Among the many things to do and see during your stay in our Melbourne Serviced Apartment, is to step back in time and soak up the atmosphere at the Old Melbourne Gaol. Home of Melbourne’s oldest prison, it first opened its doors in 1840, housing many of Australia’s infamous characters such as Ned Kelly. At this landmark over 135 people were hanged. The Old Melbourne Gaol was the first gaol complex in Victoria. Looking for a way to keep your children out of trouble? Take them on a tour of the Old Melbourne Gaol, it is a forty minute interactive experience, with the charge sergeant as your tour guide. Visitors are arrested and experience first-hand what it is like to be locked up – sure to keep them on the straight and narrow!! Certainly the accommodation at her Majesty’s pleasure is nowhere near as stylish and comfortable as our furnished Melbourne Serviced Apartments.
After your visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol, stroll down to Flinders Street, just a short walk from our city Serviced Apartments. Drop into The Immigration museum to trace your ancestors, open daily between 10am – 5pm. You can quite easily spend an entire day researching how and when your ancestors first arrived. Of all the post-World War II migrant ships, the most infamous ship would have to be The Australis. This was the last ship to carry government assisted immigrants to our shores in 1977 and had the largest passenger capacity of all World War II immigrant ships. Her style was very grandeur and Art Deco style, unlike the modern furnishings of Corporate Keys Melbourne Serviced Apartments.
The Australis first left Greece with her first intake of immigrants in 1965, completing a total of 62 voyages. In 1970 a fire broke out in the galley causing a substantial amount of damage, not only to the galley but also the ballroom and 40 guest cabins. Passengers came from Britain, Germany and many European cities. For many, the journey was an adventure because at this time a journey by ship was like taking a cruise holiday. For others, it was a trip to freedom from political upheaval in their home country and the start of a new life. However, Melbourne did not have the luxury of Serviced Apartments on offer to the new Australians joining our shores. Serviced Apartments had not even been thought of at this time so the new Australians were housed in dormitories or in the Army Barrack sites around Melbourne. Had Serviced Apartments been around during the new intake of immigrants to Australia, no doubt many more would have stayed and been introduced to a much brighter side of Melbourne life.
The Australis’ final voyage to Australia was in November 1977, after which it was sold to the Venture Cruise Lines who renamed her “America”. However this venture was unsuccessful and the liner was sold on to the Chandris Line who had plans to sail her through the Mediterranean, renaming her Italis. Sadly after three voyages she was laid up yet again, with ownership transferring to a Panamanian company who finally renamed her Alferdoss. In 1988, however, she had to be run aground close to Piraeus to stop her from sinking.