The building industry has been thriving in Australia since just after colonization. Many British people sailed across the globe in search of gold and agricultural prosperity and the building industry really began to boom to accommodate these people. This is still evident today through the Victorian architecture in Australia. These original designs had a strong influence on Australian architecture and can be classified according to three categories: early Victorian architecture in Australia (colonization to 1860), mid-Victorian architecture in Australia (1860 to 1875) and late Victorian architecture in Australia (1875-1901).
Characteristics of Victorian architecture in Australia
Victorian-style architecture in Australia features distinct characteristics that differ slightly between each category.
Early Victorian architecture in Australia
This type of architecture is defined by its simple style. Made of brick, early Victorian homes had pitched rooves with plain ceilings. Skirting and architraves were often molded, adding an interesting feature to the otherwise basic design.
Mid-Victorian architecture in Australia
Mid-Victorian homes in Australia became much more embellished than their predecessors. This type of architecture is instantly recognizable by intricate cast iron decorations and quaint, little verandas. Picket fences became a real trend, creating safe areas for families. Terracotta tiles or corrugated iron where the materials of choice for sturdy rooves and this was complemented by stained glass windows at the front of the home to really add something special. For the interior, plastered walls became popular with polished wood floorboards.
Late Victorian architecture in Australia
This category was heavily influenced by Italianate and this is evident in the Victorian Italianate architecture in Australia that still exists today. This type of architecture was especially detailed and decorative, featuring arches and intricate iron designs. Most aspects of the house were ornamentally detailed in some way and Victorian Italianate architecture in Australia used much bolder colors than in previous periods.
6 examples of Victorian-style architecture in Australia
The influence of Victorian architecture is still very much evident in Australia today and continues to be present in modern building projects. There are many building projects currently underway, which you can check out here.
The following are 6 examples of well-known Melbourne buildings that feature characteristics from the above time periods.
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Royal Exhibition Building
No list of Victorian architecture in Australia would be complete without mentioning the Royal Exhibition Building. Open in 1880 for Melbourne’s first international fair, this building was the vision of architect Joseph Reed. The designer was born in England and made the most of Melbourne’s newfound wealth. The gold rush brought a lot of money to the city in the mid-1800s, meaning that there was cash available to bring his grand design to life.
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Block Arcade
A popular shopping destination for tourists and locals alike, the Block Arcade remains a busy site to this day. The design for the building takes inspiration from the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele in Milan. Open in 1893, the Block Arcade is one of many iconic buildings in Melbourne.
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Princess Theatre
A beloved venue for well-known productions, the Princess Theatre is a sight to behold. It has many features typically characteristic of French Second Empire architecture that was trending during Queen Victoria’s reign as the monarch. The building was designed by architect William Pitt and completed in 1886.
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Hotel Windsor
A popular accommodation option for visitors to Melbourne, the Hotel Windsor is located right in the CBD. It was designed by Charles Webb and is a great example of Victorian Italianate architecture. The hotel is not as decorated as surrounding buildings but creates a stunning visual nonetheless.
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Parliament House
Parliament House is a popular building that is visited by people traveling from destinations all around the world. The exterior and interior are equally impressive, with bold pillars and decorative archways featuring prominently throughout the building. Opened in 1855, Parliament House was the outcome of a joint design project by Peter Kerr and Charles Pasley. It still houses the Parliament of Victoria to this day and there are tours available so everyone has the opportunity to experience the stunning architecture for themselves.
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The Rialto
The Rialto is renowned for being grandiose and extravagant. Located on the iconic Collins Street, this building was finished in 1891. The Rialto stands out with its Victorian design and colorful, palazzo design, so visitors will not be able to miss it. This building was also designed by architect William Pitt.
These 6 buildings are evidence of the strong Victorian influences that exist in Australia. This period was strong economically for the country, especially in Melbourne which benefited greatly from the gold rush. Money led to significant development, thus resulting in the Victorian-influenced buildings we see today.