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State Library of Victoria

328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Melbourne CBD)
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As featured in Melbourne for free
Ranked #8 of 171 attractions in Melbourne
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Type: Libraries
70 visitor photos
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292 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2013 NEW

The outside architecture of this old pile is impressive, but the inside is even better. This is a well used and well loved institution. Make sure to go to the top of the Dome and also check out the exhibition spaces. When we were there there was a great exhibition on the history of the book ( natural for a... More

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See 5 more reviews by cinesmith630 for Melbourne
Kuala Lumpur
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2013 NEW

They have some really interesting books located at second floor which worth a visit if you are a person that have interest in various culture and interesting facts. The library itself is rather well maintained. I personally find Melbourne CBD is quite boring thus if you have nothing to do, you may spend a day or half in the library... More

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See 4 more reviews by Joey K for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

The State Library has so much to offer. Check their website for exhibitions and attractions. The paintings on display are fantastic. The reading room (including the dome) are gorgeous. Step back in time here and immerse yourself in days gone by. If you can book a guided tour do so as many treasures await behind closed doors.

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See 2 more reviews by Jenny M for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013

This beautiful building houses a lot of services freely available to the general public. No membership required. Fast internet desktops, free wifi, hot desks and even computer games. When I migrated to Australia with little more than a suitcase, this libraby helped me out enourmously: I found my job, house and car with the free internet right here. Thanks! Will... More

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Christchurch, New Zealand
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

Go see the dome. It's awesome. The free exhibitions are really well done and impressive. If you like libraries, this is your place.

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See 4 more reviews by Annelise131 for Melbourne
Michigan
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2013

It's been very nicely restored, free to enter and several unique displays about books which change periodically. The front steps and grassy are seems to be a real hang out. Worth some time to people watch.

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See 9 more reviews by Sintita for Melbourne
Hampshire, UK
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16 reviews 16 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

The students and people of Melbourne are extremely lucky to have this amazing building as their library. It is amazing, definitely worth a visit, is open until late every day. Wish I had been able to study in such an amazing place.

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See 6 more reviews by cantwaittobethere for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2013

There's so much to see in this library. From the old-styled wooden furniture to the lamps. It's really an incredible sight. The wooden ground creaks as you walk through. The library is such a hidden gem, almost didn't go there because it's a library. But this, this library, isn't just your normal library. Check it out!

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See 2 more reviews by KahWee T for Melbourne
Perth, Australia
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2013

What can I say but it's free couple hours of entertainment! The Ned Kelly collection and armour are worth it alone!

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See 4 more reviews by 2TravellingAussies for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
32 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2013

Brilliant. There is so much to do & see, I visit it every day. There is a tremendous array of literature & there is also plenty of up to date computers & facilities to use. The architecture is magnificent & a lovely place to visit when you need somewhere quiet to go. Their souvenir shop has an excellent variety of... More

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See 31 more reviews by Linda H for Melbourne

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