This was my first port of call when I visited Melbourne back in March 2023. I used public transport to get around. As usual, I took the “long” way round to get to PROV. It was still a leisurely walk from the Macaulay Railway Station. When I departed PROV, I went in the opposite direction and caught a tram into the city.
Website.
The website for the Public Records Office of Victoria is as follows:
NOTE: Always check the opening days and times on the website before heading out.
Their physical address is 99 Shiel Street, North Melbourne.
Options.
The staff were extremely helpful. I was provided with different options to try to answer my research question – my second great-grandfather’s visit to Melbourne around 1857. I had a list of places to go visit one being the Victorian State Library and another Old Treasury Building Museum where there was an exhibition on old Melbourne and the goldfields! It would be an interesting trip. It would provide me with context to my ancestor’s story. I would get a better understanding of Melbourne and learn more about its development. Of course, I ended up with a lot more questions than answers but you will see how I resolved some of these as I discovered and explored Melbourne.
I believe during my research, I learn something every time. Sometimes, it’s more than one thing. It certainly is a journey of exploring and discovery.
Research Question.
My main question: I wanted to know where my ancestor was based during his stint in Victoria. I had his UK Army service records so I had the town – Melbourne. But, I wanted to know more. I found that there were two possible locations where the soldiers were based. I will never know exactly but at least I now have some idea. The Victoria Barracks, I found were built after my second great-grandfather left the services. Another piece of history I didn’t know. It is truly amazing what I learn.
History.
The history of the Flinders Street Railway Station is another. As well as the Princes Bridge and the Yarra River and what was done as the river seemed to flood all the time!
Takeaways.
My takeaways from my visit to PROV: do your research, get your question. However, expect to learn much more than the answer to your question. Oh and always check out the website’s Subject Search Guides for more information.
Experience history not just read about it. As I tend to always say – explore and discover, you just never know what you may find!
Ancestor Family 
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