Melbourne , Australia

Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walking Tour

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(510 reviews)

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About this experience

Melbourne is a mecca for food with an eating culture bordering on the obsessive. But many of these best places are hidden from first sight in laneways and behind doors. This 3 hour small group walking tour lets you experience the best examples of what Melbourne offers. This tour offers the best aspects of Melbourne with the insight of your local guide that you cannot get from a guide book. Drink coffee, eat dumplings, sneak in a sweet treat and finish it off with a drink in a laneway bar the locals love – all included in your ticket price. See all the treasures of Melbourne and often it is said “wow – you wouldn’t even know this was here!” Do this on your first day in Melbourne and you’ll discover a whole lot more places to return to later in your stay!

Available options

The Melbourne Experience: Foodie Indulgence Walking Tour

What's included

Your local guide can provide all sorts of other info to help you best enjoy your stay in Melbourne.

We conclude the tour at one of Melbourne's most loved local laneway bars.

Enjoy some of Melbourne's best coffee (tea or hot choc for those that don't drink coffee!)

This tour offers 2 savoury and 3 sweet tastings in addition to the drinks. Together, they tell the story of what Melbourne loves to eat and drink.

Detailed itinerary

We discover many of Melbourne's laneways and arcades sharing the stories from the past and present through the delicious things that we sample along the way.

We meet in centrally located Bourke St Mall to begin our afternoon exploring Melbourne's laneways.

Stop 3

The oldest - and perhaps the strangest! - shopping mall in Australia. Find out why while we munch on some delicious sweets!

Learn what made this building the talk of the town when it opened in 1932, while we taste a couple of the ultimate Aussie dishes!

Stop 5

Melbourne's best known and most bustling laneways are perfectly located for us to take a break, do some people watching and taste a couple more Melbourne favorites.

Stop 6

We stroll along the Australia's most prestigious street learning about it's place in the city's history.

Stop 7

How did this grand covered shopping mall get it's name? Learn all about the heady days when Melbourne was the richest city in the world. Don't forget, more delicious tastings!

Are you a sweet tooth or do you prefer a sneaky afternoon tipple? There's no need to choose as we enjoy our final two tastings in this neighbourhood rich in culinary delights. Starting with something sweet and washing it down with a drink in a laneway bar the locals love.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

224 reviews

5★

201

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

286 reviews

5★

256

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meeting Point: Please wait on the steps at the entrance to the H&M store in Bourke St Mall, near the corner of Elizabeth St.
Please note: This is NOT the same as the entrance in Little Bourke St.
Allow 10-15 minutes to walk from Flinders St Train Station or Melbourne Central Train Station.

Important notes

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

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