What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 years thrive in the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter with craft, LEGO and storytime, while parents get child-height toilets, pram parking and lawns, creating an easy, fun family outing.
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time for kids to play, join a craft session and explore without getting tired.
Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter:
Two-floor play and reading zone with crafts, board games and story spaces.
Tip: Visit early to find pram parking and empty play tables.
Daily Drop-In Craft & Play:
Loose craft sessions and board games Mon/Wed/Fri 11–1pm; other days 3–5pm.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to choose materials and seats.
Storytime Sessions:
Live 30-minute stories, songs and rhymes for preschoolers every Wednesday at 10:30am.
Tip: Get there 10 minutes before start to secure a front-row spot.
LEGO® Robotics Workshop:
Hands-on LEGO® mindstorms coding sessions in school holidays.
Tip: Book online as soon as dates are published to avoid sold-out classes.
Picnic on the Forecourt Lawn:
Open lawn space for snacks and free play outdoors.
Tip: Bring a blanket and easy-carry snacks; mornings are quieter.

Steve Bintley
This is a must visit for anyone’s first time in the city. The building is impressive enough from the outside, but the main library area inside is truly stunning. It’s great that accessing the viewing gallery is free and it really is worth taking the trip to the top. Admiring such a symmetrical and peaceful landmark from above makes it obvious why it’s so famous and it remained the most memorable l...
A D
Awesome library, greatly enjoyed the hour long tour. History of the library, the architecture, paintings, the 21st century renovation project, reading rooms, hubs and everything was explained very nicely by the tour guide. Grand LaTrobe room is the highlight of the tour. Ned Kelly armour is in display too. It was good to see how popular the library is even in the digital age with most of the libra...
Greg Crump
The State Library is a fantastic place to visit. Free to get in and so much more than just books. Lots of free exhibitions and special events. The art collection is stunning and tells the history of Victoria. Highly recommend. Also a great place to relax, study or read a book.
Dan P
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A peaceful gem in the middle of the city! We really enjoyed exploring the State Library Victoria — such a calm and beautiful space right in the heart of the city! The architecture is stunning, and the building itself feels grand yet welcoming. It’s one of those places where you can take things slow, wander around, and just soak in the atmosphere. One thing I loved was the open outdoor...
Akrem Jaouadi
For an enriching experience in Melbourne, visit the magnificent State Library Victoria. This architecturally stunning building houses millions of books, providing a quiet haven for readers and researchers alike. What's even better? Access is completely free! Just remember to maintain a hushed environment, as many people are deeply immersed in their studies and reading.
Workshops increase during school holidays, so book early. On rainy days, focus on the indoor Children’s Quarter to keep kids active.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | AUD 0 |
| Children’s workshop (2 kids) | AUD 20 |
| Café snacks | AUD 25 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 45 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
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