![historical walking tours melbourne M is for Melbourne](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-M-is-for-Melbourne_Black-Aqua.jpg)
![](http://mcmachinetools.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
15 Awesome Walking Tours in Melbourne for 2024: Discover the City on Foot
Looking for the best walking tours in Melbourne to experience the city? As a Melbourne local (who does a lot of walking!), I’ve personally curated this list, covering a variety of interests.
If you love to explore a city on foot, then Melbourne is the city for you. Compact, vibrant and full of sights and history, Melbourne lends itself perfectly to walking tours.
As a Melbourne local, I know what to look out for when it comes to choosing a walking tour. I even love taking walking tours in my own city – I learn so much!
So, to get the best of the city, I’ve curated this diverse list of tours that cater to a variety of interests – from history buffs to foodies to street art enthusiasts.
I’ve even thrown in a free Melbourne walking tour to accommodate those with budget constraints.
So, make sure you pack a pair of comfy shoes because you’ll need them on these walking tours of Melbourne.
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
What's in this article (Click to view)
My top 3 picks for Melbourne walking tours
Queen vic market ultimate foodie tour.
![historical walking tours melbourne](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/5-Days-in-Melbourne-Itinerary-07382-Queen-Vic-Market-1024x683.jpg)
✔️ Iconic location ✔️Tonnes of food samples
Melbourne Street Art Tours
![historical walking tours melbourne](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Weekend-in-Melbourne-Street-art-tour-07509-1024x683.jpg)
✔️ Guided by a street artist ✔️ Hidden street art spots
Melbourne Mystery Picnic
![historical walking tours melbourne An AmazingCo Mystery Picnic Melbourne also includes stops to see some of Melbourne's cool street art](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AmazingCo-Mystery-Picnic-Melbourne-01036-1024x683.jpg)
✔️ Self-guided ✔️ Plenty of delicious goodies
1. Queen Vic Market Ultimate Foodie Tour
![historical walking tours melbourne Gewurzhaus, one of the many shops inside iconic Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne. Through the windows there are piles of spices and herbs for sale, with people milling about in front of the store. It's one of the stores that you might visit on the Ultimate Foodie Tour, a walking tour in Melbourne.](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/5-Days-in-Melbourne-Itinerary-07382-Queen-Vic-Market-1024x683.jpg)
Why choose this tour? Iconic location, great guides and insight into one of Melbourne’s best markets, LOTS of food samples included
When I visit a city, tasting the food is usually my top highlight of the trip.
So what better way to explore Melbourne than on a walking tour that combines food and one of our most iconic buildings on the Queen Vic Market Ultimate Foodie Tour .
This bustling market has been a part of the city since 1878, and it continues to be a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
Led by experienced guides who know every nook and cranny in the market, this 2-hour walking tour takes you on a journey through the market’s labyrinth of stalls.
One of my favourite parts of this tour is all the samples you’ll get – they aren’t stingy! I tried everything from freshly grilled kangaroo to creamy cheeses to local olives to piping hot jam donuts. Trust me, don’t eat before you go – I was completely stuffed after taking this tour.
If I had to pick my favourite Mebourne walking tour, this Ultimate Foodie Tour would be it. It’s a great way to fuel up with delicious local produce while also learning about an important institution in the city.
Essential tour info:
- Length: 2 hours
- Group size: Maximum 12 people
- What’s included: Friendly guide, lots of tastings, cute Queen Vic Market tote bag
- Distance walked: You’ll need to be able to stand and walk for the 2 hours the tour takes
What people say:
Great tour! Such a great way to see the markets and get a taster for some of the different foods on offer. The truffle pasta was delicious, and smoked cheddar? YUM. The guides were amazing – you can tell they live and breathe the markets and the kind people who work there. Will definitely be recommending this tour to others – Jessica ( read more reviews )
2. Melbourne Street Art Tours
![historical walking tours melbourne A woman in a grey cardigan and sunglasses sips a drink out of a metal cup in front of colourful street art in Melbourne in Rankins Lane.](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Melbourne-tours-07398-1024x576.jpg)
Why choose this tour? Your only chance to see street art in Melbourne with an actual street artist!
Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant street art scene. You can easily stroll the streets yourself to check out the laneways and alleyways that street artists use as their canvases, but a better option is a street art walking tour.
My recommended street art tour is with Melbourne Street Art Tours .
Why is this one my favourite?
Because these Melbourne tours are led by actual street artists who understand the culture. You may even spot a few of their own artworks on the tours – as I did with my guide.
During the tour, guides provide insights into the street art culture, shed light on what’s legal and what’s not, and share the stories and sometimes political messages behind the artworks.
The ever-changing nature of street art in Melbourne guarantees that each tour is a fresh and exciting experience, with new artworks to discover every day.
Tours end at The Blender Studios in West Melbourne, an art complex that’s produced some of Australia’s most influential artists. Here, your tour guide puts on a smorgasbord of beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks to enjoy while you stroll through the art studio.
Want to get out of the city? Melbourne Street Art Tours also run tours through Fitzroy, one of Melbourne’s coolest neighbourhoods .
- Length: 3 hours
- Group size: Maximum 13 people
- What’s included: Local guide who knows all about street art, afternoon tea, beer, wine, and soft drinks
Our guide Ben was so full of knowledge. We could have simply walked the streets, and admired the artwork, but now I know how much insight we would have missed out on. If you want the full experience then book this tour. – Christopher ( read more reviews )
3. Melbourne Mystery Picnic
![historical walking tours melbourne Bottles of wine, bread, cheese and other food on a colourful picnic blanket - these are the goodies that you can pick up on an AmazingCo Mystery Picnic in Melbourne.](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AmazingCo-Mystery-Picnic-Melbourne-01052-1024x683.jpg)
Why choose this tour? Explore the city’s best food and street art on a self-guided tour that’s designed around solving clues to find your next food location
While it’s not technically a Melbourne walking tour, an AmazingCo Mystery Picnic is a great way to see the city sights in a different way.
Because, let’s face it, sometimes you don’t want to go on a walking tour with a bunch of strangers. But with these mystery picnics, you’re exploring the city with just your own friends.
So how does it work? You’ll receive a series of clues that lead you to a variety of different vendors where you’ll pick up goodies for a picnic – everything from cheeses, deli meats, bread, dessert and wine.
As you solve your clues and make your way to the stores to pick up your delicious goodies, you’ll also be directed to interesting alleyways and buildings and get the story behind them. While you’re enjoying your picnic, there’s also a quiz you can take about Melbourne.
All up, my friends and I did about 10,000 steps as we wound our way around the city – so we definitely earned our picnic!
This is the perfect walking tour in Melbourne to take with friends, family or your significant other.
You can read my full Mystery Picnic Melbourne review to learn about a few things you’ll need to take with you on the tour – such as a picnic blanket and a phone.
- Length: 3-4 hours – but it’s up to you how fast or slow you go
- Group size: Just you and your crew!
- Distance walked: We did around 10,000 steps
- What’s included: Clues, plenty of food and drinks
Amazing experience! full day of joy, fun, delicious food & beautiful places we never knew existed until we did this! Highly recommend! We are going to do this again. – Hayley ( read more reviews )
4. Complete Melbourne Walking Tour
![historical walking tours melbourne A green heritage tram passes in front of the iconic Flinders St Station in Melbourne](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cheap-things-to-do-in-Melbourne-City-Circle-tram-1024x683.jpg)
Why choose this tour? The best option if you’ve only got a short time in Melbourne and want to get a “complete” overview of the city
First time in Melbourne? Then the Complete Melbourne Walking Tour is ideal for you.
Designed to give you a comprehensive overview of Melbourne’s vibrant history and culture in 3 hours, this tour definitely delivers on that.
This Melbourne walking tour tells the story of Melbourne’s globally renowned reputation for coffee – and you’ll even get the chance to sip one of the city’s best. Melbourne’s street art scene is phenomenal, and you’ll be shown some of the best spots.
You’ll walk by major city landmarks like Federation Square and the Old Melbourne Gaol, and learn the history of the city. But you’ll also find yourself exploring parts of Melbourne that may not be in the guidebook, but are just as fascinating.
Run by one of Melbourne’s top tour providers, each tour is led by a local guide who knows Melbourne like the back of their hands. These people are walking the streets every day, and only too happy to spill their secret spots.
Tours are carried out in small groups, which means the tour can often be tailored to suit your interests, making the experience all the more personal and engaging.
What I like about this tour is that it jams a lot in to a short period – but it doesn’t feel rushed. It’s the ideal way to spend a few hours if you’re only in Melbourne for a limited time, say for a weekend trip to Melbourne or only 3 days in Melbourne .
Essential tour info:
- Group size: Maximum 12 people, but average group size is 4 people
- What’s included: Local guide, coffee, beer
- Distance walked: Around 3km
Knowledgeable and friendly guide. Highly recommend taking a tour from Laura. Great introduction to the city. We went to places we never would have found! – dglawyer ( read more reviews )
5. Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Tour
![historical walking tours melbourne Christmas decorations hang up in the Block Arcade in Melbourne, a beautiful arcade with ornate cornices and glass ceiling. This is one of the places most walking tours of Melbourne visit](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/5-Days-in-Melbourne-Itinerary-07412-Arcade-683x1024.jpg)
Why choose this tour? Find hidden laneways and arcades you’d never have discovered by yourself
One of Melbourne’s best attractions are our distinctive lanes and arcades.
Dating back to the Victorian era, these laneways were used to access buildings and – let’s face it – for criminal activity.
Now, they’re filled with shops, cafes, bars and galleries, and are a drawcard for visitors.
To get an insider’s look into this labyrinth, the Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Tour is a great walking tour. Your guide will steer you through the most interesting and important laneways and arcades, stopping for coffee or tea and sweet treats.
But the tour isn’t just for visitors. I’d also say it’s a great choice for locals looking to see a different side of Melbourne. Even if you’ve been living in the city for years, you’re bound to discover something new and fascinating on this tour.
These tours are run by Hidden Secrets Tours, one of Melbourne’s oldest tour companies. I know the owner, Fiona, and she’s a Melbourne enthusiast who’s genuinely passionate about sharing the city’s secrets with others.
Essential tour info:
- Group size: Maximum 8 people
- Distance walked: Around 2.5km
- What’s included: Professional local guide, chocolate tasting, coffee, tea or hot chocolate
Fiona was a fantastic guide who led us through arcades and lanes that we never would have seen otherwise. Wonderful history of Melbourne. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. One of the highlights of our trip. – Carol ( read more reviews )
6. Aboriginal Heritage Walk
![historical walking tours melbourne An Aboriginal man leads a dark-haired woman through the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, one of the best walking tours in Melbourne. There are lush green trees and plants all around them](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Indigenous-Melbourne-Experiences-07338-Aboriginal-Heritage-Walk-1024x683.jpg)
Why choose this tour? An excellent insight into First Nations culture while also exploring Melbourne’s beautiful botanic gardens
One of my favourite walks in Melbourne is the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
You may think you need to travel deep into the Australian Outback to learn more about Indigenous Australian culture , but you don’t have to – you can learn a whole lot right in the heart of Melbourne.
On the tour – led by an Indigenous guide – you’ll learn about traditional uses of trees and plants for food, medicine and tools.
This tour starts with a traditional welcoming ceremony, followed by a walk through the gardens. It ends with a discussion over cups of lemon myrtle tea.
I was lucky to have Uncle Den “the Fish”, a popular radio personality, lead my tour. As well as sharing his knowledge about the plants and trees we saw around the gardens, he was generous with his personal story of growing up Aboriginal in Australia.
It’s a beautiful way to explore the Botanic Gardens, and I discovered a whole lot of places that I never even knew were there.
The tour is an easy stroll around the gardens and it’s suitable for all ages and for Australians and visitors alike.
