WALK MELBOURNE TOURS TRAVEL TIPS
WHERE WE SHARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND EAT IN MELBOURNE.
Melbourne Tours Uncovered - An Insider's Guide
Explore the hidden gems of Melbourne with Walk Melbourne Tours. From mouth-watering foodie adventures to captivating historical insights, discover why Melbourne's laneways are a must-visit, whether you're a first-timer or a local
Discovering Melbourne: Food, History, and Hidden Gems
When choosing a Melbourne Tour, a walking tour is a perfect way to explore the famous alleyways, laneways and arcades of the city. These laneways are pedestrian-only zones and are often filled with cafes, delicious local food vendors and small stores that exude charm. Melbourne is an incredibly multicultural city and this is reflected in what’s on offer for you in the laneways of Melbourne.
What Makes Walk Melbourne Tours Unique?
At Walk Melbourne Tours we love to share Melbourne’s stories through food. Since 2012, our small group walking tours have been delighting guests from all around the world. Food is central to our tours, so tastings are included in the price of every tour.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time visitor to Melbourne looking for a comprehensive overview or a local with a specific interest. We have a tour for you:
Coffee Tours: Dive deep into Melbourne's renowned coffee scene.
Dumpling Tours: Taste the city's most delicious dumplings.
Foodie Tours: Indulge in Melbourne's most delicious morsels.
Laneway & Rooftop Bars Tours:Explore unique spots and spectacular views
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Foodie Discovery Walk
The Foodie Discovery Walk is the best Melbourne tour if you want a great overview of Melbourne and a range of different tastings. It’s perfect if you only have a short stay and want to taste a bunch of delicious things!
Coffee Lovers Walk
Our Coffee Lovers Walk is for those wanting to deep dive into Melbourne’s coffee obsession. It doesn’t matter if you simply enjoy a cappuccino or if you are a home roasting expert. We can cater to everyone’s tastes - as long as it’s coffee! You’ll visit multiple cafes, try different styles of coffee and leave with lots of food for thought about your next cup.
Dumpling Discovery Walk
Our Dumpling Discovery Walk is for those who love a fun evening experience with a little bit of history thrown in. We visit several dumpling houses - typically always Chinese - and try something different at each one. You’ll make your own dipping sauce and have a great night out with other dumpling lovers!
Rooftop Bars Tour
Our Rooftop Bars tour is a Melbourne Tour for those of you wanting to find some great spots for a drink with friends. This is only for private groups, so grab a few friends and we’ll show you some nice views, share a bit of history and buy you some drinks!
““This tour that was so much more than I was expecting! It was a history lesson, as well as an introduction to Melbourne architecture, iconic events, and the influential people who helped grow this beautiful city. As for the food and drinks…there is plenty, it’s all delicious, and you are taken on a journey with each stop providing its own fascinating story. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough, a wonderful introduction to what Melbourne has to offer””
FAQs
What Can You Expect in a Walk Melbourne Tour?
Your local guide will meet you with a smile and confirm your dietary requirements and preferences.
The groups are always small and may include local Melbournians discovering their own backyard or international guests from any corner of the world. We encourage everyone to get to know each other!
Our tour guides are locals and want you to get the best out of your time in Melbourne. All our tours include the laneways of Melbourne, history and commentary about the food that we’re eating. Our guides are all passionate about the city and are happy to provide some recommendations for the rest of your stay.
Are Tastings Included in the Price?
Your tastings are included in the price. We visit small businesses that the locals love and on every tour we hear people say ‘we would never have found this place without you!’.
How Do I Book a Melbourne Tour with Walk Melbourne?
All our availability is viewable in real time on our website. Just click the Book Now button to book your Melbourne tour.
Are Walk Melbourne Tours Suitable for Children?
Our tours aren’t really suitable for kids under 10 years old, unless they’re adventurous eaters. If you think they will have all the tastings, they are charged at full price. If you’d like to bring them along, but you don’t think they’ll eat, they are welcome to attend free of charge. But please let us know in advance so we can accommodate seating for them (our venues are small). You are welcome to buy them extra tastings along the way. All kids over 10 years old are charged at full price. If you have any questions, please get in contact.
What Should I Bring on a Walk Melbourne Tour?
Please bring your own water bottle, rain jacket, umbrella, hat and sunscreen. Some people also like to bring some hand sanitiser, as we are eating at outdoor venues. Apart from that please bring your sense of curiosity and enthusiasm!
Why Choose Walk Melbourne for Your Melbourne Tour Experience?
We have been operating foodie walking tours of Melbourne since 2012 with great reviews from our customers! Our groups are small, our tour guides are locals and tastings are included in the price. We visit small businesses that the locals love and on every tour we hear people say ‘we would never have found this place without you!’. All our tours include the laneways of Melbourne, history and commentary about the food that we’re eating. We want you to get the best out of your time in Melbourne and we’re always happy to provide some recommendations for the rest of your stay.
