A photograph around 1868 looking east along Bourke Street from Elizabeth Street. The GPO had just finished its first phase of construction (a whole 3rd floor and a new clock tower were added around 1887). 

Bourke Street was the entertainment centre of Melbourne, with many pubs and theatres to keep the public celebrating until way into the early morning.

At the eastern end of Bourke Street where it stops at Spring Street, we see the unfinished Parliament House, with St Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral (under construction also) looking over the city and the Government.

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Photograph by Charles Nettleton.

Notes from the State Library tell us that this image is "Looking east along Bourke Street from just before Elizabeth Street intersection, with General Post Office on left on corner of Elizabeth Street -- Line of horse and carriages and wagon at curb on left -- Buildings on right include Beehive Clothing Company. Figures of men standing in street are blurred by motion. Parliament House visible in distance."

This is a digitally retouched reproduction of the original held by the State Library of Victoria. All prints are reproduced without the HOTPRESS watermarks.

Our team of conservators have worked on a high resolution digital image in order to remove blemishes and artifacts such as stains, mould, scratches and damage caused by the handling of the original. We strive to provide authentic representations of the original work that are suitable for enlargements that retain the tones and character of the original.