The Art of Melbourne

Stroll or tram down Swanston Street, aptly referred to as 'Melbourne's iconic spine', and you will encounter contemporary architecture and street art vying for attention beside 19th century old-school bronze statues and buildings, permanent reminders of Melbourne's early British settlement. There are no visible signs of the people who first inhabited this land, however, you can engage with Aboriginal art in the Australian collection at the National Gallery of Victoria's Ian Potter Centre, at the rear of Federation Square. There is a free guided tour of Indigenous art (conducted by NGV Voluntary Guides) every day, usually at 1 pm.

This self-guided tour begins at the northern end of Swanston Street: The University of Melbourne's Ian Potter Museum of Art. Before you start, you can enjoy a tea or coffee at the Potter cafe which hugs the north-east corner of the art gallery. Heading south, you will eventually reach the Yarra River where Swanston Street becomes St Kilda Road across...