Chinatown is a distinctive and well known area of Melbourne which dates back to the gold rush days the 1850s. Importantly, Melbourne's Chinatown is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world.
Chinatown essential character and main focus is along Little Bourke Street from alleys which link the area to Bourke St and Lonsdale St.
The Chinese Museum is located at 22 Cohen Place, Chinatown, (off Little Bourke St. between Exhibition & Russel St.) and is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
This is one of Chinatown’s main attractions. Five exciting levels of galleries showcase artifacts and photographs from the Gold Rush days to the present, depicting the stories and culture of Chinese Australians. On display are antique costumes, ceramics and musical instruments, wedding gowns woven in gold, bound feet shoes, the furniture of master cabinet-makers and the relics of market gardeners, herbalists and traders.
Melbourne's historic Chinatown comes to life with guided tours arranged by the Chinese Musuem. A Chinatown Heritage Walk is an ideal way to familiarise yourself with Melbourne's most interesting precinct, just five minutes walk from the centre of the city.
Commence with a guided tour of the Chinese Museum, experience the life and times of Chinese goldseekers last century, journey from Hong Kong to Australia on board a sailing ship, view the new permanent exhibition show casing the history of the Chinese in Australia with wedding gowns woven in gold, the furniture and tools of master cabinet makers, temple regalia, and antique calendars, just some of the artefacts that can be seen.
Then take a walking tour of the area and bring back to life the 150 year history of Chinatown.
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