Melbourne has some of the finest arcades in Australia, some of them historic, others not so historic. The finest example is the magnificent Block Arcade, situated in Collins Street (between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets), which is renowned for its huge ceiling murals and intricate mosaic floors. The Royal Arcade is the next best known arcade, although nowhere near as lavish as the Block.
A fascinating arcade is the dimly lit Centre Place, which is part laneway and part arcade. This is a great place to get away from the crowds and have a coffee, while reading a book. Degraves Street is not an arcade as such but a popular laneway with small cafes and arcade-like shops.
Arcades are not just confined to the city area of Melbourne. Catch the No 6 tram in Swanson Street opposite Flinders Street station for a pleasant 30 minute ride down St Kilda Road and left up High Street to Kooyong Road (Stop 40) and you will find yourself right in the middle of antique country. When you alight the tram look across the road for Kings Arcade.