acts to massive headlining acts, the town hall is the place to be!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to celebrate the Australian Citizenship Ceremony with our Lord Mayor Sally Capp. Beautiful designed building and it sounds great when the choir is singing the Australian National Anthem “Advance Australia Fair”. Congratulations to all new Citizens 🎉 👍🏻
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nott S. 2 years ago on Google
    A very clean public toilet here (male, female, and baby change). Access from Collins st.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fally C. 1 year ago on Google • 149 reviews
    The Melbourne Town Hall a grand old building constructed in the late 19th century. A bit surprised to see it's still being used and functioning well in its age. In the past I visited for concerts and a myriad of diverse event's. What really impressed me while passing were the towers of flourishing fresh herbs and spices. Not sure how permanent these planters are but why not. Clearly they are being carefully looked after judging by their healthy colour and new growth.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hash K. 2 months ago on Google • 250 reviews New
    Melbourne Town Hall is a great place specially during the month of December when the city council displays this historical building with some of the great lighting.

  • 4/5 Simon 3 months ago on Google • 209 reviews New
    They do Christmas displays well. The Carol singing reindeer is a great stop for the kids

  • 5/5 Swag K. 2 years ago on Google
    i love p;oliticians they help me get rich! (net worth 12 aud currently)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gregg B. 2 years ago on Google
    The Melbourne Town Hall, I've never been there and the architecture of the building is breathtaking and I'll have never seen the beauty of mould of concrete trims on the structure colomns and the floor architrave and ceiling cornice is mad and the few remaining ceiling roses are in repair, the whole family is going to have a great day
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 El 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful old building - has so much history in it. Recommend taking a tour to look at all the old pictures, the council chambers and the ballroom. The gardens out the front are always a pleasant change from the concrete jungle, and are changed with each season.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nick M. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice building
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bilal C. 4 years ago on Google
    Was walking around in CBD on New Year’s Eve and found remarkable flower decoration outside Melbourne town hall. Many people were taking pictures because it was beautifully decorated and looked beautiful. Best building to see on swanston street
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Haruhito S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It's often the meeting place for tours. There is a free toilet here. You can enter from outside the intersection side. Anyway, this place is valuable because there are few public toilets. There are places where toilets are not restaurants. (Original) よくツアーの集合場所になるところです。ここには無料で使えるトイレがあります。交差点側の外から入ることができます。 とにかく公共トイレが少ないのでここは貴重です。トイレはレストランでもないところがあります。
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Reeya D. 5 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Had a beautiful evening with a candlelight Orchestra performance for the Queen tribute.. Totally worthy. We had good time there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jason C. 4 years ago on Google
    Joined the free tour & explained with details. Visited the most significant rooms. e.g. Meeing area of council members, official room for the Royal Queen Elizabeth II, etc. The core items of the City logo with the influence of the Gold Rush were introduced. Do you know who the first council member who received a fur with special symbolic meaning from the aboriginals is ? Becase of his assistance to fight for rights for them, the fur inside is covered with signs and figures which stands for the aboriginal's leader's authority. COME and know he is a man from Hong Kong.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dave H. 1 year ago on Google
    What an Amazing town hall. I've walked past it many times but to actually go into it and just see the heritage is just wow .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Parul G. 2 months ago on Google • 92 reviews New
    Stunning flowers and decor. A very vibrant and happy place to be at

  • 5/5 Cindy M. 8 months ago on Google
    Terrific concert, would certainly go to another.

  • 5/5 Jason B K. 3 years ago on Google
    One of Melbourne’s most beautiful pieces of internal architecture

  • 5/5 GC E. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely building and the staff that works there Paul,Kevin👌🏽

  • 5/5 Tharindu D. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice and clean beautiful place. Everyday flowers are blossoming in front of the place. Nicely decorated when Christmas is came

  • 5/5 Lorraine M. 1 year ago on Google
    Happy to visit this beautiful building as part of the Comedy Festival but the steps upstairs are a huge step up or down to get to your seat. Do they pass the building regulations? People with short legs would struggle.

  • 4/5 Philip C. 7 months ago on Google
    Had my citizenship ceremony here. It was a beautiful ceremony with songs and celebrations. It would be nice if Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece comes on time for the ceremony like hundreds guests and participants had done for such momentous ceremony. Had to mention it as its twice he had been late. :)

  • 4/5 Paul E. 1 year ago on Google
    Saw 2 shows for the melbourne comedy festival. Great venue. Easy to get to and helpful staff.

  • 5/5 Peter D. 7 months ago on Google
    Attended a performance by the MSO and the second half featured the massive pipe organ. The building has the features of a neo-classical decor, with art work etched into the walls. It was a blast from the past. Seating is not comfortable but it's tolerable. Access to the toilets were challenging.

  • 5/5 Katrina B. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a beautiful building inside & out

  • 5/5 Thean S. 1 year ago on Google
    Very beautiful at night especially during the Christmas period. In normal days the flower deco along the street is also beautiful.

