Block Arcade is a favourite Melbourne shopping and dining destinations, and one of the best examples of a 19th century arcade in the country. Featuring a stunning etched glass roof, decorative timber and wrought iron supports and Australia’s largest mosaic floor, Block Arcade is on the register of the National Estate and has a classification from the National Trust.
The arcade takes the form of a short, L-shaped laneway, which runs between Collins and Little Collins Streets and connects to Elizabeth Street on the west side. Designed by architect David C. Askew, it was constructed between 1891 and 1893 and modelled in the style of Milan’s Galleria Vittoria.
The shopping precinct houses a range of speciality shops, sprawled over 1000 metres of retail space. Shoppers can find a variety of different wares on offer, including bridal, footwear, confectionary, coins and collectables, fashion, jewellery, gifts, photography and music.
Food-lovers will also find much to enjoy; The Hopetoun Tea Rooms – a Melbourne institution – have been a popular Block Arcade destination for well over 100 years. If high tea is not your thing, there are a number of other more contemporary cafes lining the laneway that runs towards Little Collins Street, as well as the Charles Dickens Tavern.
You can experience some of Melbourne’s best shopping, dining, heritage and architecture from one of the finest hotels in the city, Clarion Suites Gateway. We are located right in the heart of the CBD – just a few minutes walk away from Block Arcade and many other spectacular Melbourne attractions.
