Bourke Street Melbourne, Australia

Discover Bourke Street, Melbourne’s Vibrant Hub

Bourke Street is one of the main streets of Melbourne’s Central Business District and a core feature of the Hoddle Grid. Traditionally the entertainment hub of inner-city Melbourne, it is now a popular tourist destination and tram thoroughfare.

Bourke Street is named for Sir Richard Bourke, the Governor of New South Wales in 1837 during the drafting of the Hoddle Grid

Melbourne’s GPO

Designed by A.E. Johnson, Melbourne’s GPO started as a post office and small sorting space around 1864. In 1992, Australia Post announced plans to end the building as its major postal hall.

The building was dramatically refurbished and transformed into a contemporary fashion hub, now occupied by the Swedish retail giant H&M as its pioneer flagship store in Australia.

 

Two full floors of stark white walls, floors, and glass are perfect for displaying the full H&M range of fashion, homewares, and cosmetics. Delicious eateries in GPO Lane are there for mid-shopping sustenance

The Federal Coffee

The Federal Coffee inhabits a big, beautiful space in the GPO and recalls a gilded age where temperance hotels or coffee palaces ruled Melbourne. More than 130 years later, the Federal is still a grand place for a swish breakfast (great French toast) or a pop-in snack (ace Portuguese tarts) with a Genovese coffee chaser

The Royal Arcade

The Royal Arcade, extending through to Little Collins Street, is one of Melbourne’s most treasured shopping malls. It harks back to the genteel times of the Victorian era.

Built in 1869 and renovated between 2002-2004, it houses some beautiful old shops. It is famous for Gog and Magog, the mystical creatures that guard the entrances at Little Collins Street.

David Jones

Established in 1838, David Jones is Australia’s oldest department store and the oldest in the world still trading under its original name

Melbourne Visitor Booth

The Melbourne Visitor Booth is conveniently located between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists exploring the city’s main attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best things to do on Bourke Street, Melbourne?

Bourke Street offers a variety of attractions including shopping at the historic Melbourne GPO, enjoying a meal at The Federal Coffee and exploring the Royal Arcade. Visitors can also shop at David Jones, Australia’s oldest department store and gather information at the Melbourne Visitor Booth

2. How can I get to Bourke Street in Melbourne?

It is easily accessible by tram and foot. Any tram along Swanston or Elizabeth Streets will take you to Bourke Street. It is also just two blocks north of Federation Square, making it a short 5-minute walk

3. What are some historical landmarks on Bourke Street?

Bourke Street is rich in history with landmarks like Melbourne’s GPO which has been transformed into a fashion hub and the Royal Arcade which dates back to 1869. These sites offer a glimpse into Melbourne’s Victorian-era charm and historical significance

Getting Here

Location

Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

By Tram

Any tram along Swanston or Elizabeth Streets to Bourke Street

By Foot

Two blocks north from Federation Square (about 5 minutes)

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