Winter Foodie Weekend in Melbourne
Explore Melbourne's vibrant food scene with our weekend itinerary, featuring top dining spots, a food tour, and hidden cocktail bars.
Friday night
Arrive in Melbourne. You must be hungry after your journey!
If you haven’t already made a reservation for dinner, head to Flinders Lane - between Swanston and Spring Streets - for dozens of great dining experiences. Have a bit of fun walking the three blocks, reading menus and deciding where you’d like to eat. Or perhaps create your own degustation by having some snacks at a few venues. Prefer solid recommendations? Try Lucy Liu for pan-Asian fusion or Cumulus Inc for euro-inspired modern Australian. For the best Italian (you wil neeed to book well inadvance) try Tipo 00
Try an after dinner night cap at one of the great hidden bars in the neighbourhood such as Mill Pace Merchants or Death & Co or The Apollo Inn. Take in some incredible skyline views looking Bourke Street at The Stolen Gem Rooftop Bar
Photo: Lucy Liu
Saturday morning
You’re booked in for a late lunch food tour, so a mid-morning brunch is your best bet. Try Antara 128 at the eastern end of the CBD or the ever popular Higher Ground if you’re closer to Southern Cross/Docklands. For amzing Bagels and Specialsit Melbourne Coffee try Manchester Press near Hardware Lane.
Saturday afternoon
Meet your tour guide in Bourke St Mall for your Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walk. You’ll sample savoury, sweet, food and drink over 3 hours all while exploring Melbourne’s laneways and arcades. You definitely won’t be hungry afterwards!
Saturday night
Make sure your booking for dinner is late, as your food tour only finishes at 4.30pm. Perhaps some light style food, such as sashimi. For a budget-blowing showstopper you will need to venture just a little outside of the CBD, book in at Minamashima. You’ll need to jump on the 48 or 75 tram to Richmond for this one. For something in the CBD, try Kisume. If you’re a bit more adventurous, try Japanese/Italian fusion at Alt. For the ultimate in fine-dining Asian Fusion try CODA.
For an after dark tipple there are more cocktail bars in Melbourne than you could possible try, but Black Kite Commune, Whitehart, Yarra Falls and Caretaker's Cottage all have distinctly different vibes and are all worth a visit.
Queen Victoria Market
Sunday brunch
Coffee, a pastry and a wonder around one of Melbourne’s markets is a fabulous way to spend Sunday morning. At Queen Vic Market (1.5km*) try Publique and at South Melb Market (2km*) try Agathe. If cheese is more your taste, try a toastie from Maker & Monger at Prahran Market (6km*). Expect a queue at all of these places. *Distances from Southern Cross Station. Or stay in CBD and visit Brunetti Oro on Flinders Lane.
Roll away to the airport to take your flight home - at least you’ll be too full to eat the plane food!
Winter in Melbourne-Must Do’s !!
Discover Melbourne's winter wonders! Uncover hidden gems and exclusive events with five must-experience activities that will transform the cold months into a cultural adventure.
The Charm of Winter in Melbourne
Winter in Melbourne is undeniably charming. Sure, it can be a bit cold and windy, but all the more reason to layer up in all your favorite jackets, scarves and boots to explore the city with a hot drink in hand.
Winter in Melbourne is a great time to get involved in the cinema, art and theatre that makes Melbourne Australia's cultural capital. Once you step out of the galleries and cinemas, spend 3 hours with us exploring the laneways and eating delicious food…. including some warm drinks! Join any of our winter delight walking tours.
There’s also lots of indoor activities that go beyond the shopping malls. We’ve got you covered for culture in June, July and August.
🎨 Cultural Hits & Blockbuster Exhibitions
Rising Festival
(Until June 08)
Melbourne’s Winter Contemporary Arts Festival celebrates the darkness with light installations and theatre shows of all kinds. Whether you’re a contemporary art lover or just curious, they’ll be something for you in the extensive 2-week program.
CARTIER at the NGV
(Until October 04 )
Running through October 4, 2026, the NGV’s Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® features nearly 400 extraordinary jewels, gems, and rare royal archives
QVM Night Market
(Wednesdays nights from 5pm until Aug 26)
Enjoy incredible street food, specialty shopping and Live entertainment. Free entry! Wed 5pm – 10pm, ends 26 August 2026.
Melb International Film Festival (MIFF)
(August 6–23, cinemas across the CBD)
Snuggle into warm cinemas across the CBD for one of the world's most highly regarded film festivals (August 6–23, 2026)
A great afternoon would be attending the Foodie Discovery Walk, followed by an early session at MIFF.
Lightscape
(From June 12 to August 2, 2026)
The Royal Botanic Gardens transforms into an illuminated night trail featuring twenty new light installations.
Firelight Festival
Head to the Docklands waterfront (July 4–6) to warm up with glowing art, roaming performers, and spectacular fire displays.
