Flinders Street Station, Melbourne Collection

Originating in 1854 as the Melbourne Terminus, the station initially comprised sprawling weatherboard sheds. It held a monumental significance as Australia's inaugural steam rail station, attracting throngs of spectators for the inaugural public steam train viewing. While Princes Bridge and Spencer Street stations debuted in 1859, they remained disconnected from Flinders Street for several years. Initially, Flinders Street serviced routes to Port Melbourne and St Kilda, with Southern Cross Station catering primarily to rural destinations.

The station's evolution gained momentum in the early 1900s, spurred by escalating demand. To address this, the railway commissioners launched a competition, inviting designs for an enhanced station. A publicised call summoned architects to envision a new iteration, offering a substantial reward of 500 pounds for the winning entry. The laurels went to J.W. Fawcett and H.P. C Ashworth, whose design stands as the enduring architectural marvel seen today. The comprehensive reconstruction of the station required an investment of approximately 514,000 pounds and spanned a decade to achieve its final form.