- Length: 1.5 hours
- Group size: Generally small groups
- Distance walked: A couple of kms – at a light stroll
- What’s included: Guide, light refreshments (lemon myrtle tea)
Listening & learning from Uncle Den was awesome. He connected with old, young, local & international perspectives in the group & really quickly built the respect & understanding of our need to connect to & respect country. The mix of humour, info & discussion to provoke deeper reflection & challenge within the group was pretty damn cool in such a short amount of time. I’n already recommending it to anyone & everyone!! – Steve ( read more reviews )
7. Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk
![historical walking tours melbourne An artwork of an eel is stuck into the path of Birrarung Marr in Melbourne, a sight that can be viewed on the Koorie Heritage Trust walking tour](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Melbourne-tours-07631-1024x683.jpg)
Why choose this tour? Insights into Indigenous Australian culture you won’t get elsewhere
Another fascinating tour that explores the city’s Indigenous roots is the Koorie Heritage Trust’s Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk.
The guided walking tour takes visitors from Federation Square down to Birrarung Marr alongside the Yarra River.
Birrarung Marr loosely translates to “river of mists and shadows”. Birrarung is the traditional name of the Yarra River, the river that flows through Melbourne.
Birrarung Marr is home to several Aboriginal art pieces that I’d never really noticed before, even though I’ve walked through the area countless times. Our guide Kieran did a great job of pointing them out to our group and describing their meanings.
Kieran was also incredibly open, encouraging people to ask questions about Indigenous Australian culture, even “taboo” topics. He explained that these discussions are important if people are to truly understand one another.
The tour ends back at the Koorie Heritage Trust with a demonstration of several weapons, tools and other artefacts.
- Length: 1 hour
- Distance walked: A couple of kilometres
- What’s included: Experienced Koorie guide, entrance to Koorie Heritage Trust
We had an amazing time at the Koorie Heritage Trust. We went for one of their walks and our tour guide Kieran was nothing short of amazing. Very well spoken and was great at relaying detail and information to us. He was extremely friendly and he ensured we had an all around good time! We learnt so much about Aboriginal culture and got to hold real life artefacts the aboriginals used for hunting. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to go. 10/10 David ( read more reviews )
8. Melbourne Foodie Culture Tour
![historical walking tours melbourne A green stew in a white bowl sits on a table next to a plate of Somalian bread. It's just some of the food to be tasted on a Foodie Trails tour of Melbourne](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Melbourne-tours-African-Trails-00194-1024x683.jpg)
Why choose this tour? Learn about Melbourne’s multicultural history and present, through a delicious tour through hidden gem restaurants and cafés
You may know Melbourne as the culture capital of Australia, but we’re also celebrated as the culinary capital.
The Melbourne Foodie Culture Tour is a delicious experience that combines the city’s multicultural history with its culinary heritage. Over 4 hours, this walking tour in Melbourne will take you on a fascinating journey, revealing how Victoria’s diverse population from over 200 countries, speaking 260 languages and dialects and following 135 religious faiths have shaped our unique food scene.
The adventure begins at the Immigration Museum, one of Melbourne’s most iconic museums , where you’ll learn about the history of immigration.
From there, you’ll be guided through the city’s laneways, stopping at five different vendors. At each, you won’t just enjoy a tasting, you’ll also hear stories about the history behind the foods and flavours of the shops. These places aren’t in the Top 10 lists or in guidebooks, they’re true hidden gems.
Having personally experienced a tour with Foodie Trails , the company that runs this gastronomic journey, I can vouch for the fact that you will not leave hungry. They know how to run excellent walking food tours of Melbourne .
This is a walking tour that’s less about the distance covered, and more about the flavours discovered.
- Length: 4 hours
- Group size: 14 people
- Distance walked: The walk from the various venues is about 30-40 minutes in total with breaks at each stop, the longest walk is no more than 15 minutes
- What’s included: Snacks, knowledgeable and passionate guide, entry fee to Immigration Museum
Our guide was very knowledgeable, and gave an interesting history of the culture. She explained where much of the food came from, and then we walked about to various restaurants to sample their cuisine. This is definitely a tour I’d recommend. – Daniel ( read more reviews )
9. Old Melbourne Ghost Tour
![historical walking tours melbourne Chinatown in Melbourne is eerily lit up on a dark night](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ghost-tours-in-Melbourne-Old-Melbourne-Ghost-Tour-1-1024x768.jpg)
Why choose this tour? A spooky way to learn about Melbourne’s grisly past
Believe in ghosts? Don’t believe in ghosts?
Whichever way you fall, the Old Melbourne Ghost Tour is a Melbourne walking tour that’s interesting for all.
Having taken the tour myself, I can vouch for its spine-tingling moments and the eerie stories that’ll at times have you looking back over your shoulder.
Starting at iconic pub Young & Jackson, this walking tour meanders its way around the city and into the heart of Chinatown, peeling back the layers of Melbourne’s dark history. I learned so many creepy stories – including that many people believe Jack the Ripper may have once walked the lanes of Melbourne.
Our tour guide was a fabulous storyteller and a paranormal expert, and she shared her own ghostly experiences on this very entertaining ghost tour in Melbourne .
I was particularly curious when she brought out her dowsing rods. Watching them move independently in certain spots was downright spooky.
Some fellow tourists even reported feeling a cold touch or shivers run down their spine at particular locations.
One thing our guide emphasised: approach the tour with an open mind. It’s designed to engage both sceptics and believers, and our group was a testament to that.
- Tour duration: 1.5 hours
- Group size: 20 people (but our group was much larger than that)
- Distance walked: Around 3-5kms
- What’s included: Walking tour, local guide
Thoroughly enjoyed my tour on Friday night with Timie(?). She had such a warm engaging personality, lots of patience and detailed knowledge about the fascinating stories of Melbournes darker history. Touring through the laneways with a group of likeminded travelers enjoying the ambience of the city CBD on a wintery Friday night was the perfect activity for this single traveller and I would highly recommend this tour. I hope to do it again with my adult children sometime. Thank you – Sari ( read more reviews )
10. Hidden Bars & Boozy History of Melbourne
![historical walking tours melbourne Groups of people sit at tables around closed blue umbrellas at a rooftop bar in Melbourne Australia. The tiled floor is patterned. There is a view of the city behind the people.](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cheap-things-to-do-in-Melbourne-Good-Heavens-1024x683.jpg)
Why choose this tour? Discover Melbourne’s coolest bars while also learning about the city’s history
The Hidden Bars & Boozy History of Melbourne tour isn’t your regular history tour.
No, on this walking tour you’ll hear about Melbourne’s love affair with drinking, the harsh persecution of barmaids back in the day, the city’s booziest Police Commissioner and the intriguing tales of secret men’s clubs. It’s all told in a way that brings the past to life and offers a whole new perspective about the city.
And, of course, told over a few drinks while you explore Melbourne nightlife .
During the tour, you’ll visit three different bars , each with its own unique ambiance and charm. You’ll even get a map of more Melbourne bars to explore after the tour is over.
What I particularly like about this tour is that it starts at 3.30pm, leaving you plenty of time to make dinner plans afterward.
Just remember, you need to be at least 18 years old to join in on the fun. And drinks aren’t included in the tour price.
And while the tour does involve some drinking, it’s not a wild pub crawl – it’s all about savouring the local flavours, enjoying good company and soaking up Melbourne’s vibrant history.
- Group size: 12 people
- Distance walked: A few kilometres over the 3 hours
- What’s included: Professional guide, map of Melbourne’s best bars, photos of your tour (free upon request)
Tom and the tour itself were wonderful! We went to some of the best places in Melbourne and everyone had a grand time. The cocktail selections were brilliant as was the commentary between stops. Book this today if you’re thinking of a walking tour in Melbourne and you enjoy a good cocktail with your tour. – Stacy ( read more reviews )
11. Melbourne Dumpling Walking Tour
![historical walking tours melbourne](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Food-tours-in-Melbourne-dumplings-768x1024.jpg)
Why choose this tour? One word: dumplings!!
Who can resist dumplings?
The Melbourne Dumpling Walking Tour takes one of the world’s best foods and combines it with a fascinating walking tour through Melbourne’s Chinatown, a district rich in culture, history and, of course, delicious food.
Melbourne is home to a substantial Chinese community, with roots tracing back to the 1850s when the gold rush period drew people from across the world.
The tour’s main attraction is, of course, the dumplings . You’ll sample a variety of these delicious morsels, each one prepared in a different style across four unique venues. I have to say, I was surprised at just how many dumplings we ate on this tour!! There was a plate of each dumpling to share between two people – so you definitely won’t be hungry at the end of this tour!
While you’re enjoying the dumplings, you’ll learn about the different regions they come from, as well as meet some of the restaurant’s owners and hear their stories.
The tour kicks off at 6pm, so it’s the perfect evening activity. Consider your dinner plans sorted. (Although I’ve got a lot more ideas for where to eat in Melbourne if you need them!)
Of course, the tour unfortunately isn’t suitable for those who follow a gluten-free diet.
- Group size: 10 people
- Distance walked: Around 1.5km
- What’s included: Expert commentary and history, variety of handmade dumplings, tea and water
Uh, yes, a DUMPLING tour? What more info do you need? I’ve done a lot of food tours and this one was among the most unique. Very well-run, would do it again and would absolutely recommend. – Paige ( read more reviews )
12. Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Chocolate and Dessert Walking Tour
![historical walking tours melbourne A person dips a gold spoon into a decadent chocolate dessert that is topped with berries, toasted marshmallows and a macaron. One of the best foodie tours in Melbourne is the Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Chocolate and Dessert Walking Tour](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Family-accommodation-in-Melbourne-Movenpick-chocolate-1024x768.jpg)
Why choose this tour? Discover the city’s beautiful chocolate makers and leave with free gifts and discounts
The Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Chocolate and Dessert Walking Tour is an absolute dream come true for every chocolate aficionado. I have a huge sweet tooth, so this tour seems like it was designed specifically for me!
Before you embark on your sweet journey, you’ll learn the art of tasting chocolate – yes, there’s a right way to do it. (Apparently I’ve been doing it all wrong!)
This Melbourne walking tour isn’t just about indulging in chocolates and desserts though. It’s also a great opportunity for both tourists and locals to explore the city’s laneways and arcades. Even as a local you’ll discover a tonne of stores and history.
And for those looking to take back a sweet memento, the tour comes with added perks – discounts at the shops you visit. Grab some treats for your friends and family at home, or simply stash them away for your secret late-night indulgences.
- Distance walked: Around 2km
- What’s included: Professional, local guide, minimum 7 chocolate tastings (including hot chocolate, cheese and chocolate matching and dessert), Chocoholic “survival kit”
Tonya was the most wonderful guide. Not only was she very knowledgeable, but also witty, compassionate, considerate and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed the decant chocolates and other delicious delicacies but also the strolls through the arcades, the laneways, the stories and the twisting and turning of the hustle bustle of Melbourne on a Saturday….obviously a new by to Melbourne – JoAnne ( read more reviews )
13. History and Donuts Walking Tour
![historical walking tours melbourne An overhead view of a white cardboard box filled with hot jam doughnuts, eaten on a walking tour in Melbourne, Australia.](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Walking-tours-in-Melbourne-1105-1024x768.jpg)
Why choose this tour? Wander the city, learn about history and culture and chow down on doughnuts
Certainly one of the most creative walking tours in Melbourne, the History and Donuts Walking Tour is perfect for history buffs and foodies alike.
This unique tour gives you the chance to delve deep into the city’s history, all while keeping your taste buds satisfied with decadent donuts and coffee.
As you traverse through Melbourne’s laneways, your guide will share intriguing stories from the city’s darker past. You’ll get acquainted with the former city slums, known for their raw and gritty past, and the old red light district, a place filled with tales of intrigue and scandal.
As you take in the city’s past, you’ll also get to indulge in its present – delicious, sugary donuts that are as diverse as Melbourne itself. Paired with a cup of coffee, it’s the perfect way to refuel and keep your energy up for the tour.
- Length: 2.5 hours
- Group size: Small group
- What’s included: Local guide, coffee/tea, two donuts
Friendly and knowledgeable guide. Well paced and interesting history recommended for those who can walk around for a couple of hours. The donut stops are well considered and sooo tasty. – Paula ( read more reviews )
14. I’m Free Melbourne Sights Tour
![historical walking tours melbourne A view of Adnate's famous street art image of an Indigenous boy that can be seen in Hosier Lane, one of the most popular street art locations in Melbourne, Australia. Most walking tours in Melbourne will include street art in the itinerary](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Weekend-in-Melbourne-Street-art-tour-07509-1024x683.jpg)
Why choose this tour? Great for those on a budget who want to see the best of the city
The city may have a reputation for being expensive, but there are actually plenty of free things to do in Melbourne , including free Melbourne walking tours.
