12 hidden gems in Melbourne CBD - part 1

The CBD of Melbourne is by far the area of the city that attracts most of the tourists. Between its countless laneways and arcades, its huge shopping malls, or its splendid Victorian buildings, there is indeed no shortage of attractions! But beyond the most popular places there are also several unsuspected treasures, which are just as worth the detour. Discover with me 12 hidden gems in Melbourne CBD – this is part 1, click here for part 2.

Melbourne's CBD as you've never seen it before

Summary

1/ 333 Collins Street
2/ Manchester Unity Building
3/ The faces of Little Bourke Street
4/ Little Lon district
5/ Spring Street Grocers
6/ Old Melbourne Gaol

1/ 333 Collins Street

If you’re a true Melbournian, you probably already went many times to the Royal and Block Arcades. Respectively built in 1870 and 1892, these two shopping arcades are the most popular in the city. For wealthy people at the end of the 19th century, walking around the area was even called “doing the block”. But have you ever heard of 333 Collins Street?

Located (as its name suggests) at the number 333 on Collins Street, this arcade is one of the best-hidden gems of Melbourne CBD. It’s impossible to guess its splendour when passing in front of the entrance! But walk through the door, and you will be dazzled by this magnificent dome, with stunning gilding and decorations. The building dates from the 1890s and was then occupied by the very prosperous Commercial Bank of Australia. The dome is now overlooked by a 33-storey skyscraper, but has fortunately been preserved.

At the intersection of Swanston and Collins Streets, in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, the Town Hall gets most of the attention. Built between 1867 and 1887, it is a massive and imposing building, and personalities as diverse as the Beatles and Queen Elizabeth have had the opportunity to greet crowds from the terrace on its portico. But if you take the time to look around, your eyes will inevitably land on the splendid Manchester Unity Building. Built in 1932, this Art Deco Gothic inspired building is a real architectural gem. The tower at the top is truly magnificent. A dentist's office currently occupies the upper floors. The building can be discovered during guided tours every second Sunday – I have not yet done it, but I will update this article as soon as I would have!

2/ Manchester Unity Building

It's no secret that Melbourne is one of the street art capitals of the world. Countless facades throughout the CBD and surrounding suburbs such as Fitzroy and Collingwood are home to stunning murals, painted by renowned artists from all around the world. Apart from the always busy Hosier Lane, many of these murals can be considered as hidden gems themselves. But head to the end of Little Bourke Street, right next to Southern Cross Station, and you’ll find a very secret and amazing street art spot! There, you will be able to admire three splendid portraits, by some of the most talented artists of their generation: from left to right, Smug, Rone, and Adnate. The embracing couple on the neighbouring building was painted by Fintan Magee. Four gorgeous artworks, completely unknown by many Melbournians!

3/ The faces of Little Bourke Street

See also: where to find the best street art in Melbourne

4/ Little Lon district

At the other end of Melbourne's CBD, Little Lon is the name of a small pocket of history, bounded by Lonsdale, Exhibition, La Trobe and Spring Streets, and with Little Lonsdale Street in the middle. In the second half of the 19th century, this neighbourhood was known for being a red light and slum district. Crime and prostitution were commonplace there. One of the most famous brothels was run by a woman known as Madame Brussels (her real name was Caroline Hodgson), who was very powerful at the time. One of the neighbourhood's laneways is now called Madame Brussels Lane, and a cocktail bar (unfortunately closed since 2024) also bore her name.

Not much remains today of what Little Lon was, but numerous archaeological excavations since the 1980s have revealed more about the lives of the neighbourhood’s inhabitants. You will now find in the area several explanatory panels, objects found during these excavations, and a few period photographs like those of Madame Brussels above. And for gin lovers, don't miss the Little Lon Distilling Co., located in a heritage-listed red brick cottage from 1877. A trip back in time guaranteed!

5/ Spring Street Grocers

Located right across from Parliament House, this small deli is a true hidden gem in itself. You can enjoy excellent ice cream at the entrance, and if you venture into the narrow shop, you'll discover dozens of delicious products, both Australian and imported. But the real secret lies one floor below: an authentic wine and cheese cellar! It opens every first Saturday of the month, with free tastings (find all the opening dates on the Spring Street Grocers Instagram page). Another definition of paradise for a cheese lover like me!

6/ Old Melbourne Gaol

Can we call what was once Melbourne's main prison a hidden gem? Yet this imposing building remains a little off the beaten track, in a relatively uncrowded corner of the CBD. 133 people were executed behind these walls between its opening in 1845 and its final closure in 1924. Its most famous prisoner was undoubtedly the bushranger Ned Kelly, who was hanged there in 1880. It became a museum in 1972 and can be visited year-round. However, while it's interesting to discover the history of this building and its inmates from the inside, I find the entrance fee far too high (no less than $38!) for the quality of the visit. I would only recommend it to true history buffs; others can still admire the building from the outside.

Make sure to visit the second part of this article, so you don't miss any hidden gems in Melbourne's CBD!