Melbourne in photographs - then and now

Then: Flinders Street Station (circa 1900)

Then: Swanston Street looking south (circa 1950)

Then: Shrine of Remembrance (circa 1954)

Then: Flinders Street Station from Elizabeth Street

Now: Flinders Street Station from Elizabeth Street

Then: Flinders Street Station (circa 1900)

After several temporary structures, Flinders Street Station was officially completed in 1903. Located on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets the building design was called 'Green Light' about its French Renaissance style.

Now: Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station is now perhaps Melbourne's most recognizable landmark. Over the years the saying 'meet you under the clocks' became a well-known phrase among Melbournians meeting friends on the station steps.

Photo: J Y / Unsplash

Then: Parliament House (circa 1923)

Parliament House sits perched on Spring Street at the eastern end of the CBD. From 1901 through to 1927, Melbourne served as the temporary national capital and during that time this building housed the Parliament of Australia.

Then: Parliament House

Parliament House now serves as the home of the Victorian State Parliament.

Image: elekhh / Wikimedia

Then: Swanston Street looking south (circa 1950)

Swanston Steet was the main thoroughfare through the centre of the city since the introduction of Melbourne's famous 'Hoddle Grid' in 1837.

Now: Swanston Street looking south

Today Swanston Street is a major tram and cycle route through the heart of Melbourne city.

Then: Shrine of Remembrance (circa 1954)

Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance was completed in 1934 to serve as Victoria's state war memorial.

Now: Shrine of Remembrance

'The Shrine' as it is known locally, was built in honour of the men and women who served Australia in World War I but now serves as a place of remembrance for all Victorians who have served in the military.

Then: Collins Street (circa 1895)

One of the oldest streets in central Melbourne, the cable tram was introduced to Collins Street in 1886.

Now: Collins Street

The eastern end of Collins Street is often referred to as the 'Paris End', thanks to its beautiful old buildings, tree line footpath, and designer stores

Then: Flinders Street Station from Elizabeth Street

Elizabeth Street runs through central Melbourne from Queen Victoria Market down to Flinders Street Station.

Now: Flinders Street Station from Elizabeth Street

In recent years, Elizabeth Street has become a retail hub for photographic stores and motorcycle retailers.

Then: Bourke Street (circa 1895)

The local phrase 'busier than Bourke Street' grew out of the hustle and bustle of Bourke Street, which has long served as a shopping and entertainment district.

Now: Bourke Street

The Bourke Street Mall was opened in 1983 by Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The introduction of this pedestrian and tram-only section of Bourke Street has allowed it to become the retail heart of the city.

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