The I’m Free Melbourne Sights Tour is an ideal choice if you’re touring on a budget or simply looking to explore Melbourne’s vibrant cityscape without breaking the bank. (Read more of my tips for saving money in Melbourne .)
The tour is loaded with fascinating tales about the city’s history, and it’s a great way to get acquainted with Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, all under the guidance of a friendly local expert.
The I’m Free tour is a comprehensive journey through Melbourne’s history and culture. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the haunting tales of the Old Melbourne Gaol, the tour provides an engaging and insightful glimpse into Melbourne’s past and present.
You’ll also be shown the best of the city’s stunning street art, a testament to Melbourne’s thriving creative scene.
Remember, while the tour itself is free, it’s customary to leave a tip for your guide. After all, they’re often local enthusiasts who share their love for Melbourne out of passion, not just for the pay.
- Length: 2.5-3 hours
- Group size: Can be large groups
- Distance walked: 3.5-4km
- What’s included: Passionate local guide
Fantastic- even the rain couldn’t put a damper on our outing. Lenny is truly an ambassador supreme for the city, who deserves to be given the key to the city. His dialogue was informative and his responses to questions, genuine. I’m really grateful that we got explore this city with the humour and guidance of Lenny. – Queckers ( read more reviews )
15. Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops
![historical walking tours melbourne A man guides a group of people on a Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops. The group stands in front of Little Lon Distilling Co, which was once an area that a lot of criminals visited](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Walking-tours-in-Melbourne.jpeg)
Why choose this tour? An interesting dive into the city’s criminal past, led by a true crime expert
True crime fans will love the Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops , a tour that explores Melbourne’s shadowy past.
One of the most interesting tours in Melbourne, it takes you down Lonsdale Street, a place teeming with tales of brothels, speakeasies and notorious characters from the 1870s to the 1930s.
The tour is led by Michael Shelford , a writer, freelance journalist and private historian. He’s dedicated over 14 years to researching Melbourne’s crime history, so he’s the perfect escort into Melbourne’s darker history.
You’ll be captivated by the stories of Australian gangster Squizzy Taylor and the slum of “Little Lon”, and you’ll be amazed to learn how these gangs cunningly used lolly shops (or candy stores as Americans will know them) as fronts for their illicit drug operations.
What I really liked about this tour is that Michael projects images of people and places onto walls as you’re walking around, which I think makes the history come to life.
- Group size: Maximum of 20 people
- Distance walked: A couple of kms
- What’s included: Professional guide, tour booklet featuring photos of the characters discussed along the way
Enjoyed the tour, Micheal was very knowledgeable and explained the ‘going ons’ of yesteryear with a passion. Which made for an interesting time for me. The 2 hours went very quickly. Nice one and thank you. – Paul ( read more reviews )
Final thoughts: Walking tours in Melbourne
In my opinion, walking tours are one of the best ways to experience Melbourne. A walking tour allows you to slow down, soak up the city’s atmosphere and discover hidden spots you might miss on a regular Melbourne sightseeing trip.
Each tour I’ve listed here offers a unique perspective, letting you dive deep into the history, culture and spirit of Melbourne.
Whether you’re chasing the city’s haunting past on a ghost tour, savouring the gastronomic delights on a food tour or simply admiring the city’s iconic landmarks, there’s a walking tour for every taste and interest.
Melbourne walking tours: FAQ
What should i wear on a melbourne walking tour.
Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable, so I recommend dressing in layers. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen for sunny days, and a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Do I need to book my walking tour in advance?
Yes, I recommended booking your walking tour in advance, including the free walking tour. Some tours are incredibly popular and can book out quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
Are the walking tours suitable for children?
While most walking tours are family-friendly, some (like the ghost tour) might be a bit intense for younger children. It’s best to check the tour description or directly contact the tour company to make sure. Don’t worry, there are plenty of great things to do with kids in Melbourne !
Are the tours accessible for people with mobility issues?
Many tours are, but it does depend on the specific tour. Melbourne is a fairly accessible city, but some tours may include areas with uneven pavement or stairs. Contact the tour provider for specific advice.
What if it rains on the day of my walking tour?
Most tours go ahead rain or shine, so don’t forget to bring that waterproof jacket! If extreme weather conditions cause cancellation, the tour company will typically offer a reschedule or a refund.
Found this article useful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!
Have you ever taken a walking tour in Melbourne? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
Related posts
Before you go… Looking for more things to do in Melbourne? Here are my city guides:
- The 30 best things to do in Melbourne
- How to spend three days in Melbourne
- The best Melbourne tours for all interests
- 9 best food tours in Melbourne
- Where to eat in Melbourne: 75+ best restaurants
- What to do in Melbourne on a rainy day
- The most fun things to do in Melbourne with kids
- The best things to do in Melbourne at night
Best Melbourne resources
- Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
- Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner .
- Book accommodation on Booking.com or Expedia for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways Hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
- You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through DiscoverCars .
- Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.
PIN IT FOR LATER
Save this guide to the best walking tours in Melbourne to Pinterest for later.
![historical walking tours melbourne Walking tours in Melbourne are the best way to discover the city! A local curates 15 of the best, covering everything from food to history.](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Walking-tours-in-Melbourne-V1-683x1024.jpg)
About THE AUTHOR
I’m Rebecca, a Melbourne local excited to show you the best of Melbourne. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. After living abroad for 8 years, I’m back home in Melbourne, rediscovering this city that I love and have missed. My aim is to help you find the best things to do in Melbourne.
Leave a Comment Cancel reply
![historical walking tours melbourne M is for Melbourne](https://misformelbourne.com/wp-content/plugins/gdpr-cookie-compliance/dist/images/gdpr-logo.png)
- Privacy Overview
- Strictly Necessary Cookies
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
![historical walking tours melbourne logo](https://australian.com/wp-content/themes/ab-australian-com/images/logo-white.png)
Melbourne’s Oldest Buildings: Historic Walking Tour
Melbourne, Victoria
Take a walk with a local guide to see the very oldest buildings in Melbourne city – 9 buildings constructed before the population explosion of the Gold Rush of the 1850s.
From churches and pubs to homes and businesses, we’ll tell you about their stories, not just their architecture and give you plenty of time to take photos.
The tour commences outside St James’ Old Cathedral at 10 Batman St and concludes at the Mitre Tavern where you can rest your feet and buy a drink in the very oldest building in the city.
This tour covers around 4 kilometres with plenty of stops for talking and photos. We recommend you wear weather appropriate clothing with comfortable walking shoes and carry a bottle of water.
![historical walking tours melbourne Melbourne's Oldest Buildings: Historic Walking Tour](https://cdn.australian.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/48-3.jpg)
DESCRIPTION
Itinerary This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: St James’ Old Cathedral, 2 Batman St, Melbourne, Victoria 3003 Australia
The first stop on your tour will be St James Old Cathedral, the oldest standing church in Melbourne, built in 1839.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
Your local guide will walk you through the streets and lanes of Melbourne to discover other buildings that pre-date the Gold Rush
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Stop At: The Mitre Tavern, 5 Bank Pl, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia
Your last stop on your tour will be The Mitre Tavern which is officially recognized as the oldest building in Melbourne, built in around 1837.
![historical walking tours melbourne australia](https://australian.com/wp-content/themes/ab-australian-com/images/aus_logo.png)
NEED HELP BOOKING?
Complete the form below and one of our Australian Travel specialists will be in touch within 1 business day
BE INSPIRED AND LEARN MORE ABOUT:
![historical walking tours melbourne Melbourne Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Day Tour](https://cdn.australian.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7e.jpg)
Melbourne Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Day Tour
![historical walking tours melbourne Private Shore Excursion with Aussie Wildlife in Melbourne](https://cdn.australian.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2c.jpg)
Private Shore Excursion with Aussie Wildlife in Melbourne
![historical walking tours melbourne Great Ocean Road Premium Sunset Tour with Wildlife Park Entry](https://cdn.australian.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/b8.jpg)
Great Ocean Road Premium Sunset Tour with Wildlife Park Entry
People who loved this property also viewed:.
![historical walking tours melbourne Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street](https://images.trvl-media.com/hotels/42000000/41980000/41979300/41979241/4f4cb0c4_z.jpg)
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street
![historical walking tours melbourne JC Water View Apartment on La Trobe](https://images.trvl-media.com/hotels/42000000/41970000/41965500/41965479/7f840892_z.jpg)
JC Water View Apartment on La Trobe
![historical walking tours melbourne Boat Harbour Jetty B&B](https://images.trvl-media.com/hotels/42000000/41990000/41988700/41988694/d631202f_z.jpg)
Boat Harbour Jetty B&B
Why book with australian.com, travel experts.
We’re not just experts, we’re travellers and we’re here to help you.
Real Locals
We are an Australian team which means you’re dealing with a local.
Hand-picked
Each Holiday Package is hand-picked and tested by our expert team.
Get the lowest prices on the best accommodation, tours & activities
Full Support
Before, during and after your Holiday, we’re with you all the way.
Plan & Book
Choose one of our packages, and our team will build and book you a detailed itinerary.
Freedom & Flexibility
Our Packages are totally flexible. Change what you want whenever you want.
No Booking Fees
There’s no booking fees when you choose an Australian.com Holiday Package.
Sit back & relax
You'll get an interactive itinerary with everything you need for your holiday.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Short note to thank you for a terrific itinerary and choice of accommodations. We got back from Australia having had the best 'real' holiday in years. Loved it! The order of the trip was perfect and all the hotel bookings worked seamlessly.
We had a wonderful time! We so appreciate your arranging everything for us. It all went very smoothly. We just had to show up where and when you told us to. It took away any stress to this leg of our journey.
At long last & very overdue, we wish to thank you very much for all the bookings you made on our behalf for our adventure. We were pleased with all the accommodation bookings you made, we particularly noted we got what we asked for, walk in showers, twin beds & all clean & tidy. Thanks Madi, well done!!
Just wanted to say a big thank you!!! We have now returned from our holiday & it was fantastic. We would really like to thank you for how well everything was organised. Accommodation & tours were fabulous. We really loved how well organised our trip was and this is a credit to you!!! Thanks again, will be recommending you to friends and family.
OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS AND ASSOCIATIONS
![historical walking tours melbourne Brands](https://cdn.australian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Aus_Trust_400x300_MONO_Wotif.png)
Get in touch
Follow us on instagram.
![historical walking tours melbourne historical walking tours melbourne](https://australian.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
Walking Tours of Melbourne
Personalised tours | melbourne walks, the lost city of melbourne tour.
GOLD-RICH Melbourne in the 1850s was the fastest-growing city in the world. It would soon become a world-famous metropolis of stunning commercial towers, palatial theatres, luxurious cafes, hotels and new technologies such as cable cars and hydraulic lifts. A century later however the wheel began to turn. Hundreds of heritage buildings were demolished with more than a little help from Whelan the Wrecker. EXPERIENCE the splendour of the Lost City of Melbourne and its stunning architecture. FIND lost and hidden infrastructure, archaeology and the site of the Great Fire of Melbourne 1897. VISIT today’s surviving architectural masterpieces of Marvellous Melbourne. OUR JOURNEY takes us from back lanes to the city centre. We explore images, places and stories from Indigenous to gold rush, federation, Jazz Age, war and Olympic Games to Australia’s cultural capital today. SEE: BOOKINGS SEE: Our other 50 TOURS
‘The feedback has been amazing! (Our guide’s) knowledge of both the lost and found of Melbourne was truly magnificent. He had knowledge only someone with a true love for its history would know. We genuinely have a new appreciation for the city we live in’. Staff outing, Growthpoint Properties, 101 Collins.
‘A fantastic city walk guided by the engaging and knowledgeable guide today, discovering Lost Melbourne. Even as locals, we rediscovered so much….thanks for a fascinating adventure, 5 stars!’
