Victoria State Library is Melbourne’s grandest sanctuary of thought—a cathedral of knowledge beneath soaring ceilings and golden sunlight. Sit among century-old books, let your mind drift between stories, or gaze out at the skyline from its hushed halls. More than a library, it’s a refuge for the soul, where every page feels like a conversation across time.


Everything you need to know about State Library Victoria
Stay at Melbourne City Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from Victoria State Library. Its modern design harmonizes with historic architecture, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the library’s neoclassical façade and the adjacent Royal Botanic Gardens. The hotel provides 24-hour front desk service, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast. Located only 8 minutes from Southern Cross Station, it’s ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and proximity to Melbourne’s cultural heart.
Melbourne Plaza Hotel is perfect for families, located just 300 meters from Victoria State Library. It offers interconnecting rooms and child-friendly amenities such as a games room and secure play area. Close to Flinders Street Station, guests can easily access the Melbourne Museum and Royal Botanic Gardens via tram or metro. The surrounding area features numerous kid-friendly restaurants and cafés, making it convenient to plan full-day outings while exploring Melbourne’s rich history and culture.
Take advantage of the Melbourne Tram Network, with multiple lines (1, 3, 6, 16) stopping directly outside Victoria State Library, connecting you to Flinders Street, the Yarra River, Royal Botanic Gardens, and the University of Melbourne within minutes. A 10-minute walk leads to Southern Cross Station, where trains and regional services offer quick access to destinations like Great Ocean Road and Geelong. Use a Myki card for seamless travel across all public transport options, ensuring efficient and stress-free exploration.
Beyond touring the century-old manuscript exhibitions and the iconic dome reading room, join the library’s weekly midday literary talks every Wednesday, featuring renowned Australian authors and scholars discussing the nation’s literary evolution. The fountain plaza outside hosts outdoor art installations and live music performances, while summer brings the Night Reading Salon, blending light shows with poetry readings. These immersive events allow visitors to engage deeply with Melbourne’s identity as a cultural capital, enhancing their appreciation of the library’s architectural and intellectual legacy.
Stay at the Melbourne City Marriott Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from the State Library of Victoria. Its heritage architecture blends seamlessly with modern luxury, and rooms feature panoramic windows offering views of the library’s iconic Neoclassical dome. The hotel offers exclusive guided tours to explore rare manuscripts and the historic reading rooms. Nearby attractions like the Royal Botanic Gardens and Melbourne Arts Centre are also within walking distance, ideal for cultural immersion.
Take the free SkyBus to the city center, then transfer to Melbourne tram routes 109 or 116, alighting at the "State Library" stop—total journey time around 45 minutes. Trams glide along Flinders Street, offering scenic city views. For faster travel, use Uber or Lyft, which take about 25 minutes and cost AUD 30–40. Upon arrival, the library’s forecourt is an ideal photo spot, with a visitor information kiosk providing details on exhibitions and events.
The library offers underground manuscript tours showcasing 18th-century manuscripts and colonial-era maps—reservations required. Every Friday evening features Night Reading Events, blending poetry recitals and historical music performances in a literary ambiance. The glass-domed café is a must-visit, offering light meals and limited-edition Melbourne-themed pastries with stunning views of skylit bookshelves. Additionally, regular Indigenous knowledge lectures provide deep insights into Aboriginal epistemology, enriching visitors' understanding of Australia’s First Peoples.
Adjacent to the library is the Royal Botanic Gardens, featuring expansive lawns and a children’s interactive zone perfect for picnics. A 10-minute walk leads to the Melbourne Museum, home to a children’s science lab and dinosaur fossil exhibits loved by young visitors. Street performers often entertain near Flinders Street Station, exposing kids to diverse art forms. The library itself hosts a youth reading corner with interactive story hours and creative workshops, making it an ideal starting point for a family cultural journey.
The library’s main building, constructed in 1854, showcases Neoclassical design with eight Corinthian columns supporting an arched pediment. Inside, the vaulted glass dome floods the reading hall with natural light. The central hall features marble columns and mosaic tile floors, while the Round Room stands as the architectural centerpiece, with 360-degree bookshelves and intricately carved ceilings. Recent renovations preserved original structures while integrating a digital guide system, allowing visitors to explore architectural history and collection stories via smartphone.
Yes! The central atrium beneath the glass dome is a must-photograph location—light streams through, creating a cinematic effect against endless bookshelves. The fountain plaza in front features sculptures and greenery framed by Neoclassical façades, perfect for artistic portraits. The cast-iron railings and stairwell lighting at the underground entrance offer striking contrast, ideal for nighttime photography. Some exhibition spaces also feature immersive projection installations, enabling dynamic art shots that make standout social media content.
See what other travelers say about State Library Victoria

