The building is as impressive as it has to be. It's not a grand cathedral (thankfully). It is as it is named - a relic of the 1800s Great Exhibitions and that it still serves the purpose of hosting exhibitions to this day is very cool indeed.

The cultural significance to the nation is largely that from Federation in 1901 it housed the sitting of the Federal Parliament until 1927. It also housed events during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. And my daughter and I have exhibited there this year at the annual Lego Brickvention. Okay - she and I don't quite share the same WHS significance but to me it's the great thing that it isn't something so austere as to only be admired from a distance.

And as Emilia said - visit Melbourne during footy season - go see Aussie Rules footy.

btw - the Italian restaurant precinct is Lygon St in Carlton.