Metro Tunnel: Anzac Station
One of five new underground train stations as a part of the Metro Tunnel Project. With guidance from Kylie from the Metro Tunnel Project and an ensemble of special guests, you’ll journey through the station to learn about the station design, while exploring amazing artworks and hidden details of one of Melbourne’s future architectural icons.
This tour begins at the Albert Rd entrance, where you can view the station exterior from street level. Heading down into the station, you’ll travel through the concourse, see a major artwork, and pause underneath the station’s massive timber canopy. You’ll pass through the ticket gates and descend to platform level, to check out the station’s Victorian-first technology and design and hear more about another feature artwork. Returning to the concourse, you’ll head out through the ticket gates, stopping at the station’s Domain Rd exit to see a final artwork, before heading back up to St Kilda Road.
About your tour guide
Kylie Smith is a member of the Metro Tunnel’s communications team and has worked on the project since 2020.
The tour begins on street level outside of the station’s Albert Rd entrance, one of four entrances for Anzac Station.
Look over to the marvellous timber canopy, forming the main station entrance, in the centre of busy St Kilda Rd. Hear more about the station design philosophy from architect Rob Naybour from WW+P Architects (Weston Williamson + Partners).
On the concourse, spot the creative navigational feature hidden in plain sight. Explore the world of Future Wall Painting, a bright and colourful artwork featured along the station concourse from award-winning artist Raafat Ishak.
Learn more about the main station entrance and Melbourne’s first tram/train interchange. Underneath the soaring timber canopy, architect Ingrid Bakker from Hassell dissects the importance of good design and explains how the station’s purposeful design elements will enhance the passenger experience.
Down on platform level, we explore more of the station’s design features. Architect Ivan Harbour from RSHP outlines the beauty in combining engineering, technology and craftsmanship, and renowned First Nations artist Maree Clarke discusses preserving natural history, culture and connection in her artwork Tracks.
Returning to concourse level at the Domain Rd exit, we reflect on a solemn artwork by contemporary artist Fiona Hall and its connection to the station’s neighbour, the Shrine of Remembrance. The Shrine of Remembrance CEO Dean Lee describes the significance of the connection between the Shrine and Anzac Station.
Special guests
Rob Naybour – Rob Naybour is Chair at international architecture firm WW+P Architects (Weston Williamson + Partners). He has a track record of leading large integrated infrastructure projects and delivering high-quality, award-winning design, including London’s Elizabeth Line. Rob was instrumental in setting up WW+P sister companies and studios in Australia, Toronto and Manchester. Rob’s projects have won a series of high-profile awards. In 2015 he was awarded the RIBA London Project Architect of the Year for his work at Paddington.
Ingrid Bakker – Ingrid Bakker is a Board Director and Commercial & Workplace Sector Leader at Australian-founded international architecture firm Hassell. She is a registered architect with over 25 years’ experience in architecture and interior design. Ingrid has led teams on a large variety of workplace, residential, hospitality, retail, and commercial projects and is experienced in project delivery, resource and consultant coordination and client liaison. She is currently the co-chair of the Awards Committee at the Australian Institute of Architects and Chair of the Commercial Office Committee at the Property Council of Australia. She also sits on the Property Council of Australia’s Victorian Division Council.
Ivan Harbour – Ivan Harbour is an architect and senior partner at international architecture firm RSHP. He began his career on Lloyd’s of London and subsequently led the design of the European Court of Human Rights and Bordeaux Law Courts. Two of Ivan’s projects – Terminal 4 Barajas Airport Madrid (2006) and Maggie’s West London (2009) – have won the Stirling Prize, the most prestigious architectural award in the UK. Ivan’s work spans many building types, from airports to low-cost housing, where the designs share a common belief that successful buildings pay the greatest respect to those that use them.
Raafat Ishaak – Raafat Ishak is a contemporary artist who was born in Egypt and lives and works in Melbourne. He has an undergraduate degree in fine arts from the Victorian College of the Arts, a post-graduate degree in architecture history and conservation practice from the University of Melbourne, and a PhD from Monash University. Working across painting, sculpture, installation and site-specific drawing, Ishak’s practice is informed by the history of painting and architecture. His work is held in many significant public and private collections. He is a founding member of Ocular Lab Inc and is Head of Painting at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.
Maree Clarke – Maree Clarke is a contemporary artist and Yorta Yorta / Wamba Wamba / Mutti Mutti / Boonwurrung woman who grew up in Mildura and now lives in Melbourne. She is a pivotal figure in the reclamation of southeast Australian Aboriginal art practices, reviving elements of Aboriginal culture that were lost – or laying dormant – due to colonization, and exploring the customary ceremonies, rituals and language of her ancestors. She has had many solo and group exhibitions, and her work is held in all major private and public collections in Australia as well as internationally.
Dean Lee – Dean Lee is the chief executive officer of the Shrine of Remembrance Victoria. He has more than 30 years’ international experience in commercial, not-for-profit and government roles spanning the commemorative, tourism, membership and environment sectors. Dean was awarded the Public Service Medal in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List for ‘outstanding public service in the oversight and management of the Shrine of Remembrance’.
Thank you to the host of this tour: Kylie Smith from the Metro Tunnel Project.
Special thanks to our guest speakers: Rob Naybour from WW+P Architects (Weston Wiliamson + Partners), artist Raafat Ishak, Ingrid Bakker from Hassel, Ivan Harbour from RSHP, artist Maree Clarke, and The Shrine of Remembrance CEO Dean Lee.
