East End in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Duke of Wellington Hotel

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, March 30, 2026

1. Duke of Wellington Hotel Marker

Inscription. Duke of Wellington Hotel
is registered by the Heritage Council of Victoria

This rare example of pre-gold rush Melbourne Hotel was built in 1850 and demonstrates the small scale and corner location typical of such buildings. It was used as a boarding house until a license was granted in 1853.

Victorian Heritage Register Number H1175

Erected by Heritage Council of Victoria. (Marker Number H1175.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 37° 48.993′ S, 144° 58.204′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in East End. It is at the intersection of Flinders Street and Russell Street, on the left when traveling east on Flinders Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 146 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

Australasia,

the Pacific Ocean,

South Pacific,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bon Scott (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); St Pauls Cathedral Precinct (about 210 meters away); The Scots Church (about 240 meters away); The Victorian Scottish Regiment (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Scots' Church and Assembly Hall (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931) (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Former Independent Church (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); The First Melbourne Land Auction (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

More about this marker. A second plaque to the right of the blue plaque (as seen on Photo 2) states that the Duke of Wellington is Melbourne's Oldest Hotel

Also see . . . Duke of Wellington Hotel. The Duke of Wellington Hotel, located on the corner of Flinders and Russell Streets, holds the distinction of having the longest-running hotel license in Melbourne. Since its opening in 1853, this iconic venue has been a central part of the city’s social fabric, with a history that stretches back to Melbourne’s early days.

Designed by Richard Dalton

Duke of Wellington Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, March 30, 2026

2. Duke of Wellington Hotel

for local businessman Timothy Lane, the original two-story building was completed in 1850, but it wasn’t until 1853 that the hotel finally received its license.

The hotel’s longevity is a testament to its historical and architectural significance. Over the years, The Duke has seen numerous alterations and additions, but it still retains elements from its 1850 and 1857 construction, making it a rare example of a pre-gold rush hotel in Melbourne.

The hotel’s location was once highly sought after for corner properties, and its position in the heart of Melbourne made it a gathering spot for many.

During the gold rush, the Duke was a hub for travellers and traders, where plans were made to head to the goldfields, and where those who struck it rich could celebrate their good fortune. The hotel also became a popular watering hole for workers from nearby warehouses and, later, journalists from the Herald and Weekly Times building. (Submitted on April 6, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.