East Melbourne in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Eastern Hill Fire Station

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 11, 2026

1. Eastern Hill Fire Station Marker

Inscription. In 1891 the newly formed Metropolitan Fire Brigade held a competition for the design of their headquarters. The building, built in 1892 by T. Cockram & Co., was designed by the third placed firm of Smith & Johnson in association with architects Lloyd Taylor & Fitts. The magnificent fire lookout commands panoramic views over Melbourne.

Erected by City of Melbourne and State Bank Victoria.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 37° 48.505′ S, 144° 58.524′ E. Marker is in East Melbourne, Victoria, in Melbourne. It is at the intersection of Victoria Parade (Victoria Route 32) and Gisborne Street, on the left when traveling west on Victoria Parade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 39 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in South Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

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

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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Saint Vincent de Paul (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Aubrey Bowen Wing, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (about 120 meters away); Victorian Artists' Society (about 150 meters away); Dame Nellie Melba (about 150 meters away); New Temple Church (about 150 meters away); Daniel O'Connell (about 180 meters away); Daniel Mannix (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East Melbourne.

Also see . . .
1. Fire Services Museum Victoria.

The Fire Services Museum of Victoria is an organisation dedicated to the preservation and showcasing of fire-fighting memorabilia from Victoria, Australia and overseas. It boasts one of the largest collections of fire-fighting memorabilia in Australia, with it being located in one of its prized exhibits: the original headquarters of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) on the corner of Gisborne St and Victoria Parade, East Melbourne.

Today the museum is run completely by volunteers,
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 11, 2026

2. Fire Services Museum of Victoria
Marker is between the first and second green doors
each with a unique background with the fire services; Some being former and current members of Fire Rescue Victoria, the MFB, Country Fire Authority (CFA), Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) and many more other fire-related agencies.

(Submitted on May 12, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

2. Eastern Hill Fire Station. Wikipedia

Eastern Hill Fire Station is the central fire station of Melbourne, Victoria, located on the corner of Victoria Parade and Gisborne Street at one of the highest points in the City. The building has been recognised as historically significant by the Heritage Council of Victoria and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. It no longer operates as a fire station but holds the Fire Services Museum of Victoria.

Construction of the station was begun in 1891 and the station opened on 3 November 1893, as the headquarters and city fire station for the newly formed Metropolitan Fire Brigade. It was designed by architecture firms Lloyd Tayler & Fitts, and Smith & Johnson, who both won the competition, and combined to produce this striking Australian Queen Anne
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 11, 2026

3. Fire Station Foundation Stone
style building. The building contained living quarters, stables, workshops, and offices. A watchtower was initially staffed 24 hours a day.

(Submitted on May 12, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 12, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.