  • 5/5 ilja “Dedaman” k. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing organ, we visited free Thursday concert, very impressive instrument.

  • 5/5 Beng C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such a grand old building in the city centre. Inside this beautiful building, there are amazingly beautiful stained windows and nicely decorated ornamental ceilings. This building is very popular as a wedding venue.

  • 5/5 Arran U. 1 year ago on Google
    Was there for a wedding amazing building wanted to explore more

  • 5/5 Billy F. 1 year ago on Google
    Great venue, staff was very professional and friendly.

  • 5/5 Chris Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Christmas lights at Town Hall December 2022 was amazingly beautiful! And a ton of people there too.

  • 4/5 Julia V. 10 months ago on Google
    Magnificent, well-lit and stately looking venue, but the acoustics weren't great with echoing and poor reach to the rear of the hall. However, the sense of occasion is enjoyable. The entry security people were very polite.

  • 5/5 James W. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice flower bed in the spring season. This well decorated the historic building.

  • 5/5 Mars C. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful historic building and architecture in the heart of the CBD.

  • 5/5 Palawa Aulia M. 8 months ago on Google
    Enjoy a lot the candlelight orchestra a tribute to hans zimmer. Very wonderful experience.

  • 1/5 Thomas R. 1 year ago on Google
    I was washing my hands after using the toilet. Someone who had just finished washing their hands started using the hand dryer next to the sink I was using and soap and water began blowing out of the sink and going everywhere, all over the mirror, next to the sink and all over me and in my face. This is a terribly positioned hand dryer and a health and safety risk putting patrons who simply want to wash their hands in danger and is in need of urgent adjustment!

  • 5/5 David K. 1 year ago on Google
    attended Organ recital yesterday by Thomas. absolutely marvellous! and he gave a bit of history about the Town Hall as well. so interesting

  • 5/5 tracy b. 1 year ago on Google
    Not too crowded, the restrooms were clean. Some food and coffee options available. I went to the Town hall Coin shop while there, It is a great place if you are a coin collector. They were even willing to ship to the US. 😊

  • 5/5 Paul K. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a superb venue for so many events like concerts, exhibitions or balls. We attended the National Boys Choir of Australia Christmas concert.

  • 5/5 Noufel R H. 10 months ago on Google
    Wonderful and informative tour providing you a nice overview of the Melbourne story and lots of interesting trivia!

  • 4/5 Tuyet Mai Dinh T. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful grand old building and architecture in the city center, and nice flower decoration outside.

  • 4/5 C B. 1 year ago on Google
    Our experience was a delight. Travel needs to be well planned if taking public transport (trams pass by out front & Flinders St Station is within walking distance); there are many car parking options nearby but being the city centre it is expensive. Toilets on site. Lifts available through all levels (for wheelchair and disability access) as well as stairs. The venue is open to hire out for multiple functions. Magnificent pipe organ.

  • 4/5 hock wah h. 1 year ago on Google
    Well done to class of 2022 MBA in Melbourne Town Hall with nice ambience for their graduation

  • 5/5 Pavithra N. 1 year ago on Google
    Visiting Melbourne town hall during Christmas has become a custom now. The city of Melbourne always make sure that this place is alive and brings some joy to everyone.

  • 4/5 Shermila P. 4 years ago on Google
    Just love the architectural features and enjoy it across the street during Christmas time.

  • 5/5 Jeremy T. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful town hall in the centre of Melbourne with lots of history

  • 1/5 J D. 4 years ago on Google
    Take a winter coat because the air con is freezing for anyone in the outer tables and no matter how often you mention it the staff don’t care. Not enough staff to serve a full room quickly. Very disappointing ruined a special event.

  • 5/5 Pony Tom R. 4 years ago on Google
    I love this place. It is a historical building with great design and structure. Worths the visit

  • 1/5 Haralambie L. 4 years ago on Google
    Although the schedule says visits are allowed from 13:00-14:00 Mon-Fri they randomly decided not to let us in. Nice way to treat tourists coming from 15000km!

  • 5/5 Malcolm Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Historic building where an assortment of events are held, including the citizenship ceremonies. There's a "small supper" that follows each presentation...

  • 5/5 Savan P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for vegetarians.

  • 5/5 Jason T. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing Christmas Lighting show at the Town Hall

  • 5/5 Kane L. 4 years ago on Google
    Tourist guide is in the building now. A must go at the holiday season.

  • 5/5 Ulises Antonio Pardi V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) At night it is always decorated with lights (Original) En las noches siempre esta decorada con luces

  • 3/5 Keumah Y. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Monday to Friday 11:00, 1:00 free guide tour online or on-site application is also available It's good to stop by (Original) 월~금요일 11시, 1시 free guide tour 온라인 or 현장 신청 가능도 가능해요 들러보면 좋을듯

  • 4/5 Aisha A. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) We took a tour of the region that is a historic area worth visiting (Original) اخذنا جوله في المنطقه انها منطقه تاريخيه عريقه تستحق الزيارة

  • 5/5 Akhil P. 3 years ago on Google
    great place

  • 5/5 Verona C. 3 years ago on Google
    Service is nothing to complain about - it's free, nice building.

