New interactive historical museum opened in the CBD

By Steven Nguyen

Located between Lonsdale St and Jones Lane, the site of rich historical and archaeological significance has been brought back to life for Melburnians to see at Wesley Place. 

In late June, Wesley Place developer Charter Hall Group revealed an interactive tour of its Wesley Place Heritage Trail, which combined with QR code technology has enabled an interactive tour through the dig site.

The archaeological dig started in 2017 with more than 100,000 artefacts found, including slate pencils, dressmaker’s pins, pieces of chamber pots, Chinese porcelain figurines, and even a whale’s tooth, underpinning the importance of the site to the city’s storied history.

An Aboriginal cultural artefact was also uncovered and is now on display as part of the heritage trail.

Neo-gothic heritage buildings and architecture at Wesley Place also act as another layer of interest for the tour, which has been praised by Dr Vincent Clark & Associates principal archaeologist Dr Michelle Negus Cleary as “highly significant”. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece added, “The Wesley Place precinct is one of the most historically significant corners of the city, with heritage buildings and colourful stories of Melbourne’s earliest days.”

The Wesley Place Heritage Trail is free and open to the public at 130 Lonsdale St •

For more information visit wesleyplace.com.au/history/heritage-trail