EXPLORE the literary settings, scenes, and characters of books about Coles Book Arcade, such as the award-winning Grandest Bookshop on Earth (trilogy) by Amelia Mellor. Other books about the Arcade include Utopian Man by Lisa Lang, Under the Rainbow by Richard Broinowski,  Cole of the Book Arcade by Cole Turnley and the 1879 Coles Funny Book. 
STUDENTS are each allocated a different identity from Coles Arcade books and read from book extracts in matching locations.
STUDENTS VISIT all the locations of the fabulous former Coles Book Arcade (1873-1929) one of the largest bookshops in the world and an immensely popular destination in the Marvellous Melbourne gold rush era. It stretched all the way from Collins Street to Bourke Street. We trace its attractions: Toyland, Ornaments, Fernery, Aviary, Monkey House, Cole family apartment, Lending Library, Confectionery and others. Experience the architectural transformation into modern Melbourne.
VISIT nearby Marvellous Melbourne locations that inspired the business of its amazing ‘Willy Wonka’ owner Edward Coles (1832-1918), his wife Eliza Frances Jordan and their six children.
HANDLE artefacts such as the fabulous medals that Coles distributed to the public, promoting world federation and harmony among all religions and races.

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