High streets of Melbourne: How shopping heartlands have changed in our suburbs

MELBOURNE’S high streets have changed a lot in a hundred years. Tobacconists gave way to video rental stores, which then gave way to frozen yoghurt shops. But many have kept their original charm. See how your suburb’s main street has evolved.

A GARDEN variety high street in Melbourne has changed a great deal in a hundred years; tobacconists gave way to video rental stores — which then gave way to frozen yoghurt shops.

But many main streets around the city have kept their original charm.

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Archive pictures from the early 20th century show a time when it was a lot easier to get a parking spot on a high street in a Melbourne suburb, even if you had a horse and cart.

Watton St, Werribee, about 1950. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Hampton St, Hampton, between 1920 and 1954. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Glen Huntly Rd, Elwood, about 1900. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Swan St, Richmond, about 1907. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Swanston St, Melbourne, about 1906. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Swanston St, Melbourne, about 1880. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Sydney Rd, Coburg, in 1910. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Hopkins St, Footscray, looking down Nicholson St, in the early 20th Century. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Nicholson St, Footscray, about 1900. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Church St, Brighton, in 1908. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Broadway, Elwood, between 1920 and 1954. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Ormond Rd, Elwood, between 1920 and 1954. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Bay Rd, Sandringham, in the early 20th Century. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Station St, Sandringham, about 1950. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Brunswick St, Fitzroy, about 1906. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google

Clarendon St, South Melbourne, in 1909. Pictures: State Library of Victoria / Google