Ovolo South Yarra nailed the vibe—such a cool, retro-inspired atmosphere with bold pop art touches that really stand out. The staff were warm and welcoming, and check-in was quick and hassle-free. The room, while compact, was clean, thoughtfully designed, and surprisingly comfortable. But what truly sets this place apart is the location—right on the doorstep of Chapel Street, where there’s always something happening. Whether you’re into dining, shopping, or just soaking in the local character, everything is within walking distance. It’s the perfect base for exploring South Yarra with charm and personality. A standout stay that feels both stylish and authentic.

Staying at Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands was a fantastic experience. Located just behind the Southern Cross Train Station and within the free tram zone, it's incredibly convenient—walking to the tram stop takes less than 5 minutes, and you can reach any major city attraction in under 10 minutes. The nearby Coles supermarket is just an 8-minute walk away, making daily essentials easy to grab. The room itself is standard-sized but spotlessly clean, which really stood out. One thing to note is that toiletries and slippers aren't provided, so I recommend bringing your own or asking the front desk if they can supply them. Overall, the location, cleanliness, and value make this a top choice for travelers looking for a hassle-free stay in Melbourne.

The Crest on Park apartments were spotless and well-maintained, with a clean, tidy feel throughout. The room was spacious and thoughtfully designed—really comfortable for our stay. Check-in was a bit tricky, but we understand it might have been a system hiccup rather than staff issue. Location is excellent—just a short walk to cafes, restaurants, and shopping spots. We easily caught the tram into the city center. Despite the minor check-in hassle, the overall experience was fantastic. Highly recommend this property for travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and great value.

The All on Flinders Hotel exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I walked in, the place felt fresh, spacious, and impeccably clean—every corner was well-maintained and thoughtfully designed. The staff were welcoming and helpful without being intrusive, making the entire stay feel seamless. Its location is unbeatable; just a short walk from major attractions and public transit, which made exploring Melbourne so convenient. I loved the modern yet cozy vibe of the rooms, and the attention to detail truly sets this hotel apart. Without a doubt, I’ll be booking here again on my next visit to Melbourne.

Staying at this hotel was an absolute breeze—right next to the SkyBus stop that takes you straight to the airport in just about 30 minutes. That alone makes it a top pick for business travelers who need quick and easy access. The Southern Cross train station is literally steps away, making it super convenient to explore Melbourne and beyond. There’s also a wide variety of dining options right outside, so whether you’re craving local Aussie flavors or international cuisine, you won’t be disappointed. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with friendly staff who went the extra mile. It’s rare to find such a great balance of location, convenience, and value—all in one place. If you're visiting Melbourne for work or leisure, this is definitely a go-to choice.

Staying at Brady Hotels Central Melbourne was an excellent experience overall. I really appreciated being able to store my luggage a day in advance—super convenient, especially with tight travel plans. The hotel facilities are well-maintained and the room itself was much larger than I expected, offering great space and comfort. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout my stay—always smiling and ready to assist. Location-wise, it’s unbeatable: right in the heart of Melbourne, just steps away from major attractions, shopping, and public transit. The only minor downside is that the partnered parking lot is a bit of a walk away, but that didn’t detract much from the overall experience. For the location, service, and value, I’d definitely book again.

