Flinders Street Station : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Flinders Street Station is one of the most iconic landmarks of Melbourne, Australia, and one of the most recognizable railway stations in the world. It stands as a proud reminder of Melbourne’s rich history and evolution into the vibrant city that it is today. This blog post will cover interesting facts, information, and a travel guide to help you make the most of your visit to Flinders Street Station. With art deco architecture, an eclectic mix of cultures, and plenty to do, Flinders Street Station has something for everyone. So strap in, it’s time to explore the unique history of this iconic site.

Interesting Facts About Flinders Street Station

1. Flinders Street Station was the first public building to receive electricity in 1889.

2. It is the busiest railway station in Australia and is visited by more than 100,000 people each day.

3. Flinders Street Station is a protected heritage building and has been Grade A-listed by the National Trust of Australia.

4. One of the station’s most recognisable features is the clock tower located on the Elizabeth Street side of the station which has been a feature since 1910.

5. A former entrance to the station located at St Paul’s was filled in and is now Chartres Lane, containing several shops and restaurants.

6. Flinders Street Station was the first railway station in Australia to have airconditioning.

7. The station is the endpoint of Melbourne’s free city circle tram.

8. The station has been used in several movie scenes, including the 2006 Steve Irwin movie, “The Crocodile Hunter”.

9. The station has been in operation since 1854 and is the oldest train station in Australia.

10. Flinders Street was once the site of execution for Melbourne convicts.

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History & Information About Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station is an iconic landmark located in Melbourne, Victoria and is Australia’s busiest railway station. It was built in 1854 by Victorian Railways and is the oldest railway station in Australia.

Flinders Street Station was designed by the English architect George Watson in the Italianate style and is fashioned after the then fashionable St Pancras station in London.

According to some reports, the station was named after the explorer Matthew Flinders, although some dispute this, suggesting it was named after some unknown individual.

The main entrance to the station is the renowned yellow façade and the Yarra River is a stones throw away. Central to the station’s platforms is the large 1920’s Daimler.

The station is a popular destination for travelers and tourists and houses many amenities such as retail outlets, restaurants, cafes and shops. The train timetable and platform information are updated on digital boards and electronic signs.

Floating above the station’s concourse is a canopy designed by Alberto Puchetti, an Italian artist. The canopy is called the ‘Dome’ and was designed to provide protection from the elements.

Flinders Street Station is a tourist attraction for travelers from around the world and has been featured in many movies and music videos.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station is located in Melbourne, Victoria and is one of the most iconic Melbourne landmarks.

How To Get There:

The easiest way to get to Flinders Street Station is via Melbourne’s public transportation network, however if you’re driving you can follow the M2 or M3 freeways to get there. There is a large car parking garage located opposite the station as well.

Things To Do:

Flinders Street Station itself is a major attraction, with its distinctive architecture and bustling atmosphere. You can take a guided tour which will explain the history of the station and introduce you to some of the locals.

The station is the hub of Melbourne’s famous trams, so you can take a ride on one of the heritage trams to see some of the city’s sights. Alternatively, you can take a Stephen Edward Designed train ride to nearby suburbs such as St Kilda or Brighton.

The nearby banks of the Yarra River are home to plenty of attractions, including The Arts Centre, Federation Square, Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, and iconic buildings like Flinders Street Station. You can take a cruise on the river or take part in one of the popular food and drink walking tours.

Shopping and Dining:

Flinders Street Station is surrounded by plenty of shops and eateries. For browsing, there is a large souvenir shop located at the station itself as well as high street stores and independent boutiques in the surrounding area. There are also plenty of places to eat, ranging from street food stalls and cafes to fine dining restaurants.

Events:

Flinders Street Station is also the place to be for many events. These include the famous White Night event in the summer, which is a festival of light and music that fills the streets around the station. Every New Year’s Eve there is also a fireworks display that can be seen from the area.

With so much to see and do around Flinders Street Station, it’s the perfect destination to experience the hustle and bustle of the city of Melbourne.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Flinders Street Station

Q. When was Flinders Street Station built?
A. Flinders Street Station was built in 1910 and opened on 12 September.

Q. Where is Flinders Street Station located?
A. Flinders Street Station is located on the south bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne, Victoria.

Q. How many platforms does Flinders Street Station have?
A. The station has 15 platforms in total.

Q. What type of trains does Flinders Street Station accommodate?
A. The station accommodates V/Line regional trains, Metro Trains suburban services, and The Overland interstate services.

Q. Are there ticket machines at Flinders Street Station?
A. Yes, there are ticket machines available at Flinders Street Station.

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