Guided walks and things to do
Guided walks in Port Phillip
This is a free program of monthly walks that explore the heritage treasures of the City of Port Phillip. Join our knowledgeable walks leaders as they share the cultural, architectural, art and social histories of the places that we call home and tell the amazing stories of the people who have lived here.
See our February to June program here: Guided Walks 2023 brochure (PDF 840 KB)
Upcoming walks
Housing the People of Port Melbourne
Port Melbourne is home to some of Australia’s earliest experiments in housing estates. Journey through the historic mix of five private and public housing estates including the earliest in Victoria. Hosted by Janet Bolitho.
First houses built at Fishermans Bend sponsored by State Savings Bank of Victoria, 1930-1939. Port Phillip City Collection.
Housing the People of Port Melbourne
Sunday 25 June - 2 to 4 pm
Start and finish: Graham Station, Light Rail Stop 126
Past walks
Piers at Port Melbourne, 1925, Charles Pratt. Courtesy State Library of Victoria.
From Piers to Pickles Street: Industry in Port Melbourne
Sunday 26 February
Explore the historic industrial areas of Port Melbourne between Station Pier and Pickles Street. According to The Melbourne Scene 1803 –
1956*, Port Melbourne was once home to the largest distillery, sugar factory and treacle refiner in the State. Co-hosted by Janet Bolitho and David Radcliffe.
Fabulous St Vincent Gardens
Sunday 5 March
Botanist and historian Lynsey Poore will guide you through the rare plants in these Albert Park gardens. St Vincent Gardens were inspired by wealthy London estates such as Belgravia and Tyburnia. The gardens are the subject of a new book, Gardens to the Sea.
St Vincent Gardens, South Melbourne, c.1911. Port Phillip City Collection.
Vida Goldstein selling “Votes for Women” newspaper. T. Humphrey & Co. photographer, 1930. Courtesy State Library of Victoria.
Notable Women of St Kilda
8 March
Celebrate the fascinating lives and history of notable women who have contributed to the social, artistic and community fabric of St Kilda. Co-hosted by Marilyn Rudd and Meyer Eidelson.
Montague Reborn
Sunday 30 April - 2 to 4 pm
Walk the lanes and streets to see the transformation of the former working-class community of Montague into a modern high-tech precinct. Hosted by Janet Bolitho.
South Melbourne Primary School, Ferrars Street.
The See Yup Temple, Raglan Street, South Melbourne, 2005.
See Yup Society and Temple Talk and Tour
Saturday 6 May
Join Dr Sophie Couchman for a talk on the history and heritage of the See Yup Society (established 1854) and Temple (built 1856). This is followed by a tour of the Temple building and grounds and an introduction to cultural and religious practices. One of South Melbourne’s hidden gems, the Temple and Society continues to be active today.
Gold Rush in South Melbourne
Sunday 14 May
Find out how the 1850s Gold Rush dramatically reshaped South Melbourne’s population and architecture. The walk ends at the extraordinary See Yup Temple. Hosted by Tobias Nash.
Canvas Town, South Melbourne c.1852 (detail). Port Phillip City Collection.