Royal Arcade

The Royal Arcade

The Melbourne audio-guided tour takes you into the magnificent Royal Arcade, the first covered passage in Australia. It illustrates the European atmosphere that sets Melbourne apart and its taste for the elegant arcades of the 19th century.

The first covered passage in Australia

In 1868, the project of the English architect Charles Webb was chosen to create this Italianate gallery, inspired by French and English models. Opened in 1870, the Royal Arcade displays a magnificent glass roof that bathes the elegantly displayed shops in light. It is among the oldest shopping arcades in the world still in operation.

What there is to see

The highlight is the imposing Gaunt's Clock, installed in 1893, framed by the two statues of Gog and Magog, legendary figures that strike the hours. Under the glass roof, the black-and-white tiled floor and the shops form a refined, timeless setting. The Royal Arcade remains one of the most charming galleries in the centre of Melbourne.

Practical information

The Royal Arcade is in the centre of Melbourne, between Bourke Street Mall and Little Collins Street. The passage is freely walkable during the shops' opening hours, which may vary by day. It is a pleasant sheltered stop, ideal for discovering the atmosphere of the city's arcades.

Why is the Royal Arcade remarkable ?

It is the first covered passage in Australia, opened in 1870, with its glass roof and its Gaunt's Clock framed by Gog and Magog.

What does the Royal Arcade clock represent ?

Gaunt's Clock, installed in 1893, is framed by the statues of Gog and Magog, legendary figures that strike the hours.