Collins Street in Melbourne, Australia

This photograph, taken at 227 Collins Street, Melbourne, circa early 1900s, captures the energy of one of the city’s busiest intersections during the Edwardian era. Pedestrians in elegant hats and long coats cross the wide street alongside horse drawn carriages, while two Melbourne cable trams marked “Nth Fitzroy” and “Spring Street" pause to collect passengers.

Lining the street are rows of ornate Victorian and Edwardian facades, with intricate detailing that reflected Melbourne’s prosperity at the turn of the century. Most of these buildings no longer exist, making this image a rare visual record of Collins Street’s historic architectural character and the everyday rhythms of urban life in early 20th century Melbourne.