Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends Tour Of Melbourne

Melbourne , Australia

Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends Tour Of Melbourne

Active

(167 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the best of the City in three hours: our famous laneways, our coolest bars and our fascinating history. Why do three different tours, when you can get the best of Melbourne in just one!

Explore Melbourne’s famous laneways, home to some of our most interesting places. This is the side of Melbourne most tourists (and even some locals!) never see.

Learn about Melbourne’s love affair with drinking, the persecution of barmaids, our booziest Police Commissioner, secret men’s clubs and much more.

Discover three amazing laneway bars, plus a cheeky trivia quiz at our second bar for your chance to win!

Photos of your tour can also be provided at no extra charge.

Available options

Standard

Duration: 3 hours<br/>No Drinks Included

What's included

Expert Tips - contact our expert team for any food, entertainment or other Melbourne recommendations

Professional guide

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Map of Melbourne's best bars (free upon request)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Melbourne's famous (and some say ugliest) town square, built in 2002. This is where we begin our journey with a background to the role alcohol played in Melbourne's foundation.

Our first laneway for the tour, here we talk about the history of Melbourne's Laneways and start to peel back some of the city's best eateries.

One of Melbourne's most famous laneways, get ready for an explosion of street art.

More street art to see, plus the history of Melbourne's street art scene - plus a run down of some fantastic eating and drinking locations.

Home to one of Australia's oldest men's social clubs, and the consulate of one of the world's smallest countries, here we talk about Melbourne' booziest police commissioner and the strange persecution of barmaids.

The spiritual home of Melbourne's laneway bar culture. Let's talk about the rise of Melbourne's bar scene starting with an important rule change in the 1980s. Also home to some of the City's best hidden bars.

Victoria was founded on gold rush, and our emergence as a state is closely linked to those early findings.

The world's second oldest China Town and home to some of the City's best bars.

The City's old red light district certainly hides more than its fair share of secrets, and amazing bars!

What's not included

Gratuities

Alcoholic Beverages

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

156 reviews

5★

147

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Minimum age is 18 years

Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities

Dress code is casual!

While the tour route is flat, some of our bars may require steps (we choose different bars for each tour, and while some are at ground level, others require steps to acces)

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the edge of Princes Bridge, opposite Flinders Street Station, behind Transport Bar.

Look out for the black shirt/hoody/jacket (depending on the weather) and our distinctive black, white and pink logo on the left breast.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
• Not recommended for participants with back problems
• Minimum age is 18 years

About Melbourne

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, world-class dining, and sporting culture. With a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, lush parks, and a thriving coffee culture, Melbourne offers a rich and diverse travel experience.

Top Attractions

Federation Square

Federation Square is Melbourne's cultural heart, hosting major events, exhibitions, and cultural institutions like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Cultural 1-3 hours Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a 94-acre oasis in the heart of Melbourne, featuring a diverse range of plants, lakes, and walking trails.

Nature 1-3 hours Free

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The MCG is Australia's most iconic sports venue, hosting major events like the Australian Open, AFL, and cricket matches.

Sports 1-3 hours (longer for events) Free to enter (tours and events have fees)

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic drives, featuring breathtaking coastal views, the Twelve Apostles, and the lush Otway Ranges.

Scenic Drive Full day or overnight trip Free to drive (attractions may have entry fees)

Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's largest and most iconic market, offering a vast array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.

Market 1-3 hours Free to enter (food and shopping at your expense)

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The NGV is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, featuring an extensive collection of international and Australian art.

Art 1-3 hours Free (some exhibitions may have entry fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Avocado Toast

A popular breakfast dish featuring toasted sourdough bread topped with mashed avocado, often accompanied by poached eggs, feta, or smoked salmon.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan without eggs or feta)

Lamb Rump

A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often served medium-rare with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a rich red wine jus.

Dinner Contains meat

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often enjoyed during the summer months.

Dessert Contains dairy and egg whites (can be made gluten-free)

Flat White

A popular Australian coffee drink, similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam texture.

Drink Contains dairy (can be made with plant-based milk alternatives)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Dandenong Ranges Hot air ballooning in the Yarra Valley Kayaking on the Yarra River Spa and wellness retreats Picnics in the Royal Botanic Gardens Beachcombing at St Kilda Beach Visiting museums and galleries Attending live performances and events

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant nightlife. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

AEST (UTC+10) during standard time, AEDT (UTC+11) during daylight saving time (October to April)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Melbourne is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Didi, and always check the fare before starting your journey
• Book tours and tickets through official channels or reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Melbourne Airport • 23 km from city center

By train

Southern Cross Station

By bus

Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trams are a convenient and iconic way to get around Melbourne. The free tram zone in the city center is a great way to explore.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fitzroy St Kilda Carlton Southbank Brunswick

Day trips

Yarra Valley

60 km from Melbourne • Full day

The Yarra Valley is a picturesque wine region known for its award-winning wineries, gourmet dining, and stunning natural landscapes.

Mornington Peninsula

80 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

The Mornington Peninsula offers beautiful beaches, coastal walks, hot springs, and a range of outdoor activities.

Phillip Island

140 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

Phillip Island is a scenic island known for its wildlife, particularly the famous Penguin Parade, as well as beautiful beaches and coastal walks.

Festivals

Australian Open • Mid-January Melbourne International Comedy Festival • March to April Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) • August

Pro tips

Use the free tram zone in the city center to explore Melbourne's attractions and neighborhoods
Get a myki card for easy and discounted travel on trams, trains, and buses
Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs
Explore Melbourne's laneways and street art for a unique and authentic experience
Try Melbourne's famous coffee culture at one of the city's many specialty coffee shops and cafes