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St Paul's Cathedral
Opposite Federation Square stands St Paul's Cathedral, the Anglican equivalent of St Patrick's. Built between 1880 and 1891 it is the work of distinguished ecclesiastical architect William Butterfield, who designed the cathedral from England, refusing to visit Melbourne. It features ornate stained-glass windows (made between 1887 and 1890) and holds regular music programmes and services. In summer it's open to daily.
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State Library Of Victoria
When the library opened in 1856, people entering were required to sign the visitors book, be over 14 years old and have clean hands. The only requirements today are that you check your bag at the door and maintain a bit of shush.
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Tasma Terrace
The three-storey, grey-stuccoed terraces comprising Tasma Terrace were built in 1879 and designed by Charles Webb, who also designed the famous Windsor Hotel . The restrained cast-iron decoration is one of the features of these six Victorian buildings, which are owned by, and house the office of, the National Trust (9656 9800; www.nattrust.com.au) - an organisation dedicated to preserving historically significant buildings across the state. The office has information on National Trust properties that are open to the public - usually stately old homestead mansions set in elegant gardens.
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Telstra Dome
This stadium sees a few AFL matches as well as rugby, cricket and concerts. It boasts whizzbang facilities, including a retractable roof. You can find out exactly how long it takes to close the roof and who makes the call to close it by taking a Dome Tour (8635 7277; adult/child/concession/family around A$13 /around A$6 /10/33). The tour is offered three times daily on weekdays; check the website or phone for details.
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Uber Gallery
Nestled among all the restaurants and bars is this little gallery space. It's a nice little reminder to the area's hedonists, rushing from restaurant to bar, to consider more than their stomachs. It exhibits current local and overseas artists, both solo and in groups.
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University Of Melbourne
The esteemed University of Melbourne was established in 1853. Its blend of Victorian Gothic stone buildings, functionalist brick blocks and modern showpieces sprawls from Carlton through to the neighbouring suburb of Parkville. The university is conspicuous, not only in size, but also in its contributions to the community. It's behind the academic publishing house Melbourne University Publishing Ltd, the literary journal Meanjin, and counts the Melbourne Theatre Company as one of its departments. The university houses the Ian Potter Museum of Art (8344 5148; www.art-museum.unimelb.edu.au; admission free; ; - Tue-Fri, noon- Sat & Sun), displaying a significant body of Australian art.
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Victorian Arts Centre
The Arts Centre is made up of two separate buildings: the concert hall and the theatres building, linked by a series of landscaped walkways.
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Westspace
One of Melbourne's oldest artist-run galleries, Westspace has a varied exhibition programme. It features young and emerging artists working in a range of mediums from traditional forms to digital technologies and installation. On the 1st floor of a 1940s light industrial building, this independent space also provides a support community to assist artists in developing their work.
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Williamstown Railway Museum
Train spotters among us will appreciate the collection of old steam locomotives, wagons, carriages and old photos here. Kids will appreciate the mini-steam-train rides. Operated by the Australian Railway Historical Society, it's part of the Newport Rail Workshops in North Williamstown.
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Windsor
A marvellous reminder of a more glamorous era, the Windsor is a Melbourne institution. Built in 1883 to Charles Webb's design, it was extensively restored during the 1980s and is one of Australia's grandest historic hotels. Take tea at the Windsor and do the pinkie salute to Victoriana, or sleep over.
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Yarra Bend Park
Escape the city without leaving the city. About 5km northeast of town, the Yarra River flows through bushland - an area cherished by runners, rowers, cyclists, picnickers and strollers.
