Geelong Customs House facts for kids
The Geelong Customs House is a very old and important building in Geelong, Victoria. It was built in 1855 and is made from strong, dark grey stone called bluestone and lighter stone called freestone. It has a special look called a classical style, which means it looks a bit like ancient Greek or Roman buildings.
This building replaced an even older, smaller wooden building from 1838. That first building was moved to the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
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What Was the Customs House For?
The Geelong Customs House was built near the water in Geelong. Its main job was to help the government manage trade. Back then, Australia was a group of colonies ruled by Britain. This was called the colonial administration.
Why Was It So Important?
The Customs House became very busy during the exciting time of the gold rushes. Many people came to Australia hoping to find gold. Ships arrived often, bringing goods and people. The Customs House was where officials collected taxes on goods coming into the country. This money helped the government run the colony.
Who Designed and Built It?
A talented architect named John James Clark designed the Geelong Customs House. He was known for designing many important public buildings. The building was constructed by a builder named William Crocker Cornish in April 1855.
What Happened to the Building?
The Geelong Customs House is no longer used for its original purpose of collecting taxes. However, it is still a very important part of Geelong's history. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and the City of Greater Geelong Heritage Overlay. This means it is protected because of its historical value.
In 2012, the building was carefully fixed up and restored. It even won an award from the National Trust for its excellent restoration! Today, the Geelong Customs House is home to offices and a restaurant called the 'Custom House Restaurant and Wine Bar'.