  • 5/5 Tony M. 4 years ago on Google
    Balcony room was a lively venue for a party. Staff were very accommodating.

  • 5/5 Cameron M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great venue with fantastic food and brilliant audio visual services

  • 5/5 시누시누시누 5 years ago on Google
    They’ve got one of the best free tour in Melbourne, learned so much about the history, got a chance to see the biggest Organ in Australia~ 무료 투어 꼭 체험해보세요~

  • 5/5 CP 4 years ago on Google
    On general days visiting here just gives you a usual town hall feel, we were fortunate came again on Christmas night that there was night light outdoor show on entire town hall, 360 changed the outlook with Christmas ambience and sense of great gathering.

  • 5/5 Tim F. 5 years ago on Google
    one of the most famous old building in melbourne

  • 5/5 tammy C. 4 years ago on Google
    A best place to visit in Melbourne Center,Specially in Christmas time🤩

  • 5/5 Kim M. 4 years ago on Google
    Sonja was a fabulous tour guide with lots of good information and was pleasant to listen to. Can’t beat the price (free). Only complaint is it went longer than expected, about 1hr15min which is ok if you planned for this. Good tour.

  • 5/5 Erica S. 5 years ago on Google
    nice historical building

  • 5/5 Moneca s. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing projection display on Christmas and well organised 😍👍had wonderful experience!!

  • 4/5 許佩雯 2 years ago on Google
    Nice light show before Christmas.

  • 5/5 JoJo L. 2 years ago on Google
    We all wait for this very time of the year to see the famous projection of the town hall in the Cbd. Just wonderful🥰🥰🥰🤩🤩🥂

  • 5/5 Mahinda W. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a very old building going back to the Year of 1867. Various functions are held there and food ia nice.

  • 5/5 Ivan W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great night 2 days before xmas

  • 4/5 Sam 9. 3 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful and historical place. It is adding value to melbourne ! Also beautiful 🎅 decorations .

  • 5/5 Lakshmi P. 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff, Very nice and clean and got my first Jab vaccination here.

  • 4/5 Cool A. 2 years ago on Google
    Well done Melbourne City.. Melbourne still can protect so many historical buildings..

  • 5/5 kristinashli V. 5 years ago on Google
    Great history

  • 5/5 ときどき鶏牛と豚 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) In this area there are narrow alleys, cafes, bars and eating places that stand there are recommended. Doing wall art by spraying. When I wanted to eat sweets, I went to a delicious cafe in French toast and was healed. (Original) この周辺は細い路地と、そこに立ち並ぶカフェやバー、飲食店がおすすめ。スプレーで壁面アートやってたり。 あまいもの食べたかった時に、フレンチトーストの美味しいカフェに行って、癒された。

  • 5/5 Shell P. 2 years ago on Google
    Melbourne ~ I love You 💕

  • 4/5 Riddell S. 4 years ago on Google
    It's spacious and grand. It's an ideal place

  • 4/5 Mich P. 4 years ago on Google
    Just a short visit but the dominance of this beautiful building just seems to draw you in like a magnet. Free tours available but I did not have the time to partake, unfortunately! Lovely architecture and craftsmanship, a feast for the eye!

  • 5/5 Howard L. 4 years ago on Google
    Classic

  • 5/5 wen bin C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful day and night (Original) 白天晚上都美

  • 5/5 Ethelo H. 4 years ago on Google
    The building itself is beautiful, one of the most recognized building's in all of Melbourne.

  • 5/5 Ted M. 4 years ago on Google
    Very helpful and friendly service. No waiting!

  • 5/5 Clio L. 4 years ago on Google
    Never miss this

  • 5/5 Tony B. 4 years ago on Google
    Had our wedding ceremony on the balcony overlooking Swanston Street in 2012. It was a great venue and the staff were very helpful.

  • 5/5 Tran E. 4 years ago on Google
    Great


Call +61 3 9658 9658 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Queen Victoria Market image
1
Queen Victoria Market
Market
Longtime market selling food, clothing & more in a historic landmark spanning 2 city blocks.
4.50 (49.1K reviews)
Melbourne Cricket Ground image
2
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Stadium
Home of Australian football and the National Sports Museum, also serving as a music venue and more.
4.70 (26.1K reviews)
National Gallery of Victoria image
3
National Gallery of Victoria
Art gallery
Public gallery with vast, varied collection of noted Australian and international art and artefacts.
4.70 (20.2K reviews)
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens image
4
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens
Botanical garden
36-hectare botanic garden founded in 1846, planted with Australian species and non-native gardens.
4.80 (15.8K reviews)
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium image
5
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Aquarium
Interactive multilevel aquarium housing 10,000+ animals, including sharks & saltwater crocodiles.
4.30 (15.3K reviews)
Last updated:
()