Clifton Hill Shot Tower

Clifton Hill Shot Tower is a cylindrical brick structure in Melbourne that stands 78 meters tall with decorative bands, arched windows, and a narrow chimney. The building was purpose-built as a manufacturing facility where molten lead was dropped from the top to create shot pellets in tanks below.

The tower was constructed in 1882 as a lead shot manufacturing facility for Richard Hodgson. It represented an important industrial development in Melbourne during the height of the city's manufacturing boom.

The tower reflects how manufacturing shaped Melbourne's growth and identity during the industrial era. Visitors can observe how the building's design served a specific industrial purpose that was central to the city's economy.

The tower is located on Alexandra Parade in Clifton Hill and is visible from street level. Visitors can walk around it to appreciate the industrial architecture and take photographs from different angles.

From 1882 until 1930, this was the tallest building in Australia, a record it held for nearly 50 years. The method of creating lead shot by dropping molten metal from great height is preserved in the tower's design and represents an ingenious manufacturing process.

Location: Victoria

Inception: 1882

GPS coordinates: -37.79420,144.99100

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45