Chinatown Melbourne

Chinatown is a distinctive and well known area of Melbourne which dates back to the gold rush days of the 1850s. Chinatown Melbourne is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world.

Chinatown's essential character and main focus is along Little Bourke Street with alleys that link the area to Bourke Street and Lonsdale Street.

Chinatown today now predominantly extends along Little Bourke Street between Swanston St and Spring St. Its cabinet makers and lodging houses may now be gone but eating houses and top class restaurants now take their place with the streetscape and its low-rise brick buildings, retaining its historic character.

Throughout the year, there are many traditional festivals and activities, making Chinatown a popular destination in the city centre for local, interstate and international visitor.

The refurbishment of Chinatown’s 5 key arches was an important statement of the City of Melbourne’s commitment to Chinatown. The arches have been restored to their former glory with added modern touches including red neon lighting on the columns. The arches clearly announce the entrance to Chinatown.

Chinatown is a distinctive and well known area of Melbourne which dates back to the goldrush days of the 1850s. Importantly, Melbourne’s Chinatown is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world. Chinatown’s essential character and main focus is along Little Bourke Street from Swanston Street to Spring Street, including the laneways and alleys which link the area to Bourke Street and Lonsdale Street.

The heritage streetscape has been well preserved, with few buildings reaching over three storeys in height. The area is dominated by restaurants from fine dining to laneway and arcade noodle houses, and is home to a number of Asian grocery stores, Chinese medicine and herbalist centres, bookstores, fashion boutiques and other retail outlets in arcades such as the Village Centre, The Target Centre and Paramount Plaza. True to its name and predominantly of Chinese ethnicity, you will also find Melbourne’s Chinatown is truly cosmopolitan with a myriad of cuisines like Thai, Japanese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Contemporary European and Australian to tempt your taste buds.