Tucked beside the railway cutting on Toorak Road stands one of South Yarra’s most distinctive heritage buildings — the former Post Office. This striking red brick structure has been catching eyes for over a century and remains a proud symbol of the area’s rich architectural past. Today, it is celebrated as the Former Post Office.
Designed in 1890 by A.J. MacDonald of the Public Works Department and completed by 1893, the building is an inspired response to a challenging site — narrow, sloping, and hemmed in by infrastructure. Rather than constrain the design, these features led to something bold and imaginative.
Its façade blends multiple influences: the muscular lines of American Romanesque, a hint of Scottish Baronial flair, Art Nouveau curves, and distinctly local craftsmanship. The result? A beautifully eclectic mix that somehow works in perfect harmony. From its arched windows and asymmetry to its finely carved stonework, it’s a building that rewards a second (or third) look.
While no longer operating as a post office, this former civic hub remains a treasured reminder of South Yarra’s late 19th-century identity — and a standout piece of the suburb’s architectural story.
Next time you’re strolling down Toorak Road, take a moment to pause by this historic gem. Look up, admire the detail, and imagine the stories held within those red brick walls — it’s a piece of South Yarra history hiding in plain sight.
