Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ther Man...). There's also a fine collection of Australian paintings, including the apoca-
lyptic bushfire portrayed by William Strutt in his
Black Thursday, February 6th, 1851
.
For more information, join a free guided tour to see the library's vast collection. There's
free wi-fi and internet, plus video-game consoles and a chess room.
Join locals with a takeaway lunch on the library's grassy lawn, or head down the library
03-9094 7820;
www.themoat.com.au
; Basement, 176 Little
)
, an atmospheric, European-style bistro with an appeal-
Lonsdale St, Melbourne;
8am-late;
ing literary vibe.
ARTS CENTRE
Wheeler Centre
( 03-9094 7800;
www.wheelercentre.com
; 176 Little Lonsdale St; Melbourne Central)
This centre is a
celebration of Unesco's 2008 acknowledgment of Melbourne as an international City of
Literature, with a variety of programs and speakers (usually writers) throughout the year.
Its free weekly Lunchbox/Soapbox sessions make for a great lunchtime diversion; check
online for details. The centre was set up by Lonely Planet founders Tony and Maureen
Wheeler.
Old Melbourne Gaol
HISTORIC BUILDING
( 03-8663 7228;
www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au
; 337 Russell St; adult/child/family $25/14/55; 9.30am-5pm;
24, 30, City Circle)
Built in 1841, this forbidding bluestone prison was in operation until
1929. It's now one of Melbourne's most popular museums, where you can tour the tiny,
bleak cells. Around 135 people were hanged here, including Ned Kelly, Australia's most
infamous bushranger, in 1880; one of his death masks is on display.
The dire social conditions that motivated criminals in 19th-century Melbourne are also
highlighted, including the era's obsession with phrenology. If you're curious to see how it
would feel to be an inmate here, sign up for the
City Watch House Experience
, where you get
'arrested' and thrown in the slammer (more fun than it sounds). During peak times you
can visit the courtroom where local gangster Squizzy Taylor stood trial.
You can also join a
ghost hunt
or the
Hangman's Night Tour
(adult/concession $38/35)
; check the
website for its schedule. Evening events are not recommended for children under 12.
Queen Victoria Market
MARKET
