Melbourne Central Shopping Center facts for kids

Melbourne Central Shopping Centre is a huge shopping mall right in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. It's a popular spot for people to shop, eat, and hang out. This amazing building has hundreds of different stores, from fashion to electronics, and lots of places to grab a bite to eat. It's also famous for its unique design, especially its giant glass cone.

What is Melbourne Central?

Melbourne Central is more than just a shopping centre; it's a landmark in the city. It covers two city blocks and is connected to other major shopping areas like Myer and David Jones by a special bridge over Lonsdale Street. Inside, you'll find many levels of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's a busy place where thousands of people visit every day.

A Unique Design

One of the most eye-catching parts of Melbourne Central is its massive glass cone. This cone isn't just for show; it protects a very old building inside! This building is called the Coop's Shot Tower, and it's a piece of Melbourne's history. The cone lets natural light flood into the shopping centre, making it feel bright and open.

The Shot Tower

The Coop's Shot Tower was built way back in 1889. It was used to make lead shot, which are small metal balls used in old firearms. Hot melted lead was dropped from the top of the tower, and as it fell, it formed perfect spheres before landing in water at the bottom. It's incredible that this historic tower is now inside a modern shopping centre, protected by the glass cone. You can even see it up close when you visit!

The Giant Clock

Another cool feature is the giant Fob watch that hangs in the main area. Every hour, a special show happens where the clock plays music and figures pop out. It's a fun little event that many visitors stop to watch.

What Can You Do There?

Melbourne Central offers a lot more than just shopping.

Shopping Fun

You can find almost anything you're looking for here. There are big international brands and smaller local shops. Whether you're looking for new clothes, shoes, books, or gifts, you'll likely find it at Melbourne Central. It's a great place to explore and discover new things.

Food and Drinks

When you get hungry, Melbourne Central has tons of options. There's a large food court with many different types of food, from quick snacks to full meals. You can find everything from fast food to cafes and even fancier restaurants. It's a perfect spot to refuel after a long day of shopping or exploring.

Entertainment and More

Besides shopping and eating, Melbourne Central also has a large cinema where you can catch the latest movies. Sometimes, there are also special events, pop-up shops, or art displays. It's a lively place with always something new happening.

Getting There

Melbourne Central is very easy to get to because it has its own train station, called Melbourne Central Station. This makes it super convenient for people coming from all over Melbourne. It's also close to tram stops and bus routes, so you can easily reach it using public transport. Its central location makes it a popular meeting spot for friends and families.

Images for kids

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  1989 - Melbourne Central during construction, including the glass cone. Image is a high-res scan of an original B&W negative.

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  Void during renovation in 2017

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  Ground Floor Access

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  Main entrance podium, corner La Trobe and Swanston Streets after re-development.

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  Melbourne Central, Lonsdale Street entrance, below bridge to Myer Melbourne.

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  Underneath the iconic glass cone

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  Food On 2 level Food Court

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  Various floors in central area. (2010)