Image taken on 2008-03-01 16:54:34 by avlxyz.

Image taken on 2006-01-14 18:30:16 by Toots Fontaine.

Image taken on 2008-10-31 18:50:34 by Doogsta.

One of Melbourne’s most famous streets, Collins Street is a road that runs through the city’s central business district and exudes an air of glamour and sophistication. This premier street is filled with many historical Victorian buildings, exclusive designer boutiques, cafes and private clubs. Streams of tourists pour in each day to experience and explore the length of this contemporary and chic setting.

An architectural dream, visitors will definitely enjoy viewing the beautiful buildings that line this street that range from Gothic style architecture to Art Deco facades. The street also houses a Galleria Vittoria inspired arcade. Some of the historical Queen Anne style buildings found here include the 5 storey Austral Buildings completed in 1891 to the design of Nahum Barnet, and the Professional Chambers built in 1908 to the design of Beverly Ussher. Other historical buildings on the street include the Gothic Bank and the former Melbourne Stock Exchange. Several churches including the Collins Street Baptist Church, the Scot’s Presbyterian Church and the St Michael’s Uniting Church are also located here which date back to an era long gone.

Apart from the many awe inspiring buildings, one of the main attractions of the street that is not to be missed is the Rialto Towers observation deck. This famous tower provides a 360 degree view of the lovely city of Melbourne. Spectacular theaters including the Athenaeum and Regent theatres are also found at Collins Street. Additionally, the popular statue of Larry La Trobe made by the artist Pamela Irving lies facing the street from the northern end of the Melbourne City Square.

A visit to this glitzy venue would not be complete without engaging in some exclusive shopping at the designer stores and other retail outlets situated along the way. High end brands such as Gucci, Armani, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Ralph Lauren are among the well known brand names that are located here. More relaxed shopping options are found further down the Collins Street where malls such as Centreway, Block Arcade and Australia On Collins are found.

A luxurious base amid the hotels in Melbourne from which to enjoy a relaxing holiday and explore the glamour and glitz of Collins Street is the Langham Hotel Melbourne. This hotel is well placed for easy access to this famous street that is definitely worth the time for a visit.

I heard the scene is massive there. Does anyone have any hints or tips of where to go and also if there are any festivals of street art on at that time? Thanks guys. I`m particularly interested in the stencil stuff.