A ride on the city circle tram will take you past plenty of historically interesting sites- if you're interested in history as shaped predominantly by men. With nothing against the achievements of great men, historically women have been limited in their capacity to shape society when occupied with the domestic role that tradition demands. For a peek into the heights achieved by Melburnian women, take the city circle tram as you refer to "
Through her eyes- The women's map of Melbourne City".
The self-guided tour brings you to places of interest to women past and present, pointing out memorials commemorating women who shaped Melbourne and sites of public demonstrations for issues such as equal pay.
Some highlights of the tour:
Nauru House, Exhibition Street
Campaigners set up here in 1969, agitating for women to receive equal pay for work of equal value.
Russell Street
The first ladies' public toilet was built on the corner of Russell Street and Bourke Street in 1904. Today, the intersection is blessed with two fast food outlets.
The Welsh Church, Latrobe Street
The first free dispensary for women in Melbourne was established in the hall beside the church in 1896.
The Women's Map can be downloaded
online, or copies can be obtained from the Union of Australian Women's office on the second floor of Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
The
number 35 city circle tram runs in a loop which may be taken clockwise or anticlockwise around the inner heart of Melbourne. With a frequency in both directions of about twelve minutes between 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and 10am to 9pm from Thursday to Saturday, the tour can be done almost whenever you please. Or, you can walk the tour at any time.
