Open Thursday, Friday and Sunday Plan your visit

Plan your visit

Open Thursday, Friday and Sunday in the heritage Eastern Hill fire station.

39 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne

Firefighters in brass helmets aboard an early motor fire engine, from a historic photograph

Opening hours

  • Thursday9am – 3pm
  • Friday9am – 3pm
  • Sunday10am – 4pm

Closed public holidays

The museum is run by volunteer members, so now and then we can't open on an ordinary day. We post any changes on Facebook and in the red bar at the top of this site.

Admission prices

Adults 18 and over
$10
Concession Seniors, students and other concession card holders
$8
Family Two adults, two children
$18
Group tours Per person, during normal opening hours
$8
Members
Free

Every admission fee goes towards running, maintaining and promoting the museum.

Getting here

39 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, on the corner of Victoria Parade.

Get directions

Trams

11 12 30 109

Stop: St Vincent Plaza

Buses

302303304305309318350905906907908

Stop: Eye & Ear Hospital / Victoria Parade

Trains

Parliament Station, on every City Loop line, is a short walk away.

Car

Street parking in East Melbourne is limited, so public transport is the easiest way in.

Accessibility

The museum is inside an 1893 heritage building spread over several levels, and some areas are reached by stairs.

If you use a wheelchair or have other access needs, call us on (03) 9662 2907 before you come. Our volunteers will tell you what you can see and help you plan the visit.

The print room, with wooden type cases and printing equipment

Groups and schools

Group tours are $8 per person during normal opening hours. Schools and groups can also visit on other days by arrangement, and tours of the restoration workshop can be booked on request.

Booking enquiry

Before you come

Is the museum open every week?

We open every Thursday and Friday from 9am to 3pm and every Sunday from 10am to 4pm, except public holidays. Because we're run by volunteers, we occasionally close at short notice. Check the red bar at the top of this page or our Facebook page before you travel.

Do members get in free?

Yes. Free entry is one of the benefits of membership, along with our quarterly newsletter, Flame.

Can I bring a school or community group?

Yes. Group tours are $8 per person during normal opening hours, and we can open on other days by arrangement. Use the booking enquiry form above.

Can I see the restoration workshop?

Tours of the fleet restoration workshop are by arrangement only. Ask us when you make a group booking.

Is there a shop?

Yes. The museum shop is open whenever the museum is, and you can also shop online and collect your order on your visit.

Can I donate an item to the collection?

We'd love to hear about it. Please contact us with a description and photo before bringing anything in, so the right volunteer can help.