Architecture tour of Parliament House
Join us for a free tour focusing on the architectural history and design of this Melbourne icon.
Facing the intersection of Spring and Bourke streets, the west facade of the building, with its sweeping steps, elegant lamps and grand colonnade, suggests solidity and strength.
However, appearances can be deceptive as the ambitious vision of 19th century architect Peter Kerr was never fully realised, leaving the building incomplete.
Construction of the Parliament House facade c. 1888
With features showcasing the wealth Victoria had accumulated from its gold and wool exports, a visit inside Parliament House is sure to delight anyone with an interest in architecture and historically significant buildings.
Time
The tour starts at 2:00 pm and runs for approximately 90 minutes.
Please arrive 20 minutes before the tour start time to allow for security screening and check-in.
Group size and booking
Numbers are limited to 20 people per tour.
Bookings are essential. To reserve a spot, please click the button below and visit our architecture tour page.
Email: tours@parliament.vic.gov.au
Hours
Hours
8:30 am – 5.30 pm
Monday – Friday
Closed on weekends and public holidays
Address
Parliament House
Spring StreetEast MelbourneVictoria3002
Contact
Phone: (03) 9651 8911
Email: info@parliament.vic.gov.au
Getting here
Public transport
By train: exit Parliament station at Bourke street.
By tram:
- route 35 – stop 0 (Spring St/ Bourke St)
- routes 86, 96 – stop 9 (Bourke St/Spring St).
Parking
There is no public parking at Parliament House.
Street parking and private parking is available in surrounding streets, but please note there is limited parking on Spring Street.
Identification requirement
Anyone wishing to visit the Parliament of Victoria to attend a tour, use our catering facilities, attend an event or watch the proceedings of the two Houses in the public galleries, must provide their name and address, and present one of the following forms of identification:
- driver's license
- learner's permit
- proof of age card
- passport
- Australian birth certificate
- Australian citizenship certificate.
Information about the information we collect from our visitors is available fom our Privacy collection notice - visitors to parlaiment house.
Security
Visitors to Parliament House are required to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the building. This involves a walk-through scanner and baggage scanning. Visitors with pacemakers should ask to be scanned using handheld scanners.
Bags must be left at reception when taking part in a tour or sitting in the public galleries.
Items you cannot bring to Parliament
The following items are not permitted at Parliament:
- weapons
- any types of blades (e.g. Swiss army knives, lock knives, eating utensils), hooks, scissors and other sharps
- liquids over 100ml and glass bottles (except water)
- any alcohol
- 'selfie' camera sticks and camera tripods
- chains and padlocks
- voice recorders, two-way radios and speakers
- handcuffs
- any tools (e.g. screwdrivers, multi-tools, bike tools, measuring tapes, metal rulers)
- helmets (e.g. bicycle and motorcycle)
- whistles
- permanent markers
- aerosols
- jet lighters
- long umbrellas
- balls and balloons
- signs or placards
- studded belts.
Any of the above items will be held by security for the duration of your visit. They will be returned when you leave or may be confiscated permanently in some cases.
More information
If you have any accessibility needs or concerns with security screening, please email security.team@parliament.vic.gov.au or call us on 03 8682 2980 ahead of time so we can accommodate your visit.
Accessibility
Accessible entrance
People with a mobility or physical disability can access Parliament House through the rear entrance on MacArthur Street.
Map
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets are located on the ground and first floors.
Audio loop
Audio loops are available in the chambers. These can be used in conjunction with hearing aids.
Wheelchair
A courtesy wheelchair is available for visitors attending tours. Please note that we are unable to provide staff to push wheelchairs.
Contact
For any enquiries regarding disability access and inclusion please email disabilityaccess@parliament.vic.gov.au
Parents
A baby change and feeding room is located on the second floor on the Legislative Assembly side. Facilities include comfortable chairs, change table, basin hot and cold water, a fridge and a microwave.
Privacy Collection Notice
Our Privacy collection notice - visitors to Parliament House applies to your visit to Parliament House and the parliamentary precinct.
It explains what personal information is collected when you visit Parliament House and the parliamentary precinct.
For information about our broader privacy practices and how we handle personal information generally, please refer to our Privacy Policy.