The Lost Princes Gate Towers… The Lost Sky Signs… The Lost Markets… The Lost River… The Lost Wetlands… The Lost Fink tower… The Lost Australia tower… The Lost Equitable Tower… The Lost Bookstore… The Lost Waterfall… The Lost Victoria Building… The Lost Theatres… The Lost Prells buildings… The Lost CWT Emporium… The Lost Hydraulic Power Station… The Lost Veranda War… And more….
![historical walking tours melbourne](https://melbournewalks.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Gas__Fuel-1967-1997-300x208.jpg)
See more images here: Pictures
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.
HISTORY NORTH TOUR
This fascinating guided walking tour through the Northern part of the city of Melbourne examines a range of significant places bounded by William, LaTrobe, Lonsdale and Russell Streets, and the laneways in between including the impressive Supreme Court and one of Melbourne’s gems, the State Library
HISTORY WEST TOUR
The History West tour concentrates on Melbourne’s growth from the western side of Hoddle’s 1837 Grid and the central city area. You will learn about the unique creation and development of Melbourne over the last 180 years and see examples of the wonderful architecture that grew from the ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ of the 1880s in particular the superb commercial buildings.
HISTORY EAST TOUR
The History East tour takes in what was the newer and less expensive side of the grid Robert Hoddle laid out in 1837. Following the ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ boom of the 1880s, this area would become very sought after later in the 19th Century. See some stunning architecture from the Art Deco buildings of Collins Street to the magnificent Parliamentary precinct.
- Skip to content
What are you looking for?
- search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" for="primary-category-anything" class="search-2024-what-panel__primary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" data-search-2024-what-panel-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-gtm-target="categoryCheckbox" checked=checked> Anything
- search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" for="primary-category-things_to_do" class="search-2024-what-panel__primary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" data-search-2024-what-panel-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-gtm-target="categoryCheckbox" > Things to do
- search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" for="primary-category-eat_and_drink" class="search-2024-what-panel__primary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" data-search-2024-what-panel-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-gtm-target="categoryCheckbox" > Eat and drink
- search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" for="primary-category-shopping" class="search-2024-what-panel__primary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" data-search-2024-what-panel-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-gtm-target="categoryCheckbox" > Shopping
- search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" for="primary-category-hotels" class="search-2024-what-panel__primary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" data-search-2024-what-panel-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-gtm-target="categoryCheckbox" > Hotels
- search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" for="primary-category-guides" class="search-2024-what-panel__primary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#handlePrimaryCategoryChange" data-search-2024-what-panel-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-target="primaryCategoryInput" data-search-2024-gtm-target="categoryCheckbox" > Guides
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Free
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Family and kids
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Events
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Restaurant
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Theatre
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Entertainment
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Attractions
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Festival
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Music
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Art
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Exhibition
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Market
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Comedy
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Tour
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Community and recreation
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Talks and workshops
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Cafe
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Bar and pub
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Takeaway
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Accessories
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Clothing
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Gifts
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Home and tech
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Food and drink
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Personal care
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Recreation
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Things to do
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Eat and drink
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Shopping
- search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange keydown.enter->search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange" class="search-2024-what-panel__secondary-category-label"> search-2024-what-panel#onSecondaryCategoryChange"> Places to stay
When are you visiting?
- search-2024-when-panel#onDateOptionChanged" data-search-2024-when-panel-target="dateOptionControl" data-search-2024-gtm-target="dateKeyword" data-search-2024-target="dateKeywordInput" checked=checked> Anytime
- search-2024-when-panel#onDateOptionChanged" data-search-2024-when-panel-target="dateOptionControl" data-search-2024-gtm-target="dateKeyword" data-search-2024-target="dateKeywordInput" > Today
- search-2024-when-panel#onDateOptionChanged" data-search-2024-when-panel-target="dateOptionControl" data-search-2024-gtm-target="dateKeyword" data-search-2024-target="dateKeywordInput" > Tomorrow
- search-2024-when-panel#onDateOptionChanged" data-search-2024-when-panel-target="dateOptionControl" data-search-2024-gtm-target="dateKeyword" data-search-2024-target="dateKeywordInput" > This weekend
- search-2024-when-panel#onDateOptionChanged" data-search-2024-when-panel-target="dateOptionControl" data-search-2024-gtm-target="dateKeyword" data-search-2024-target="dateKeywordInput" > Specific dates
Where do you want to look?
- East Melbourne
- Melbourne CBD
- North Melbourne
- South Yarra
- St Kilda Rd and Domain
- West Melbourne
![historical walking tours melbourne Three people standing on a street corner as a tram passes by](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWswWmpRek9URmtNUzAwTVdNekxUUmpNREV0WVdWaVpDMW1ZbVl3WlRrMk9XTTJNelVHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--83b3a35cf3b30f82683a9580fd85f8e3b7552093/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFMb0Eya0NXQUk9IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--5c7b32c6a74ee88f2f4469ce3a4ae709d1994efe/c99fe24a-8952-41e7-94b8-8fb399f95450.jpg)
The ultimate guide to walking tours in Melbourne
Ready to rediscover Melbourne? Let the experts lead you on a meandering journey through the city. Or scroll down to gain your sea legs on a boat cruise.
![historical walking tours melbourne A couple standing in a colourful street art laneway taking photos](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWt5WW1KbE1qUTROQzB3TWpFekxUUmtObVV0T0RNelpDMW1PVEEwWW1RMFpqQXhORFlHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--ebefd0731f45cf6bfa70192e3984a1de263b166b/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRSndBMmtDVGdJPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--f3876e1fcc2db92cdffea604834734701decf454/5c9dfa18-a72a-475b-96f7-bfa7c0dd257d.jpg)
Melbourne Street Tours
Everyone knows Melbourne is famous for colourful and ever-changing street art, but did you know that famed street artist Banksy called our art ‘more diverse and original than any other city in the world’? The best way to find it is with a local Melbourne artist. On this tour you’ll go beyond Hosier Lane and into secret laneways where the paint is still drying. Then, head to Blender Studios to see resident artists in action. Walk up an unsigned cul-de-sac to find every wall covered in stencils, art and paste-ups. Inside, you’ll see no space in the studio has been left untouched.
![historical walking tours melbourne Four people being led by a tour guide into a small brick bar](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxpTURBek0yVXlOUzFqWVdOaExUUm1OV0V0WVdZNFppMHdaR05qTldZNVpUSm1OamtHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--cfbc6a1b916e25e63a7377f7b9fc68842ec0bf07/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRSndBMmtDVGdJPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--f3876e1fcc2db92cdffea604834734701decf454/166d8d0e-7a54-44a8-86f4-fad422a553a3.jpg)
Hidden Bars tour
Many visitors never discover some of Melbourne’s best bars. That’s because they’re hidden down laneways and behind camouflaged doors. Find your way on the Hidden Bars tour. You’ll learn the city’s history while indulging in a progressive dinner at four secret drinking dens. Try local craft beer out of a shipping container. Peruse an epic cocktail menu down a tiny alley. Or munch on canapes while you take in the city skyline views. There’s no shortage of places to discover.
![historical walking tours melbourne A couple shopping at a small bakery in a laneway](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxqTWpkaVlqY3dOUzAwWXpCbUxUUmlOek10WVRVNU1DMWxPREV3TkRReFlXUTNOallHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--db72cc1038d3a81b33e059f744a7ffb4b87fc2e0/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRSndBMmtDVGdJPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--f3876e1fcc2db92cdffea604834734701decf454/1b313002-c909-4306-83b9-f69f7f88bf27.jpg)
Hidden Secrets Tours
Melbourne is full of hidden gems just waiting to be found. If you’re unsure where to start, a Hidden Secrets tour might be just what you’re after. Uncover the quirkier side of the city while you weave through stunning laneways and arcades. Discover independent designers, local makers and specialty stores. And hear all about Melbourne’s iconic coffee culture.
![historical walking tours melbourne Picnic spread of dishes, boxed food and drinks on a blue gingham tablecloth.](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWswWkRVeE5qTmhPQzAxTkdJMkxUUmhZV0l0WW1FeU5pMDROREUxTVRVMk1EQm1aRElHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--ba811d9166dde5d74090f77edbf794dfe2f088da/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRSndBMmtDVGdJPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--f3876e1fcc2db92cdffea604834734701decf454/3e5fa3a4-9d1a-4165-b235-1fedce0ca964.jpg)
Mystery Picnic: Melbourne Laneways
Can't decide which cafe to eat at this weekend? Leave it in the hands of the experts. AmazingCo's mystery tours are like an escape room crossed with a walking tour. Gather supplies along the way for a Mystery Laneway Picnic or embark on a Mystery Basement Bar Hop . Solve the puzzles to learn more about Melbourne and discover some of city's coolest venues. Once you've cracked the code, revel in your reward – cheese or cocktails!
Ticketed tours and guided experiences
![historical walking tours melbourne Hangman's Night Tour](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxrTXpCa1kyTTNaaTFqTURKa0xUUXdORFV0T0RSak1pMDRNVEV4WlRZeE5URmlPVGdHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--c2e37ec890a3f82a15163c7e8321be7a10372e9b/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/f49202af-b631-44d4-9aef-ee9cfda2e125.jpg)
Hangman's Night Tour
Let the hangman guide you through the gaol, with no stone left unturned.
- Entertainment
![historical walking tours melbourne Old Melbourne Ghost Tour](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWt3WXpCbVl6Y3dNeTFpWm1GakxUUTJaakV0WW1Sak5pMWpOVFV4T1dOa056QmlNR1VHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--4dcddd213abf88ad23e3f44dfe458eca5abccf92/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/ghost-tour.jpg)
Old Melbourne Ghost Tour
Take a spine-chilling journey back in time and explore the rich paranormal realm of Old Melbourne.
- Walking tour
![historical walking tours melbourne Shrine Tours](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWsxWWpFNU4yWmhOaTAxTnpneExUUXlNMk10T0RobVppMHpNbUl5T0RjMVlXTmxOVGNHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--3947e287fb29684643dbf7a9887f94a7403d9048/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/debcae3b-bfab-4de7-8ad1-216a140431e5.jpg)
Shrine Tours
Experience more at the Shrine with a guided tour.
![historical walking tours melbourne Secrets of Melbourne Walking Tour](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWt6T0RkalptVmtNQzA1T1RRM0xUUmtaREF0WWpGbFpDMDRNV1kxT0RRek5URmpaaklHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--61865b2782b0b53a1ad54e8a1ee7718c9cb74fc7/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/DSC03580%20(1).jpg)
Secrets of Melbourne Walking Tour
Reemerge from a long lockdown and rediscover Melbourne through this entertaining 3-hour tour.
![historical walking tours melbourne Fox Classic Car Collection](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxtTkRobVpUVTRNaTB4WlROakxUUmxPRFV0WVRRMFpDMDFNVEV3T0RsaU1HTXhNRGtHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--f66d85ef8af9e0415a0299034f5bd06d785d635e/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/01204409-26b1-49f8-9d08-59f8f4042f6a.jpg)
Fox Classic Car Collection
See some of the most iconic cars in the world.
Best Melbourne foodie tours
![historical walking tours melbourne Chocoholic Tours](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxrWldSbU0ySmpaQzAwT1dRNExUUmxNV0l0WW1ObE5DMW1ZMlJtWkdZNVpERmlZMkVHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--55fafd255da4611bba0465dedf3eca2d0de4fa84/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/83fd8576-fa44-4ba5-98bd-42565899eb04.jpg)
Chocoholic Tours
This chocolate walking tour visits some of the city's best chocolatiers with exclusive experiences.
![historical walking tours melbourne History and Donuts Walking Tour](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWs0Wm1aaU5qQmhNaTAwTmpjNUxUUmxOamt0T0RWaU5TMDBNMlZsTWpReU1HUXdPRFFHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--70c4dcf7f5af53a52d250910561adf8ae65ca740/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/30077006-d52d-47cc-b74c-a9a234dda410.jpg)
History and Donuts Walking Tour
Discover the sweeter side of Melbourne on this walking tour.
