Tours/Melbourne/Guided Tour of Melbourne's Iconic State Library
Viator · group up to 20 pax

Guided Tour of Melbourne's Iconic State Library

5.0(5)Melbourne1 hour
VIATOR5.0(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(3)

Description

Join an exclusive 9.15am guided tour and experience the State Library Victoria's grand Dome and hidden spaces before the doors open to the public. Advance bookings essential. Ever heard of the ‘Chief Shusher’? Wonder what’s buried beneath the Library’s floors? Or gazed up at the library Dome before the crowds? On this early access tour, you’ll explore the Library’s magnificent heritage spaces and catacombs hidden beneath the library floors, discover the treasure trove of original card catalogues, and uncover one of Melbourne’s most infamous relationships between Library founder Sir Redmond Barry and the bushranger Ned Kelly. Find a rare moment of quiet in the iconic Dome, soak in the architecture, and even take a seat where the ‘Shusher’ once reigned.

Tour Options

Guided Tour of Melbourne's Iconic State Library

Itinerary

60 min

Tour Highlights The Dome: Access the Library’s iconic Dome before it opens to the public and even sit in the chair usually reserved for the ‘Chief Shusher’! Ned Kelly: Learn about the infamous bushranger, his notorious rivalry with the Library’s founder and how his armour ended up at the Library Heritage card catalogues: Search through the Library’s old card catalogue systems Stories from Victoria’s cultural history: Your guide will share captivating stories that shaped the state of Victoria as you explore the history of the Library

Highlights

One hour guided tour

What's included

Included
One hour guided tour

Traveller Ratings

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Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(5)

K
Keith_W
June 23, 2026
Library yesterday and today.

Great insight into how the library began and continued to grow until today. From the original building to all the additions to make such a grand library.

M
Margaret_W
May 11, 2026
Margaret Williams

Excellent tour of the building, contents, history delivered by two well informed, knowledgeable tour guides.

E
ElvistheSnowball
January 31, 2026
Well worth it 👍

Extremely interesting and informative tour of this beautiful library. Well worth visiting for the special stories and details of the characters who built this unique building. Warm and friendly tour guides. Highly recommend.

R
robertkB363WO
October 26, 2025
Great Stroll in a great Building

Was fantastic, the Guides were brilliant. The building is absolutely amazing. I would recommend others visiting this place.

C
conermaxx102
October 19, 2025
This library is awesome ☺️

The scenery here is overwhelming. If you want to find a feeling of being immersed in endless knowledge then come here. I really want come here every week :))

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