Flinders Street Station is a Melbourne icon. It’s the busiest railway station in Australia, and sees millions of commuters pass through its doors every year. But how much do you really know about this historic station? In this blog post, we will take a look at 10 interesting facts about Flinders Street Station that you probably didn’t know!
- Oldest Station in Australia
Flinders Street Station was originally built in 1854, making it one of the oldest stations in Australia. It was designed by architect Joseph Reed, who also designed Melbourne’s Parliament House. The station has undergone a number of renovations and expansions over the years, but the original building is still clearly visible. It is located near 10-12 Wellington Parade East Melbourne VIC.
- The Clock Tower
The clock tower is one of the most recognizable features of Flinders Street Station. It was added to the station in 1909 and stands at a height of 46 metres. The clocks on the tower are synchronised with those on the nearby GPO building, meaning that they are always accurate!
- Platforms
There are 10 platforms at Flinders Street Station. Platforms 10 and 11 are used for country trains, while platform 12 is used for the suburban rail network. Platforms one to nine are used for metropolitan trains.
- Shops and Eateries
Flinders Street Station is home to a number of shops and eateries, as well as a news agency, florist and even a hair salon! If you’re ever looking for a place to grab a bite to eat or do some last-minute shopping, the station has you covered.
- Meeting Place
The main concourse at Flinders Street Station is often used as a meeting place. It’s not uncommon to see people holding up signs with messages like “meet me at the clocks” or “meet me under the clocks”. The clocks are also a popular spot for wedding photos – so if you’re getting married soon, keep that in mind!
- First Ever Train to Depart From Flinders Street Station to Sandridge
On September 12th, 1854, the first train ever to depart from Flinders Street Station set off on its journey to Sandridge (now known as Port Melbourne). The occasion was a momentous one, not only for those who were present at the station that day, but for the entire colony of Victoria. The arrival of the railway had been eagerly anticipated for years, and its potential to transform the young colony was immense. The opening of the line marked a new era of opportunity and growth, and signaled the beginning of Victoria’s rise to become one of Australia’s most prosperous states. Thanks to the vision and hard work of early pioneers like George Stephenson, the colony’s first train ride was just the beginning of an amazing journey.
Flinders Street Station is more than just a railway station – it’s a Melbourne icon. So next time you’re passing through, take a moment to appreciate all the history and fascinating facts that this building has to offer. You might just be surprised at what you learn!
