People have long cared about heritage
And in Melbourne in 1963, as many as 10,000 people gathered at Ripponlea Estate to oppose its “seizure” by the ABC, with federal government backing, so it could expand its Elsternwick television studio. The historic 19th-century mansion was later bequeathed to the National Trust.
In 1972, under the Liberal Hamer government, in line with international trends, Victoria became the first Australian state to introduce historic buildings legislation. Two years later, the federal Labor Whitlam government proposed the objective of heritage was to safeguard “the things that you keep”.
Over the next two decades, every Australian government followed Victoria’s lead. The result was a mosaic of local, state and national heritage protections.
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But for Melburnians who missed out, that needn t mean missing out on a great break. It s possible to holiday like a rock star from home.
Call it a staycation and go forth to explore your own backyard, where a plethora of experiences rival anything on offer elsewhere.
Melbourne is the gateway to a lifestyle holiday to remember, says Rhett Constantine, chief concierge, Pullman Melbourne Albert Park and president, Les Clefs d Or Australia.
He recommends your staycation include Levantine Hill winery in the Yarra Valley (levantinehill.com.au), and a last-chance-to-see shopping expedition to Campbell Arcade beneath Flinders St Station. It may be partially demolished to make way for the new Metro Tunnel. Home to an eclectic set of stores since after World War 2, the arcade also houses some of the best espresso you ll find.