Have you ever wondered what is the most photographed building in Melbourne? Or what is the meaning behind the phrase "meet me under the clocks"? Or what is the secret of the hidden ballroom on the third floor of a railway station? If you are curious about these questions, then you should visit Flinders Street Station, the iconic railway station of Melbourne, Australia.
Flinders Street Station is more than just a railway station. It is a historic and cultural landmark that offers a glimpse into Melbourne's past and present. It is the oldest railway station in Australia and the busiest in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also a popular meeting point and a tourist attraction that attracts millions of visitors every year.
In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, clocks, ballroom, and more of Flinders Street Station. We will also provide some useful tips and information for travellers who want to visit this amazing place. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture lover, or a culture enthusiast, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate at Flinders Street Station.
History
Flinders Street Station has a long and fascinating history that dates back to 1854, when the first railway line in Australia was opened between Flinders Street and Port Melbourne. The original station was a simple wooden shed that served as a temporary terminus for the trains. Over the years, the station grew and expanded to accommodate the increasing demand for rail transport in Melbourne.
In 1900, a design competition was held to create a new and grander station for Flinders Street. The winning entry was submitted by two railway employees, James Fawcett and H.P.C. Ashworth, who proposed a French Renaissance style building with a prominent dome, a clock tower, and a long curved facade. The construction of the new station began in 1905 and was completed in 1910, with some minor modifications and additions in the following decades.
One of the most enduring myths about Flinders Street Station is that its design was accidentally swapped with a station in Mumbai, India, due to a clerical error. However, this is not true, as there is no evidence to support this claim, and the station in Mumbai, which is now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, has a different architectural style and was built earlier than Flinders Street Station.
Flinders Street Station has witnessed many significant events and changes in Melbourne's history, such as the opening of the first electric train service in 1919, the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1954, the introduction of the City Loop underground rail network in 1981, and the restoration and renovation of the station in the 21st century. Today, Flinders Street Station is a heritage-listed building that is protected by the Victorian government and is recognised as one of the most important and iconic landmarks in Melbourne.
Architecture
Flinders Street Station is a stunning example of French Renaissance architecture, which is characterised by classical elements, such as arches, columns, domes, and pediments. The station has a distinctive yellow colour, which is derived from the local sandstone that was used to build it. The station also features red brick and green copper accents that contrast with the yellow facade.
The most prominent feature of Flinders Street Station is the dome, which rises above the main entrance and the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets. The dome is 75 metres high and 19 metres in diameter, and is topped by a copper lantern that serves as a ventilation shaft. The dome is also decorated with eight allegorical statues that represent the virtues of Progress, Industry, Peace, Plenty, Art, Agriculture, Commerce, and Wisdom.
Another notable feature of Flinders Street Station is the clock tower, which stands at the corner of Flinders and Elizabeth Streets. The clock tower is 64 metres high and has four clock faces that are 3.7 metres in diameter. The clocks display the departure times for trains on the main lines, and are synchronised with the master clock inside the station. The clock tower also has a carillon of bells that chime every quarter hour.
The most recognisable feature of Flinders Street Station is the row of clocks that run along the facade above the main entrance. The clocks are also known as the Flinders Street Station clocks or simply the clocks, and they show the departure times for trains on the suburban lines. The clocks are a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike, who often use the phrase "meet me under the clocks" to arrange a rendezvous. The clocks are also a symbol of Melbourne's culture and identity, as they have been featured in many songs, films, books, and artworks.
Clocks
The clocks at Flinders Street Station are more than just timepieces. They are a historic and cultural phenomenon that have been part of Melbourne's life for over a century. The clocks were installed in 1910, when the new station building was completed, and they were originally operated by hand. A staff member had to wind up the clocks every day and adjust the times according to the train schedules, which were printed on cardboard and inserted behind the clock faces.
In 1983, the clocks were automated and connected to a computer system that controlled the times and the train information. The computer system was updated in 2014, and it now uses LED screens to display the train information, while retaining the original clock faces and hands. The computer system also allows the clocks to be programmed for special occasions, such as New Year's Eve, when the clocks count down the seconds to midnight.
The clocks are not only a practical and convenient way to check the train times, but also a social and emotional focal point for many people. The clocks are a common place to meet friends, family, or lovers, or to say goodbye or hello to someone. The clocks are also a witness to many stories and memories, such as reunions, separations, proposals, celebrations, or protests. The clocks are a part of Melbourne's history and culture, and they have a special place in the hearts of many Melburnians.
Ballroom
One of the most intriguing and mysterious aspects of Flinders Street Station is the ballroom that is hidden on the third floor of the station. The ballroom is a large and elegant hall that was once a popular venue for dances, concerts, lectures, exhibitions, and other events. The ballroom has a wooden floor, a high ceiling, a stage, a balcony, and a grand piano. The ballroom also has a kitchen, a bar, a billiard room, and a library, as well as dressing rooms and bathrooms.
The ballroom was built in 1910, as part of the original station design, and it was intended to provide entertainment and recreation for the railway staff and their families. The ballroom was also open to the public, and it hosted many famous and influential guests, such as Dame Nellie Melba, Sir Robert Menzies, and Sir John Monash. The ballroom was also the site of many important and memorable events, such as the first broadcast of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1924, the first performance of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1929, and the first Australian performance of The Beatles in 1964.
However, the ballroom's glory days came to an end in the 1970s, when the station management decided to close the ballroom due to safety and maintenance issues. The ballroom was left abandoned and neglected, and it suffered from water damage, vandalism, and decay. The ballroom was also inaccessible to the public, and it became a subject of curiosity and speculation for many people.
In recent years, there have been several attempts to restore and reopen the ballroom, as well as to recognise its heritage and cultural value. In 2017, the Victorian government announced a $100 million plan to renovate and revitalise Flinders Street Station, which included the ballroom. The plan aimed to preserve and restore the ballroom's original features, as well as to make it available for public use and enjoyment. The plan also envisioned the ballroom as a multipurpose space that could host a variety of events and activities, such as arts, music, education, and community.
The ballroom is a hidden gem that awaits to be rediscovered and appreciated by the people of Melbourne and beyond. It is a testament to the history and culture of Flinders Street Station, and it offers a unique and exciting opportunity to experience and celebrate the station's past and future.
Flinders Street Station is not just a railway station. It is a historic and cultural landmark that reflects and shapes Melbourne's identity and spirit. It is a place where you can learn about the history, architecture, clocks, ballroom, and more of the station, as well as the stories and memories of the people who have used and visited it. It is also a place where you can meet new and old friends, enjoy the sights and sounds of the city, and discover the charm and beauty of Melbourne.
If you are planning to visit Melbourne, Australia, make sure to include Flinders Street Station in your itinerary. You will not regret it, as you will find something to admire and appreciate at every corner and every moment. Flinders Street Station is more than just a railway station. It is a destination in itself, and it is waiting for you to explore and enjoy it.