Boat tours and waterside experiences
![historical walking tours melbourne On a Boat](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxpTVRCbE9EUXlNeTB5TmpJMExUUmlNalV0WWpJMU1DMWxZMkkwTlRBM05UZ3pPV0VHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--0abbdc7d13b293db9093b2e5f4b6b6a69fefaa2e/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/skipperyourself_onaboat_girls.jpg)
Experience the Yarra River by boat - skipper yourself or choose a skippered cruise.
![historical walking tours melbourne GoBoat Melbourne](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWswT0dNd1pHRTROeTAzWVRsaUxUUmhPRFF0T0daaFppMWhObUZtWVRnNFlUQTJNVGdHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--512ccf71c57baf46b935be2ea751c930d707fe36/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/9762caed-bd60-40ee-8200-3b8b7ac61893.jpg)
GoBoat Melbourne
Be your own captain by renting a picnic boat, with no boat licence required.
![historical walking tours melbourne Melbourne River Cruises](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxoWmpaaFpqUTJNUzFpTTJGbExUUTVOV1V0WWpJd09TMDJOR0kxTm1KaE5qWXhOallHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--023cf43c9c6cbf80f7b960e213f5f17680013c82/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/56448b7c-086c-4abe-90fa-2ac5a14ce014.jpg)
Melbourne River Cruises
Sit back and relax as your captain details the history of Melbourne on a river cruise.
![historical walking tours melbourne Kayak Melbourne](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxtTnpVeVpHSXpPUzAyWlRaakxUUTFaV0V0T1RoaE1pMHpNR016TlRZMFptRTFaV1VHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--3dd6c96747061f29b34c91375003c03190337572/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/7b2206b5-aec8-418f-a35a-ac96c58d72b4.jpg)
Kayak Melbourne
Guided paddling tours through Melbourne along the Yarra River and Victoria Harbour.
![historical walking tours melbourne Punting on the Lake](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWszTVRSaU1EZ3hOUzAxTTJFNExUUXlNVFl0WW1NellpMDFZVE5sTm1ObE56UmhOalFHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--410d24404ffb9a4cd765fa8cc3db315f5d59d65d/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/c4251633-b996-4267-8c5b-d21a9d521dce.jpg)
Punting on the Lake
Glide between the bays and islands of Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.
![historical walking tours melbourne Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWszWW1abVlqQmpZeTFqTjJOaExUUXhNbUl0WWpKbE9DMWpPR05oWkdKaFkyWTBaVFFHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--254549e44639275b61b79b2b142316c6ef4ef48e/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/ladycut.jpg)
Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat
Cruise Melbourne on the Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat, offering a range of cruising events.
![historical walking tours melbourne Classic Steamboat Cruises](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWs0WW1Rd1pqVmlNQzB4WkRFeUxUUTVPVEl0T1RFMllTMHlNek5oTURJME9EWTVORGNHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--394b08a64f5e7f016bea68aeba251f1705e2cd31/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/977161e3-c6b9-40b4-9c69-404b610e1f6b.jpg)
Classic Steamboat Cruises
Public and private cruises and transport to events along the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers.
![historical walking tours melbourne Melbourne Water Taxis](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWsxTVRNeVpEZzNOQzB5WVdRNExUUTFZalF0WWpnd09TMDVPREl4T1RNellXSTNORFFHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--1a82c588330a9a7d027c6cafe3161d610248e346/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/water-20taxi-201.jpg)
Melbourne Water Taxis
Limousine-style service with pick-up and drop-off points along the Yarra River.
Last updated on Wed 17 Apr 2024
Only In The City
![historical walking tours melbourne Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxrTnprNU5UQTNZUzA1TVRJMkxUUTBZbU10WVdNMll5MHlOelprTkRrNFl6QTVNR1VHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--655a15e6235302c1148c94bd0a4bc76716b03736/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRSkFBbWtDZ3dFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--964f06f1d5c8ed663fd2cdf419c5a166ad835c39/e0aded5c-4ca7-4ddc-89c1-b06a24234e5b.jpg)
Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade
The Royal Exhibition Building opens its doors to a unique view unseen for 100 years.
- Heritage listed
![historical walking tours melbourne The ultimate theatre guide to Melbourne](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWs1TmpRelpHSXdPQzFrWmpFd0xUUTFNR010WW1KaU5TMWhNR1V4WXpVeFlUSmlaVEFHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--37af0cb0f0444676bc6367ab149a61a6c2a65af5/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRSkFBbWtDZ3dFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--964f06f1d5c8ed663fd2cdf419c5a166ad835c39/18c2202d-48a8-44b5-a695-cb75c6da4407.jpg)
The ultimate theatre guide to Melbourne
What's on in Melbourne's theatres, clubs, cabaret bars and comedy spots.
![historical walking tours melbourne Fun things to do for teens in Melbourne](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWt6WWpsbU56STRPUzA1WXprMkxUUXpaREV0WVdJeU1TMW1OR0l3WkRSaU5HUTNNMllHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--12b560a97fe0740730a315af7af97b133b60945f/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRSkFBbWtDZ3dFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--964f06f1d5c8ed663fd2cdf419c5a166ad835c39/796a1c3c-7afc-4271-8528-28f71b59b3e2.jpg)
Fun things to do for teens in Melbourne
Free exhibitions, festivals, arts and crafts and ice skating.
- Attractions
Sign up to What's On weekly
Welcome! Thanks for signing up!
Discover more
![historical walking tours melbourne Melbourne Greeter Service](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxtTlRReU9HUXdNUzAxTkRZd0xUUmtOMkl0WVRFMllTMWtNamsyTWpFMlpUUXdZbUlHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--af929d61cf2754a29dd5908a9f8580d83c157ef5/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/f787e6a4-1b81-428a-970f-80d31524640d.jpg)
![](http://mcmachinetools.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
Melbourne Greeter Service
Discover what locals love about Melbourne with a free walking tour of the city.
![historical walking tours melbourne Yarra River discovery walk](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxoTmpneE5UVTVNQzAyTWpNMExUUTFObVl0WVdFNU5TMDBaVFV5Wmpoa01URTRNR1VHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--cfda64ae2e8f491d24df74a7b40f8128ed07edfa/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/e62474a1-8c7e-4889-8063-28c1f56bf0da.jpg)
Yarra River discovery walk
Take a walk along Melbourne's vibrant waterfront to discover history, art and culture.
![historical walking tours melbourne Melbourne music walk](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWszTmpFMFpEWTFOUzFoTUdNekxUUTFObUl0T1RNNFpTMW1PVGs0TnpjeU9HTXpPRGdHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--5da1a94849085fd2819d76edbde786a6834c1526/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/acdc-lane.jpg)
Melbourne music walk
Discover Melbourne’s music highlights, from music venues to busking hot spots and historic sites.
![historical walking tours melbourne Early Access Food Tour](https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaEpJaWxsWldVNE5XSXdaUzAwTXpKbExUUTNNR010WVdSaFlTMDVPRGt4T1RJMU16WXlaR1lHT2daRlZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--6986a449e6963df846aa7469ffc382ace366cfcf/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2REdkeVlYWnBkSGxKSWd0RFpXNTBaWElHT3daVU9oTnlaWE5wZW1WZmRHOWZabWxzYkZzSGFRS1ZBV2tDbFFFPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--0b53ec1c622938cc93fb0f81ad11629b26ffcd8f/766c832e-2f99-4b25-96c4-8a9f0692d076.jpg)
Early Access Food Tour
Dive into the flavours of Australia at Melbourne's top food destination, without crowds and lines.
🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Get us in your inbox
Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
Awesome, you're subscribed!
The best of Melbourne for free.
Sign up for our email to enjoy Melbourne without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).
Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?
Love the mag?
Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.
- Things to Do
- Food & Drink
- Arts & Culture Awards
- Coca-Cola Foodmarks
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Bars & Pubs
- Theatre & Dance
- Music & Nightlife
- Area Guides
- Competitions
- Los Angeles
![Royal Botanic Gardens' Aboriginal Heritage Walk Royal Botanic Gardens' Aboriginal Heritage Walk](https://media.timeout.com/images/103853431/750/562/image.jpg)
Indigenous walks and tours in Melbourne
Connect to country through these Indigenous-led tours
![historical walking tours melbourne Rebecca Russo](https://media.timeout.com/images/105798439/170/170/image.jpg)
Connect to the country through these four Indigenous-led tours that run in Melbourne and surrounding regions of the Kulin Nation. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Melbourne's past and better understand Wurundjeri culture – a culture that dates back hundreds of thousands of years.
Learn more via an introduction to Boon Wurrung language from Aunty Fay Stewart-Muir. Plus, here are six Indigenous-owned businesses you can support.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
Indigenous walking tours
Royal botanic gardens’ aboriginal heritage walk.
![Royal Botanic Gardens’ Aboriginal Heritage Walk Royal Botanic Gardens’ Aboriginal Heritage Walk](https://media.timeout.com/images/103853421/750/422/image.jpg)
Take a journey across the ancestral lands of the Kulin Nation in this guided walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens . Visitors are given insight into how the First Nations people lived within different environments of the gardens, from forest to rainforest and nearby wetlands. The tour begins with a traditional Tanderrum smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country, and allows visitors to discover traditional uses of plants for food, tools and medicine. It finishes with a refreshing cup of lemon myrtle tea. Tours are suitable for adults and children over five, and depart from the Visitor Centre.
Koorie Heritage Trust’s Walking Tours
![Koorie Heritage Trust’s Walking Tours Koorie Heritage Trust’s Walking Tours](https://media.timeout.com/images/103853425/750/422/image.jpg)
This inner-city walking tour takes visitors through Federation Square and down to the Birrarung Wilam Aboriginal art installations to learn the history of Birrarung Marr and the Kulin Nation. Led by a local Koorie guide, you’ll learn about how the land on which Melbourne is located has changed over time and gain a deeper understanding of Melbourne’s importance as a meeting place and location for social, educational and cultural events and activities. Tours run for one hour and bookings are essential.
Wurundjeri Cultural Tour
![Wurundjeri Cultural Tour Wurundjeri Cultural Tour](https://media.timeout.com/images/103853427/750/422/image.jpg)
These one-hour guided tours offer visitors a greater appreciation and understanding of Wurundjeri culture, Wurundjeri people’s approach to land and water use, as well as a deeper understanding of the local environment in the Greater Dandenong region. Your Wurundjeri guide will touch on history, personal experiences and special-use plants found in the bush. Visitors will also participate in the ancient tradition of Tanderrum – a ceremony to welcome guests to Country – making a pact to respect the land, the lore and the traditional owners during your stay.
Meet the Deadly Melburnians
Deadly melbourne.
- Things to do
![Deadly Melbourne Deadly Melbourne](https://media.timeout.com/images/103848223/750/422/image.jpg)
These fiercely talented men and women are making our city a deadlier place by shaping Melbourne’s future across many different fields.
[image] [title]
Discover Time Out original video
- Acknowledgement of Country
- Press office
- Investor relations
- Work for Time Out
- Editorial guidelines
- Privacy notice
- Do not sell my information
- Cookie policy
- Accessibility statement
- Terms of use
- Reviews policy
- Competition terms
- About the site
- Modern slavery statement
- Manage cookies
- Advertising
- Report an error
- Time Out Market
Time Out products
- Time Out Worldwide
Jetsetting Fools
Travel Far. Discover More. Spend Less.
![historical walking tours melbourne Self-Guided Walking Tour of Melbourne by JetSettingFools.com](https://jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Self-Guided-Walking-Tour-of-Melbourne-2.jpg)
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Melbourne, Australia
Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .
My first glance at a map of the Melbourne CBD was a little overwhelming. There is quite a lot of ground to cover in order to see the top Melbourne sights. However, when we hit the pavement, we found Melbourne to be a very walkable city. With just a few hours, an ambitious person could easily complete this self-guided walking tour of Melbourne!
Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Melbourne
![historical walking tours melbourne Yarra River View, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_1005.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Walking tours of Melbourne are an ideal way to get acquainted with the city center – or the Central Business District (CBD) as locals call it. While there are numerous Melbourne Walking Tours that are led by guides, we created this Free Melbourne Walking Tour for visitors who like to explore at their own pace.
