It has often been said that if walls could talk they could certainly tell a tale or two. That could not be more true than at the Old England Hotel. Established in 1848, the Hotel is an important part of Melbourne's history.

During the last century the hotel was very much in vogue as it attracted the fashionable set of the day and became a popular honeymoon resort for newlyweds. In fact, a Sunday afternoon ride to the Old England was very much the "in thing" to do

The Hotel also attracted another group, whose importance and fame could not have been known at the time. Arthur Streeton, Frederick McCubin, Tom Roberts & Charles Conder as young struggling artists, frequented the Hotel during the years they were busily painting in the Heidelberg area, around 1888. These were the years when they established the now world famous "Heidelberg School of Art". It is at the Old England they regularly gathered to share their dreams, stories, struggles and achievements.

There are many anecdotes surrounding their visits to the Hotel, which contribute to the hotel's rich history and character. As a tribute to these artists lives and work, fine reproductions of their paintings grace the wall of the Bistro. Visitors to the Hotel are encouraged to take a stroll around the Bistro and view these works.

The ambiance and elegance of those by-gone years are still evident at the Old England today. The hotel has been faithfully restored and features original 1848 bluestone pitches, handmade local brick walls, and leadlighting.

Have you seen the collection of old Heidelberg photographs we have on display? If not, we highly recommend that you do!

You may even recognize the face of an ancestor or two! We have put this collection of photographs together mostly from original pictures held by the Heidelberg Historical Society. It features Burgundy Street from the late 1880's, amongst other local landmarks, including ones that are no longer there, but still held in the memory of those who have been living in the area over the last 50 years or so.

The Heidelberg School Artists Trail has recently been established in recognition of the sites often visited by the artists around the area. The trail begins around the corner from the Old England Hotel and identifies significant heritage sites where major art works were painted from the 1880's to the early 1900's. Visitors can take a stroll along the meandering Yarra River and experience how the artists of that era interpreted the landscape. A series of 12 signs have been erected along the trail, identifying relevant works. Maps can be obtained from the Old England Hotel.

Further information from Banyule City Council. Phone: (03) 9490 4222