Central Business District in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

The Royal Society of Victoria

Exhibition Street Marker

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 3, 2026

1. The Royal Society of Victoria Marker

Inscription. As the pre-eminent scientific society of the State of Victoria. The Royal Society of Victoria is modelled on the ideals of the Royal Society (London), and provides a focus for scientists and all members of the Victorian Community interested in Science and Technology. The Society's publications provide records of Victoria's contributions to botanical, geological, zoological, anthropological, astronomical and other natural and applied sciences and hence to the intellectual and material prosperity of our community.

The Royal Society of Victoria has initiated or promoted scientific exploration which included the crossing of Australia by Burke and Wills. The members of the expedition were officially farewelled on August 18, 1880, from this Building in which, 510 days later, the remains of Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills lay in state. These now legendary figures have played a significant role in the emergence of an Australian culture in the painting and sculpture, the literature and films inspired by the heroism and the poignant tragedies of the expedition.

Early members of the Society were also responsible for establishing the State's botanical gardens, natural history museum, astronomical and meteorological observatories and initiating Antarctica exploration and providing advice to government on natural resources.

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The promotion of the establishment of national parks and the need for marine science highlight more recent activities. The Society's meetings and library are open to the public.

The Royal Society of Victoria
Founded 1854

Erected by The Royal Society of Victoria.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Exploration • Parks & Recreational Areas • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is August 18, 1860.

Location. 37° 48.472′ S, 144° 58.131′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in the Central Business District. It is on Exhibition Street 0.1 kilometers north of La Trobe Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8 La Trobe 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Royal Society of Victoria (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Royal Society of Victoria (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Mackillop 1842-1909 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Things They Left Behind (about 180 meters away); River Red Gum (about 180 meters away); Odd Fellows

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 3, 2026

2. The Royal Society of Victoria Marker

as seen from Exhibition Street

(about 180 meters away); Little Lon': Mission House (about 180 meters away); Grit, Grime and Noise (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

Also see . . . History of the Society. The Royal Society of Victoria

The Society recognises and encourages scientific research of the highest calibre through its awards program, recognising scientists across the career spectrum from PhD candidature through to lifetime research achievements. We appoint Fellows based on their capacity to improve society through their knowledge base. The Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria is one of the oldest Australian scientific journals, having been published continuously in various forms since 1855. We engage people of all ages and backgrounds across Victoria in the scientific process through management of the Inspiring Victoria program, a partnership initiative with the State’s leading public knowledge institutions and networks, which includes the annual delivery of National Science Week.

(Submitted on June 15, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 15, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.