📚[Melbourne Check-in Must-See] Victoria State Library: It's not just reading!

If you thought the library was just a boring, only place for people to borrow books, then you really need to visit State Library Victoria once, guaranteed to change your mind!
Not only is the oldest public library in Australia, it’s also one of the first libraries in the world to be open to the public free of charge and has now been transformed into one of the most beautiful and cultural photo spots in downtown Melbourne!

🏛️ The architecture is really beautiful!
As soon as you walk to the door, you will see the super elegant neoclassical building, with eight large symmetrical stone pillars in front of the door, like an ancient Greek temple, great for photography!
The most shocking thing to enter is its domed reading room (La Trobe Reading Room), the whole space is designed in an octagonal shape, the ceiling is a transparent glass dome, the sun shines down, the whole atmosphere is very quiet and comfortable, really will make you want to sit down and read a book.

📸 Check-in spot recommendation
• Domed reading room: overlooking the whole space from above, the whole space is very symmetrical, green lampshade + wooden desk, super taste.
• Outside the pavilion grass: Lots of people will be there to sunbathe, picnic, take pictures, and have ultra-Atlantic chess to play!
• Installation art “architectural fragments”: It’s like a corner of a library sinking into the ground, so creative!

🎨 What else besides reading?
• Exhibition area: From time to time there are painting exhibitions, comic exhibitions, history exhibitions, and Lurumi has been exhibited!
• Kids area: with low desks, colorful chairs designed for kids.
• Coffee shop + bookstore: After finishing the book you can have a cup of coffee and buy a postcard as a souvenir.

🚇 The transportation is super convenient
• Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Open: Daily 10:00–18:00 (free admission!)
• Take the tram and get off at the “Melbourne Central” station.

📝 Small summary
The State Library of Victoria is truly a special place, whether you’re a hipster, a tourist, a student, or simply looking for a quiet place to take a break.
Next time you go to Melbourne, don't just go to Penguin Island or the Great Ocean Road. Remember to leave an hour here to feel the smell of books and history ~📖✨

#September Good Places 2025

Post by Hinson Lee | Sep 28, 2025

Related Travel Moments

Most Popular Travel Moments