I stayed at Mercure Melbourne Therry Street for nine nights and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Having previously enjoyed stays at Mercure properties in Indonesia, I chose this Melbourne location based on trust and comfort. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and offered all essential amenities without feeling overcrowded. What stood out most was the peaceful atmosphere—very quiet at night, which made for excellent sleep quality. The hot water system worked perfectly, and the air conditioning provided consistent comfort whether cooling or heating. Located just steps from the train station, getting around Melbourne was incredibly easy and efficient. I appreciated the convenience of public transport right outside the door. Service was friendly and professional, and the overall value for money was outstanding. I’ll definitely be returning here on my next visit to Melbourne—highly recommend!

This was my first stay at this hotel, and I couldn't be more impressed. Located right in the heart of Melbourne's city center, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring everything the city has to offer. Just steps from the hotel, you’ll find a wide range of shops, cafes, and restaurants—perfect for dinner, snacks, or just soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The room was spacious, clean, and well-equipped with modern amenities. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the air conditioning worked flawlessly. What really stood out was the staff—friendly, professional, and always ready to help. Their warm hospitality made the entire experience feel welcoming and personal. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this is a top choice. Highly recommend it and will definitely return.

Staying at Rydges Melbourne was an absolute delight, especially because of the unbeatable location. Right at the entrance of Chinatown, it's super convenient for getting around—many tour pickups are nearby, and there’s no shortage of great dining options just steps away. I had an incredible meal at a local seafood spot next door, where I tried their massive lobster—it was rich, fresh, and absolutely delicious, even if it came with a slightly higher price tag. Worth every cent. Plus, walking to the main business district takes less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for both leisure and work trips. The convenience, comfort, and overall experience made this stay unforgettable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Melbourne.

My stay at AKOM AT Docklands was absolutely outstanding. The terrace view was simply mesmerizing—especially the panoramic skyline of Melbourne, which looked even more impressive at night. I couldn’t help but take a few photos without needing any filters. The kitchen was fully equipped with everything I needed—cutlery, pots, pans, and cooking essentials—making it super easy to whip up meals on-site. It’s a great option for travelers who want flexibility and convenience without sacrificing comfort. The hotel also provided high-quality toiletries like shampoo and body wash, adding that extra touch of home-like comfort. Location-wise, it’s incredibly convenient: a tram stop and a supermarket are just a 2-3 minute walk away, so getting around or grabbing daily essentials is effortless. Everything about this place felt thoughtfully designed. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Melbourne—this is definitely a top-tier choice for both short stays and longer visits.

Staying at Oaks Melbourne Southbank Suites was an absolute highlight of my trip to Melbourne. The hotel is spotlessly clean, perfectly located right in the heart of Southbank—just steps away from restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions. I loved how bright and airy the room was, with plenty of natural light flooding in throughout the day. It felt spacious and modern, ideal for both business travelers and tourists. The kitchenette was a game-changer—I could whip up meals without leaving the room, and the washing machine made packing light easy. The bathroom was well-designed, clean, and stocked with quality amenities. Staff were friendly and attentive, always ready to help. Whether you're here for work or leisure, this place offers comfort, convenience, and great value. I’ll definitely be coming back.

Staying at Grand Hotel Melbourne was an absolute delight from start to finish. The moment we arrived, manager Denis made us feel right at home—warm, welcoming, and thoughtful. He personally handed us a small treat of complimentary chocolates and even wrote a sweet note in the room. It’s these little touches that truly set this hotel apart. The vintage charm throughout the property is authentic and beautifully preserved, with elegant details in every corner. Best of all, it’s just a short walk to Southern Cross Station, making public transit access incredibly convenient for exploring Melbourne. Excellent service, unique character, and a fantastic location—all wrapped up in a one-of-a-kind experience. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.
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