![historical walking tours melbourne Sea Life, Melbourne, AU](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sea-Life-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
At the end of the post, we share our top tips for Melbourne City Walks, suggestions for themed and guided walking tours in Melbourne and two maps so that you can find your way to each sight. We also include turn-by-turn directions within our Melbourne Free Tour.
Pro Tip: There are heaps of distractions along the way (many of which we point out during the Melbourne walk), if you have the time, go explore and enjoy!
Pin, Save or Bookmark our Free Walking Tour Melbourne for your vacation to Australia!
#1 Queen Victoria Market
![historical walking tours melbourne Queen Victoria Market: The night market is a feast for foodies, offering a variety of cuisine](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Melbourne-Australia-e1614623826539.jpg?resize=1024%2C815&ssl=1)
The historic Melbourne market has been in operation since 1878 and is now spread over two city blocks. Allow yourself some time, grab a coffee to go and peruse the stalls. Besides the fresh produce market, there is an indoor deli, outdoor general merchandise market and several permanent stores around the QVM perimeter.
![historical walking tours melbourne At the Queen Victoria Market night event, blazing fires keep people warm](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_1117-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Pro Tip : Find out more about visiting the QVM in our complete article: Queen Victoria Market: Day, Night and Weekend.
Walk east on Victoria Street to Swanston and head south to Latrobe to the…
#2 State Library of Victoria
![historical walking tours melbourne Victoria Library, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Victoria-Libraray-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The State Library of Victoria is the second stop on our Melbourne Free City Tour. The library opened in 1856 and has been growing ever since, now holding a collection of more than 2 million books, art galleries and historical exhibits.
![historical walking tours melbourne Interior of the Library, Melbourne, AU](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Library-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Pro Tip : It is free to enter the library – and we recommend going in to take a look around and view the impressively domed La Trobe Reading Room. Then, go upstairs for a view from above on the balcony and a peek at the historical exhibits as well.
Continue east on Latrobe to Russell Street and turn north to the…
#3 Old Melbourne Gaol
![historical walking tours melbourne Old Jail Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0847-1024x684.jpg?resize=1024%2C684&ssl=1)
The Old Melbourne Jail is a must-see when city sightseeing Melbourne. The jail operated from 1842 until 1929 as a prison and where criminals who had been sentenced to death were hanged, including the (in)famous Ned Kelly .
Pro Tip : The Old Melbourne Gaol is one of the most popular museums in Melbourne – and a ticket is required to enter. Visitors interested in learning about Australia’s most notorious criminals and exploring the prison cells should book a ticket in advance .
Continue north on Russell Street as it turns into Lygon Street and turn right onto Queensberry Street and head east to the…
#4 Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Building
![historical walking tours melbourne Exterior view of Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Royal-Exhibition-Building-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
One of the most beautiful places in Melbourne, the Carlton Gardens is the next stop on our tour. Designated a park in 1839, the 64 acres are perfect for a stroll, rest or picnic.
Aim for the center of the park and the Royal Exhibition Building . Built in 1880 for the Melbourne International Exhibition, it was also the site of the first official opening of Australian Parliament in 1901. It was actually set to be demolished, but was saved and remodeled in the late 1990s. In 2004, it received UNESCO World Heritage status.
Continue walking east to Nicholson Street and turn south as it becomes Spring Street, passing the Parliament Gardens and view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral (if time allows, make a detour to visit the church). On the opposite side of Spring street in the historic Princess Theater. Continue south to the steps of…
#5 Parliament House, Melbourne
![historical walking tours melbourne Stairs leading to Parliament House, Melbourne, AU](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Parliament-House-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The Parliament House is a regular stop on all Melbourne CBD Tours. Built between 1856 and 1930, the Parliament House is where both houses of Victoria’s Parliament – the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council – still meet today.
![historical walking tours melbourne Ceiling and chandelier of Parliament, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Parliament-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Pro Tip: The interior can be seen by guided tour on non-sitting days or from the public gallery when Parliament is in session – both options are free!
For architecture and gold lovers, make a little detour and continue south to the Old Treasury Building , which is free to enter and includes intriguing exhibits detailing Melbourne history. For those short on time, cross Spring Street to Bourke Street and head west to Exhibition Street. Go north to Little Bourke and turn west into…
#6 Chinatown, Melbourne
![historical walking tours melbourne Chinatown, Melbourne](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_1242.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The next stop on our Melbourne Free Walking Tour is fascinating Chinatown. Marked by ornately painted gates and hanging lanterns, walk the length of Chinatown . Like so many foreigners, the Chinese were also drawn to Melbourne in the 1850’s by the prospect of finding gold. Land was purchased by many Chinese people along Little Bourke and the thriving Chinatown remains today with a bevy of Asian restaurants and shops.
Pro Tip: Among the many places and things to eat in Melbourne, Dumplings in Chinatown are a must-try! We feasted at the no-frills, budget-friendly Shanghai Dumpling House – which is open for lunch and dinner.
Continue west to Swanston Street and turn south to…
#7 Bourke Street Mall
![historical walking tours melbourne Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0884-1024x667.jpg?resize=1024%2C667&ssl=1)
Continue on your tour of Melbourne City on the Bourke Street Mall. The retail mecca includes everything from high end shops (hello, Tiffany’s) to the necessities (Target) to the flagship store of the Australian department store chain Myer. With wide sidewalks, there is plenty of room for Melbourne street performers to entertain those less interested in shopping.
![historical walking tours melbourne Best Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia - Ramble the Laneways and Street Art JetSetting Fools](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Best-Things-to-Do-in-Melbourne-Australia-Laneways-Street-Art.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Pro Tip : As you walk down the street, don’t miss Union Lane for a glimpse at Melbourne’s fabulous street art along the way.
Continue walking west on Bourke Street to the Royal Arcade (then go inside and walk south).
#8 Royal Arcade Melbourne
![historical walking tours melbourne The Royal Arcade is a bit of glam as far as laneways go - and has been since its inception.](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0392-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Often included on Melbourne Laneway Tours, the Royal Arcade is a quaint covered shopping street that has been around since 1869. The lane is filled with top-end stores and posh cafes.
![historical walking tours melbourne Arcades in Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0393-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the statues of Gog and Magog, two mythical creatures guarding Gaunt’s Clock since 1892, that stand above the entrance.
Emerging onto Little Collins, zig zag west and then south into…
#9 Block Arcade Melbourne
![historical walking tours melbourne Block Arcade Entrance](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0888-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Another upscale covered shopping lane – and perhaps even more opulent than Royal Arcade – Block Arcade , or just ‘The Block’, was once the place to be seen in Melbourne. Opened in the year 1893, The Block Arcade features a hand-laid Italian tile floor, glass ceilings and classic Victorian architecture.
![historical walking tours melbourne Block Arcade Shops](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0886.jpg?resize=580%2C870&ssl=1)
Pro Tip : The two must-see shops at The Block are the Hopetoun Tea Room and Haigh’s Chocolates.
Exiting on Collins Street, turn left and walk east to Swanston St and to the…
#10 Melbourne Town Hall
![historical walking tours melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0280-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Completed in 1870, the Melbourne Town Hall is a historically important social and cultural site in the city. It is also where city council members still meet. Inside, there is an auditorium and a beautiful organ (check the schedule for free organ concerts).
Pro Tip : Visitors can take fee tours of the Town Building, but they must be booked in advance!
Continue walking east on Collins Street, passing the Scots’ Church and turn south on Russell Street. Walk south to Flinders Lane. Rock and roll enthusiasts might want to detour east to AC/DC Lane for street art and a pop into Cherry Bar. Otherwise, turn right and walk west to…
#11 Hosier Lane Street Art
![historical walking tours melbourne Street Art Scene, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0414-1024x682.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
The next stop on our Free Walking Tour of Melbourne is Hosier Lane. One of the best known laneways in Melbourne for amazing street art, get a good, up-close look at the murals on the walls. It isn’t graffiti, which is illegal in Melbourne. The works on this street are commissioned and it’s likely you’ll see someone working on a spray paint masterpiece when you walk through.
Pro Tip : Find out more about the history and culture of Melbourne’s laneways and street art in our guide: Laneways in Melbourne: Alleys, Arcades and Street Art.
At Flinders Street, turn right and walk west to…
#12 St. Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne
![historical walking tours melbourne Churches in Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0930-672x1024.jpg?resize=580%2C884&ssl=1)
Next up on our Melbourne Walk is St. Paul’s Cathedral. The first stone of St. Paul’s Cathedral , a gothic-style church, was laid in 1880, but the spires weren’t completed until 1933. The gorgeous interior includes original baptismal fonts and an 1891 organ.
Pro Tip: Guests can use the descriptive brochures provided at the back of the church to complete an informative self-guided tour of the cathedral.
Just south of the Cathedral is…
#13 Federation Square
![historical walking tours melbourne Federation Square, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0929-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Anyone who walks around Melbourne will likely end up in Federation Square; it’s at the heart of the city and an entertainment hub. Federation Square , which opened in 2002, is a public space that features galleries, museums, restaurants, bars and a place to sit back and relax. Although the square is quite modern, there is a much longer history of this location, tracing back to Aboriginals. The unique architecture is meant to bring different parts together as a whole.
Pro Tip : One of the most popular features of Federation Square is the Digital Façade – or the Big Screen. The gigantic screen streams live sports, news and events, so be sure to take a glance to see what’s on!
Just west of Federation Square is…
#14 Flinders Street Station
![historical walking tours melbourne Trains at Flinders Street, Melbourne, AU](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flinders-Street-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
All Melbourne Sightseeing Tours include a stop at Flinders Street Station ; it has long been one of the busiest- and most beautiful – stations in Melbourne. The structure occupies 2 city blocks and is the city’s central hub of transportation. Built in 1909, the Flinders Street Station building is truly a Melbourne landmark.
![historical walking tours melbourne Flinders St Station, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flinders-St-Station-Melbourne.jpg?resize=580%2C870&ssl=1)
The corner entrance of Flinders Street Station displays a row of clocks showing the next train departure on each line. In 1983, the clocks were removed and replaced by digital readings. The public was so upset by the change that they brought back the old clocks in one day’s time. If you hear someone say, “Meet you under the clocks,” this is where you will find them.
Head south on St. Kilda Road, crossing Princes Bridge. On the bridge, to the east, you can see the…
#15 Princes Bridge and Classic Melbourne Views
![historical walking tours melbourne View of the Melbourne Skyline, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Melbourne-Skyline.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The 400 foot long Princes Bridge spans the Yarra River as part of St Kilda Road. It stands on the site of one of Melbourne’s oldest river crossings and provides wonderful scenic city views to the west.
![historical walking tours melbourne MCG Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0313-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Looking to the east, you’ll see the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is better known as the MCG or just The G. The 100,000 seat sports stadium was built in 1853 and is the biggest stadium in Australia (and the Southern Hemisphere) – and the 11th largest in the world.
![historical walking tours melbourne Watch a AFL Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AFL-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Pro Tip: The stadium is now mostly used for Melbourne’s founding game, Australian Football, but also for cricket matches, concerts and in 1956 it hosted the Summer Olympics.
Finish crossing the bridge. From here, those that fancy a bit of nature may want to detour south to the Royal Botanical Gardens (free to enter). War history buffs will want to head south to the Shrine of Remembrance (also free to enter). Otherwise, continue west along the river to…
#16 Eureka Tower and Melbourne Skydeck
![historical walking tours melbourne Eureka Tower, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0505-683x1024.jpg?resize=580%2C870&ssl=1)
You don’t need to go on a Melbourne CBD Walking Tour to see the Eureka Tower; it’s visible from all over the city. However, when you stand at the base of the Eureka Tower and look up at the 975-foot-tall building it seems to go on forever. The top 10 levels are golden in appearance because the glass is gold. The 24-carat gold-plated windows are a nod to Melbourne’s historic gold rush of the 1850s.
