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State Library of Victoria

328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Melbourne CBD)
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As featured in Melbourne for free
Ranked #9 of 175 attractions in Melbourne
Type: Libraries
70 visitor photos
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298 reviews from our community

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Melbourne, Australia
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

Great place for travellers. Known as a great meeting spot for locals. Good to sit on the lawns in the sun reading a book or having lunch. Very Relaxing. Inside it has a galleryon the op floor, a readings book store. Also computers to use the internet at 15 min segments which are free. So dont waste your money at... More

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See 3 more reviews by queenanttraveller for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

Was there last week and it was apparently study week for exams with a notable presence of tertiary students. Library was packed as there are many places to read and also enjoy free wifi. Cautionary note that wifi may be intermittent, especially in the upper floors. Nevertheless, a very convenient location being just across the road from Melbourne Central.

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See 4 more reviews by thambi117 for Melbourne
Brisbane, Australia
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

This is an absolutely amazing building - especially the huge dome. Also the displays inside when we visited in April were incredible -a collection of books that was unlike anything I've seen before and many were hundreds of years old. Also an interesting display about Ned Kelly.

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See 2 more reviews by kiwichick2012 for Melbourne
Dublin
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
35 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

The State Library of Victoria is located in Swanson Street Melbourne, near the Universities and in the middle of the city. It is a great place to go to escape the hurly burly of the crowds. Take time to sit and reflect under the great dome. Take a book and flick through it, read the newspapers and/or magazines for free.... More

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See 16 more reviews by elsie001 for Melbourne
London, United Kingdom
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 June 2013

It is absolutly stunning inside. spent hours just looking around and enjoying the history and beauty of this building. a must visit for any art lovers

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See 9 more reviews by DumbBlondes for Melbourne
aylesbury
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2013

Fabulous building,wonderful reading room.and intersting exhibitions-especially that of outlaw Ned Kelly.And free WiFi.

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See 3 more reviews by john r for Melbourne
Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013

The outside architecture of this old pile is impressive, but the inside is even better. This is a well used and well loved institution. Make sure to go to the top of the Dome and also check out the exhibition spaces. When we were there there was a great exhibition on the history of the book ( natural for a... More

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See 5 more reviews by cinesmith630 for Melbourne
Kuala Lumpur
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013

They have some really interesting books located at second floor which worth a visit if you are a person that have interest in various culture and interesting facts. The library itself is rather well maintained. I personally find Melbourne CBD is quite boring thus if you have nothing to do, you may spend a day or half in the library... More

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See 8 more reviews by Joey K for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013

The State Library has so much to offer. Check their website for exhibitions and attractions. The paintings on display are fantastic. The reading room (including the dome) are gorgeous. Step back in time here and immerse yourself in days gone by. If you can book a guided tour do so as many treasures await behind closed doors.

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See 3 more reviews by Jenny M for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

This beautiful building houses a lot of services freely available to the general public. No membership required. Fast internet desktops, free wifi, hot desks and even computer games. When I migrated to Australia with little more than a suitcase, this libraby helped me out enourmously: I found my job, house and car with the free internet right here. Thanks! Will... More

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