The Block between Elizabeth and Swanston Streets was adorned by the German Arch, designed in the German Renaissance style by John A. B. Koch and erected by Melbourne's German community. Two Corinthian columns were "Australianised" by the addition of lyrebirds in the capitals. German colours and golden eagles decorated the structure and an oil painting by Peter Hansen, representing "The Genius of Australia", hung from the spanning beam.
 |
| German Citizens' Arch. (Image: Royal Historical Society of Victoria P489.6Rv) |
From this point the procession returned to Swanston street and proceeded down St Kilda Road to Government House.