![historical walking tours melbourne View from Eureka Melbourne Sky Deck, Melbourne, AU](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eureka-Sky-Deck-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Pro Tip: With a ticket , visitors are invited to ride the elevator up to the 88th floor Melbourne Skydeck (formerly the Eureka Skydeck) and take in the view, which is astounding .
Continue strolling west along the Yarra River toward the Polly Woodside ship and take a walk along the…
#17 Polly Woodside and South Wharf Promenade
![historical walking tours melbourne Pollywoodsides, Melbourne, AU](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pollsides-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The Polly Woodside is a preserved trade ship that was launched in Belfast in 1885. Famous for her sixteen successful voyages around Cape Horn between 1885 and 1903, she was fully restored and opened to the public in 1978.
![historical walking tours melbourne Bar Along Southbank, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0570-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Continue your Free Walking Tour Melbourne along the beautiful riverside stretch in South Wharf. The stylish South Wharf Promenade is lined with fun bars and modern restaurants – and is anchored by the Melbourne Convention Center and DFO Shopping Centre.
Pro Tip: Any number of the South Wharf waterfront establishments are the perfect place to have a meal or a drink with a view. It’s particularly nice at sunset!
Continue along the promenade and cross the Webb Bridge and head into the…
#18 Docklands Melbourne
![historical walking tours melbourne Vie w of Docklands, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Docklands-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The Docklands District is the last stop on our Self-Guided Free Tour of Melbourne. The historic area dates to the 1850s when the Victoria Harbor (then called Victoria Dock) was the main port in Melbourne, accepting both immigrants and shipments.
![historical walking tours melbourne Docklands Highrises, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Docklands-Highrises-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The harbor continued to be in use until the 1960s when it was deemed too small for cargo ships. A revitalization project renamed it the Docklands and has breathed new life into the area. Soaring, shining skyscrapers have shot up along the beautiful promenade, which offers a slew of waterfront restaurants alongside entertainment venues.
![historical walking tours melbourne Subscribe Packing Checklist by JetSettingFools.com](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Subscribe-Packing-Checklist.png?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
After you explore the Docklands, catch a Free City Circle Tram back to the Melbs CBD.
Melbourne CBD Map: Tourist Walking Route
![historical walking tours melbourne View of Melbourne on Yarra River, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/View-of-Melbourne-on-Yarra-River.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Below we feature two Melbourne Maps; the first is an interactive Melbourne City Attractions Map and the second is a printable Melbourne City Map Tourist Walking Route.
Melbourne CBD Map with Landmarks
![historical walking tours melbourne Walk along the Yarra River, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Yarra-River-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Use this link to Google Maps for our Melbourne Landmarks Map.
Melbourne City Tourist Map Walking Route
To print this map of Melbourne, click on the map to enlarge it, then right-click and select Print.
![historical walking tours melbourne Self-guided walking tour of Melbourne Map](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Self-Guided-Walking-Tour-of-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1470%2C902&ssl=1)
Walking Tours Melbourne CBD: What You Will Need
![historical walking tours melbourne Our List of the Best Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia - Views from the Eureka Skydeck JetSetting Fools](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Best-Things-to-Do-in-Melbourne-Australia-Eureka-Skydeck.jpg?resize=580%2C870&ssl=1)
You don’t need much to enjoy walking tours in Melbourne, Australia, but having a few essentials can make the trek much more comfortable!
Stay Connected in Australia
We use the GlocalMe mobile hotspot, which allows us to connect up to ten devices at one time. The Pocket Wi-Fi also allows us to purchase data online or use local SIM cards.
Walking Shoes for Melbourne
Be sure to wear comfortable travel shoes ! While the city is relatively flat with nice walking paths, our Melbourne City Walk covers some ground. I like to wear lightweight shoes – like these Columbia shoes. Kris likes to wear Merrell trail shoes.
Melbourne Weather Gear
Weather changes quickly in Melbourne; bring an travel umbrella , lightweight rain jacket , wide-brimmed travel hat and sunscreen . A collapsible water bottle is also ideal for travelers – as there are places around Melbourne where you can refill!
Melbourne Map
Although we have included 2 Melbourne city maps above, a detailed paper Melbourne CBD map – like this one – could be useful to study before you arrive. You can also pick up a free map from a Melbourne tourist office.
Lunch Prep & Day Pack
There are many Melbourne restaurants along the route where visitors can stop for lunch or snacks. However, you could also pick up items at the Queen Victoria Market and have a picnic lunch in a park or along the river. Also, whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you’ll need a great day pack to carry your lunch and all your everyday travel essentials in!
Pro Tip: Be sure to get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Australia by using our Trip Planning Printables !
![historical walking tours melbourne Travel Planner Printables by JetSettingFools.com](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Travel-Planner-Printables.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
More Melbourne Tours
![historical walking tours melbourne Two rock formations, 12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Australia, JetSettingFools.com](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/12-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocearn-Road.jpg?resize=1024%2C677&ssl=1)
We outlined what we think is the best Free Walking Tour Melbourne. That said, there are several guided tours of Melbourne that may pique your interest.
Melbourne City Tours: Laneways
![historical walking tours melbourne Earth Street Art, Melbourne, Australia](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Earth-Street-Art-Melbourne.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Walking tours of Melbourne Laneways and Arcades offer a fabulous introduction to Melbourne’s café and street art culture. Use the info in our Laneways in Melbourne article or join a guided tour of the unique lanes. The small-group tours include history, architecture, and coffee. Get more details!
Foodie Discovery Walking Tours Melbourne, Australia
Combine Melbourne attractions and culinary tastings in one tour. Let a guide lead the way to the best foodie spots in Melbourne as you get local knowledge on the coolest cafes, the best dumplings and hidden hot spots. Find out more!
Guided Tours Melbourne City
![historical walking tours melbourne The I'm Free Walking Tour of Melbourne was a 3 hour tour of the city and one of the 5 free tours in Melbourne that we took.](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0857-1024x649.jpg?resize=1024%2C649&ssl=1)
Visitors who would rather tour Melbourne City with a guide can join a highly-rated tour on a walk to the top sights. Read fellow traveler reviews!
Pro Tip: Not a fan of big group walking tours? Hire a local guide for one of the Melbourne Private Tours – like this one!
Guided Walking Tours Melbourne: Free
Visitors looking for Guided Free Walking Tours of Melbourne will find that there are numerous companies offering ‘free walks’. While these can be excellent tours, it is important to know that the Guided Free Tours in Melbourne are not, in fact, free. The guides expect to be compensated with tips.
Melbourne Bus Tour
If our outlined Melbourne City Tour requires more walking than you prefer, consider using the Melbourne Sightseeing Bus. The double-decker Hop On Hop Off bus has two routes, on-board commentary and offers tickets for 24 and 48 hours. Reserve your seat!
Other Melbourne, Australia Tours
![historical walking tours melbourne Loch Ard Gorge Viepoint, 12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Australia, JetSettingFools.com](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Loch-Ard-Gorge-Viepoint-12-Apostles-Great-Ocean-Road.jpg?resize=1024%2C673&ssl=1)
Walking tours are not the only free and interesting tours in Melbourne. In fact, some of Melbourne’s best tours are free. Read our post on other top Free Tours in Melbourne !
Want to get out in nature and see more of the surrounding region? The stunning Australian coastline and famous rock formations of the 12 Apostles are just the place! Find out everything you need to know in our review: Gre at Ocean Road Day Tour .
Looking for more fun activities in Melbourne? Use our ultimate guide to the Best Things To Do in Melbourne !
Start planning your trip to Melbourne, Australia ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing ! Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !
![historical walking tours melbourne Click here for a Free Vacation Budget Planner Banner by JetSettingFools.com](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Click-here-for-Free-Vacation-Planner-Banner.png?resize=1470%2C294&ssl=1)
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .
![historical walking tours melbourne Melbourne Australia Walking Tour by JetSettingFools.com](https://i0.wp.com/jetsettingfools.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Melbourne-Australia-Walking-Tour.jpg?resize=250%2C375&ssl=1)
Share This Story!
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
12 thoughts on “ Self-Guided Walking Tour of Melbourne, Australia ”
Comments are closed.
The Original Walking Tours of Melbourne est. 2004 03 9663 3358 (A/H +61447868788) Sharing Melbourne Evolutions
- Book online
- Lanes & Arcades Tours
- Progressive Degustation Tour
- Cafe Culture Tour
The Golden Mile Heritage Walks of Melbourne
- Private or Personalised Tour
- Tours for visually impaired clients
- Corporate & Incentive Tours
- Gift Vouchers
- In the Media
- Our Friends
- Covid Protocols
- Getting around Melbourne
- Disclaimer and Privacy
- Our Social Responsibility efforts
- Giving – Homelessness in Melbourne
- Awards and Recognition
- Tours of Melbourne
We have instigated Covid Safe protocols for our tours, customers and guides.
Small group sizes allow our guides to distance well, yet remain sociable. We operate within the Victorian Government rules and regulations.
Hidden Secrets Tours is a unique way to see the real character of Melbourne. Our walking tours of the city allow you to be introduced to the culture and characteristics for which Melbourne is famous. Unlike many cities, Melbourne’s charm is hidden away down special nooks throughout the city. Taking part in one of our great Tours of Melbourne city will open your eyes up to a world you may have previously walked right passed. There has just been so much change this year our guides are bursting with knowledge about what is going on and where to experience it. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, our walking tours have something to offer all city, art, architecture or cafe enthusiasts. We specialise in what makes Melbourne tick. Indulge on a stroll with us in the city we love to call home!
Meet Melbourne with Hidden Secrets Tours – the Melbourne experts since 2004.
![historical walking tours melbourne Melbourne Laneways on Tour](https://hiddensecretstours.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/L-A-Centre-Place-Busking-440x330.jpg)
Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Tour
![historical walking tours melbourne](https://hiddensecretstours.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/various_foodie.001-440x330.jpeg)
Foodie Tours in Melbourne
![historical walking tours melbourne Golden Mile Guided walks](https://hiddensecretstours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/anne-B-GMILE-440x330.jpg)
Make a Booking / Quote request
Need some more information? Fill in the form below and we will respond to you asap.
COVID 19 Updates
![historical walking tours melbourne](https://hiddensecretstours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/HST-supports-compassion-440x368.png)
Supporting our community will support us
![historical walking tours melbourne](https://hiddensecretstours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_69521-e1599711939929.jpg)
SLOW tours for a new era
![historical walking tours melbourne](https://hiddensecretstours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/winter_wanderings_04-01-440x440.jpg)
We return, reflect and rejoice in the stories of our city
Tour options to book., testimonials, we love it when guests send us notes of what they enjoyed on tour., what others say about our tours of melbourne, an outstanding way to spend an evening – laura jan 2023, best for history food shopping and outdoor art – solo traveller april 23, great evening in melbourne – jan 2023, “i loved it, and i’m a local.” – jen, melbourne, cafe culture tour – annelies from netherlands, “hidden secrets tours are becoming a must do for our trips to melbourne.”, newcastle high school – march 2014, shirley – lanes & arcades walk, via tripadviser wynonalavota.
The guide was amazing. She had such a wealth of background knowledge about the area that she answered every question as well as expanding on it. I could see she really enjoyed her what she did with enthusiasm and eagerness. It was a truly amazing experience. I would gladly recommend this tour for all those who love history and interesting coffee and eats Reviewed 2 January 2014 on TripAdvisor - Cafe Culture Walk
Cafe Culture Walk – Sth Africa
Mary t of nova scotia, robyn of newcastle nsw, kathryn & glenda – nsw, sign up for hiddensecretstours updates, weather in melbourne.
- Agent portal
- Cancellation Policy
- Search for:
More Fun Than A Walking Tour.
Classier than a bar crawl..
Melbourne’s experts in hidden bars, laneways & history.
Discover Hidden Bars
Uncover secret rooftops and speakeasies, gin distilleries and whisky bars.
Learn Unique History
From Melbourne’s Queen of Sleaze to the world’s first barmaids and even Jack the Ripper.
Visit Famous Sites
Explore iconic laneways and landmarks including Old Treasury, Chinatown and the Queen Victoria Markets.
