The Parliament House in Melbourne, Australia has been the home of the Parliament of Victoria, Austrailia since 1855.
Though left incomplete for decades, it is the largest 19th century building in Australia and is one of the finest examples of civic architecture of the British Empire period anywhere it the world. The Parliament House has proudly served as the home of three different governments since first being built in 1855.
The Parliament house boasts one of the most lavish interiors in all of Australia. The interior is elaborately decorated with gold, indicative of the Victorian Gold Rush in which it was designed. The Queen's Hall is by far the most decorated portion of the building. The hall boasts a magnificent statue of Queen Victoria herself, frowning down upon passers by. There are two enormous chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and a regal gold encrusted Parliament Library with cathedral ceilings and ornate molding. From the gold encrusted Library guests can look out upon the beautiful Parliament Gardens and watch people on the bowling green and tennis courts.
Public tours of the Parliament House are given on the days when Parliament is not sitting. Tours depart from the Vestibule at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 3:45pm. The days that tours are given vary, so be sure to check the Parliament website to see what days they are being offered during your stay.
One day per year the Parliament House opens its doors for one full day to offer visitors the chance to see inside the historic building and learn about what goes on daily inside the corridors of power, guests are also granted access to the magnificent Parliament Gardens where they are welcome to picnic for lunch. This day changes annually, though historically it has been held between June and September.