Our Hidden Bar Tours Have Featured In…
![historical walking tours melbourne historical walking tours melbourne](https://drinkinghistorytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TA-2023-300x300.png)
Our Melbourne Hidden Bar Tours
Hidden bars & laneway legends tour.
Looking for hidden bars and local history? This tour is for you.
Join more than 2600 guests who discovered Melbourne’s “morally putrescent prostitute’s pimp” alongside three hidden bars.
🦸 Expert Tour Host
🥃 3 Hidden Bar Visits
🍸 Melbourne’s Alcoholic Past
Hidden Bars & Creepy Tales Tour
Hunting hidden bars and creepy tales? Look no further.
Join more than 1500 guests who learned how Jack the Ripper ended up in Melbourne, alongside our hidden bar scene.
🍷3 Hidden Bar Visits
👻 Melbourne’s Creepy Past
Whisky Bars & Gin Joints Tour
Looking for whisky bars & gin joints? Lock this one in.
Join more than 400 guests who have discovered Melbourne’s fascinating moonshine past while visiting three of our best whisky/gin bars.
🥃 3 Bar Visits, Tastings Incl.
🍸 Melbourne’s Spirit Past
Hunting hidden bars and local history? Join more than 2700 guests who discovered our boozy history and three hidden bars.
Hunting hidden bars and creepy tales? Join more than 1500 guests who discovered how Jack the Ripper died in Melbourne, and our hidden bar scene.
🍸 Melbourne’s Creepy Past
Looking for whisky bars & gin joints? Join more than 400 guests who discovered Melbourne’s moonshine past while visiting three whisky/gin bars.
🍸 Melbourne’s Spirited Past
Future Hidden Bar Tour Dates
![historical walking tours melbourne historical walking tours melbourne](https://drinkinghistorytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/HBUS-Middle-700x600.png)
![The World Loves Melbourne The World Loves Melbourne](https://drinkinghistorytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Fitzroy-Start-700x600.png)
"If you find walking tours too sober and pub crawls declassé, this is the walk for you."
![Timeout Melbourne Timeout Melbourne](https://drinkinghistorytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Night-Tour-Main-Page-Image.png)
"The perfect combination of history, humour, socialising and, of course, drinking."
Reviews From Our Happy Customers
![historical walking tours melbourne 5 star rating](https://drinkinghistorytours.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png)
Looking for something private?
Grab the gang and book a private walking tour of Melbourne. Personalised routes, private tour hosts and an experience you won’t forget.
Melbourne’s Hidden Bar Guide
![Homepage Guides – Best Laneway Bars Homepage Guides – Best Laneway Bars](https://drinkinghistorytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Chuckle-Park-1.jpg)
Melbourne’s Best Laneway Bars
From Melbourne’s first illegal grog shops in 1854, we have always loved a hidden bar down a deserted alley. Here are the best hidden laneway bars first time visitors to Melbourne should check out.
![Homepage Guides – Best Rooftop Bars Homepage Guides – Best Rooftop Bars](https://drinkinghistorytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Peaches-1.jpg)
Brews With A View: Rooftop Bar Guide
The first attempt to marry views with drinks was back in 1970, when the ‘Top Of The Town” opened to much fanfare on Collins Street. Here are five rooftop bars all first time visitors to Melbourne should visit.
![Homepage Guides – Best Cocktail Bars Homepage Guides – Best Cocktail Bars](https://drinkinghistorytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/State-of-Grace-1.jpg)
Your Cocktail Bar Bucket List
Melbourne’s first cocktail bar was Cafe De Paris, opened in King Street in 1859 and the place for a Sherry Cobbler. Melbourne’s cocktail bars are classy, unique and numerous: here are our five of our favourites.
Where to start your Melbourne journey
We’ve collected Melbourne’s coolest things to do – from rally car training to perfecting your coffee game.
Join Us For An Unforgettable Hidden Bar Tour Of Melbourne
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Melbourne’s thriving bar scene with one of our hidden bar tours in Melbourne.
Delve into the city’s rich drinking history as we lead you to tucked-away speakeasys and down hidden laneways.
Still got questions? See below.
A Tour for Any Occasion
Friends in town.
Let us play tour guide and enjoy a memorable day out.
New To Melbourne
The best of Melbourne’s bars, history and laneways in one brilliant experience.
City Day Out
Grab your friends and make your big day in the City one to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bars will i get to visit.
From hidden bars in high-rise buildings to Melbourne’s iconic laneway bar scene, there are so many incredible bars throughout the city. We have a wide selection of bars we tour, but change up the bars we visit regularly so there’s always something different to see. This way it doesn’t matter when you book, you’re always guaranteed a unique and unforgettable experience.
What is a walking tour?
You might have guessed from the name, but our Melbourne walking tours involve a look at some of the city’s most iconic historical sites and great bars. The entire walking tour is on foot, so make sure to wear your walking shoes!
Do you do private tours?
For sure! You’ll find all the information you need to book a private tour on our private tours page. Our Melbourne walking tours are great for birthday parties, corporate events, or just getting together with friends for a fun night out.
Can I choose my tour guide?
If you’ve taken our tours before and would like to request a specific guide, you can book a private tour and place your request in your message. If they’re available for your booking we’re sure they’ll be more than happy to take you on a drinking history tour.
How much walking is involved?
Not as much as you’d think for something called a walking tour! Generally, there’s only about a 10-minute walk between bars and historic sites, but this will depend on the tour you’ve chosen.
How long does a tour last?
Our tours last for about three hours, all up, although they can go for up to four hours if we have delays or if everyone is just having a really swell time! That includes about two hours of walking and one hour of socialising/bar visits. During that time you’ll visit three of the city’s best bars, with 30-40 minutes at each bar to try some delicious cocktails and really soak up the atmosphere.
Of course, we finish our tour at the final bar, so you’re welcome to stick around there for as long as you want!
Does the tour include food?
No food is included on the tours. We recommend you eat lunch or dinner before coming on the tour!
What safeguards are in place to guarantee tour participants’ comfort and safety?
Our first goal is to make sure guests on our walking tours of Melbourne are comfortable and safe. We monitor local conditions and adhere to rules for safety. If you have questions or need accommodations, please let us know, and we’ll do our best to assist.
![](http://mcmachinetools.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Melbourne Walks has been providing high-quality and personalised walking tours delivered by historians for three decades. Experience the Melbourne story from the inside: history, lanes, culture, architecture, heritage, street art, iconic venues, lost and hidden places. Our professional guides deliver highly researched tours tailored to ...
It was a truly amazing experience. I would gladly recommend this tour for all those who love history and interesting coffee and eats ... Join us for the original and award winning Walking Tours of Melbourne. 2004 - 2022 Contact: 0396633358 // +61447868788 or email : tours (@) hiddensecretstours.com Agent portal; Home;
Walk through History. Discover Melbourne's amazing history through a suite of walking tours that take you on a journey through the city centre, World Heritage precinct, and industrial hubs. The tours contain over 700 images, many from Museum Victoria's collection, and 90 audio recordings written and narrated by Museum Victoria staff.
11. MCG Tour & Australian Sports Museum. Historical Tours. 2-3 hours. Experience the tradition and heritage of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Explore the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk…. Free cancellation. 12. Melbourne City Laneways, Bays and Suburbs Small Group Bus Tour.
3. Hidden Secrets Tours. Photograph: Graham Denholm. Whether you're a tourist or a local, you're bound to discover something new about Melbourne on a Hidden Secrets tour. The laneways and arcades ...
Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops. 60. Recommended by 100% of travelers. 100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Historical Tours 2 hours English. Take a walk through downtown Melbourne and learn of an era in which there was much more on offer at the local confectionery store than just ...
True crime fans will love the Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops, a tour that explores Melbourne's shadowy past. One of the most interesting tours in Melbourne, it takes you down Lonsdale Street, a place teeming with tales of brothels, speakeasies and notorious characters from the 1870s to the 1930s.
The first stop on your tour will be St James Old Cathedral, the oldest standing church in Melbourne, built in 1839. Duration: 10 minutes. Stop At: Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria. Your local guide will walk you through the streets and lanes of Melbourne to discover other buildings that pre-date the Gold Rush. Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Learn the lay of the land on a half-day walking tour around Melbourne - Visit some of the city's historic landmarks and hear the stories of the past - Swing by a popular cafe and enjoy a delicious Melbourne coffee Guaranteed small-group tour with a maximum of 12 travelers Melbourne been the most livable city in the world for seven ...
Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops. 85. from $33.68. Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne City Laneways, Bays and Suburbs Small Group Bus Tour. 3. from $66.68. Likely to Sell Out. Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne Sports Experience + MCG Tour Combo. 77. from $77.45.
THE LOST CITY OF MELBOURNE TOUR. GOLD-RICH Melbourne in the 1850s was the fastest-growing city in the world. It would soon become a world-famous metropolis of stunning commercial towers, palatial theatres, luxurious cafes, hotels and new technologies such as cable cars and hydraulic lifts. A century later however the wheel began to turn.
HISTORY NORTH TOUR. This fascinating guided walking tour through the Northern part of the city of Melbourne examines a range of significant places bounded by William, LaTrobe, Lonsdale and Russell Streets, and the laneways in between including the impressive Supreme Court and one of Melbourne's gems, the State Library. READ MORE.
Recommended by 97% of travelers. 5. Creepy Tales, Bars & Laneways Of Melbourne Walking Tour. 60. Food & Drink. 3 hours. From haunted graveyards to Jack The Ripper, Melbourne's scary past comes to light on this ghost and murder tour of the CBD…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 90% of travelers.
AmazingCo's mystery tours are like an escape room crossed with a walking tour. Gather supplies along the way for a Mystery Laneway Picnic or embark on a Mystery Basement Bar Hop. Solve the puzzles to learn more about Melbourne and discover some of city's coolest venues. Once you've cracked the code, revel in your reward - cheese or cocktails!
Walk through the city's laneways, Queen Victoria Market, the Old Melbourne Gaol, Chinatown, and more as your guide shares spooky stories and historical facts about the city. 3 hours. Free Cancellation. from. $54.06. Melbourne City Laneways, Bays and Suburbs Small Group Bus Tour.
Koorie Heritage Trust's Walking Tours. This inner-city walking tour takes visitors through Federation Square and down to the Birrarung Wilam Aboriginal art installations to learn the history of ...
Melbourne City Tours: Laneways. Walking tours of Melbourne Laneways and Arcades offer a fabulous introduction to Melbourne's café and street art culture. Use the info in our Laneways in Melbourne article or join a guided tour of the unique lanes. The small-group tours include history, architecture, and coffee.
Melbourne True Crime walking tours, hosted and created by writer and historian Michael Shelford. Take a trip back to the early 1900s when Melbourne was run by armed gangsters and corrupt politicians. ... Russell St, Lonsdale St and La Trobe St, is the heart of Melbourne Historical Crime Tours' Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour which ...
It was a truly amazing experience. I would gladly recommend this tour for all those who love history and interesting coffee and eats ... Join us for the original and award winning Walking Tours of Melbourne. 2004 - 2022 Contact: 0396633358 // +61447868788 or email : tours (@) hiddensecretstours.com Agent portal; Home;
Enjoy a leisurely guided walking tour revisiting historic true crime spots that will leave you speechless. Uncover the lost histories of murder, intrigue, unsolved cases, blackmail, scandals and much more. Learn about the lives of the big names from Melbourne's Crime History past and the impossible situations they faced.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour (s) Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles. Self-guided walking tour: Historical Buildings Walking Tour in Melbourne, Australia. The detailed walk route map can be downloaded to your mobile device for turn-by-turn travel directions.
Melbourne's Best Hidden Bar & History Tours. More Fun Than A Walking Tour. Classier Than A Bar Crawl. 97% 5-Star Rated. Find Out Why! ️ [email protected]; 📞 +61 0481 880 982; Search for: ... but our Melbourne walking tours involve a look at some of the city's most iconic historical sites and great bars. The entire walking ...
From $57.50 per person. Check availability. Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today. Give this as a gift. Emma - New Zealand April 29, 2024 - Verified booking. Great walking tour and orientation of Melbourne CBD! Ant was a great guide and full of knowledge about the history of the city.