☕ Laneways, Local Bites & Night Markets
Hide away from the chill in CBD staples like Degraves Street or Centre Place, grabbing a world-class latte and a pastry. Join a Coffee Lovers Walking Tour or a Winter Laneways Walking Tour
Heritage Arcades: Stay dry while admiring the 19th-century architecture and boutique shops of the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade.
🏎️Sports & Indoor Escapes
AFL Games: Experience Melbourne's obsession by catching an Australian Rules Football match live at the nearby MCG or Marvel Stadium.
ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image): Escape the rain at Fed Square to explore interactive, state-of-the-art screen culture and film exhibitions.
Winter treats in Melbourne for foodies
While it can be tempting to snuggle up at home on the couch, winter is a great time to layer up in your favourite winter clothes and take advantage of all those warming and comforting delights you’re in the mood for.
Melbourne’s winter is relatively mild, rarely dipping below 10 deg C (50 deg F) during the day. However, across the rest of sunny Australia, Melbourne has a reputation for being cold, wet and dark during July. While it can be tempting to snuggle up at home on the couch, winter is a great time to layer up in your favourite winter clothes and take advantage of all those warming and comforting delights you’re in the mood for. With multicultural culinary influences from Europe and Asia, here are some of the best winter things to eat and places to eat them in July 2023!
Coffee & pastry
Melbourne is obsessed with two things in winter: Aussie Rules football (it’s not rugby or soccer) and coffee! The downtown grid - which is half a square mile (1.3 sq km) – has hundreds of coffee shops, with some of them very serious about their coffees. Most locals drink a caffe latte or a flat white (both are espresso topped with steamed milk) but if you really want a Melbourne coffee order a ‘magic’. It’s technically a ‘double ristretto ¾ latte’ but tastes just like a caffe latte with a more intense coffee flavour and less milk. One of the best is at Industry Beans in Little Collins Street. If you prefer your coffee black, they also offer filter coffee (high quality drip) or single origin black espresso. You might also like to try Maker on Hardware Lane, especially if you’re travelling with a non-coffee drinker. They make one of the best chai lattes.
What goes better with coffee than a pastry? Whether you like a classic croissant or something more elaborate like a cherry and pistachio danish or a lemon curd cronut, pastry is definitely having a moment in Melbourne. You can join the daily queue at world renowned Lune Croissanterie in Russell St or play hide and seek and find the petit shop for Agathe patisserie in the historic Royal Arcade.
Hot pot (Thai or Chinese)
There’s nothing quite as warming as sharing hot pot with friends. There’s something very comforting about communal cooking at the table over some nice conversation. This is not a dish to dine solo! Whether you like the spicy and numbing flavours of Sichuan province in China or the aromatic flavours of Thailand, Melbourne has many opportunities for hot pot.
The original in Melbourne and still very popular is Dainty Sichuan (no website) at 149 Lonsdale St. For Thai flavours and a menu that goes beyond hot pot as well, head to Nana Thai on Bourke near Russell. If the queue is too long, the eastern end of Bourke St (between Russell St and Spring St) has recently seen a burst of Thai restaurants, so try your luck at one of those!
Warming spaces for after dark drinks
After dinner it’s nice to slip into a moody bar for a sneaky cocktail. Winter is the best time to explore Melbourne’s indoor spaces designed to be warm and intimate.
When Gimlet became too popular, local hospitality hero Andrew McConnell decided to open a dedicated cocktail bar next door. The Apollo Inn is Melbourne’s newest hot spot, named for the original watering hole that was on this spot in the very early days of British settlement. It’s small, quiet and very sophisticated, specialising in martinis.
Mill Place Merchants Mill Place Merchants, Housed in a historic, heritage-listed building dating back to the 1840s, we occupy a space that once buzzed with the industry of meat preserving, hat, soap, and candle merchants. Tucked away within the timeworn walls of Mill Place, MPM emerges from the pages of history.
Black Kite Commune is also a new kid in town serving more than 90% Australian made drinks with indigenous flavours highlighted on the snacks menu. Head upstairs into the mezzanine booths and simply press the button at your table for cocktail service. A perfect way to avoid the chill outside!
Conclusion
Of course if you want to pack a whole lots of treats into 3 hours, you could join one of our Melbourne walking tours, where food and drinks are included on every tour. Melbourne is definitely a place that thrives during winter, so grab your puffer jacket and scarf and head out into see the city and warm up with some comforting winter treats.
A Foodie's Guide to the Melbourne Grand Prix
Experience the thrill of the Melbourne Grand Prix paired with Melbourne's best culinary spots. Indulge in a foodie adventure that goes beyond the race.
Melbourne Grand Prix 2027 - A Foodie’s Guide
Grand Prix weekend is one of the most exciting times to be in Melbourne. The festival descends upon Albert Park and all the F1 fans fill the city with a real sense of occasion. While there are lots of things to eat at the track, visitors to Melbourne can also enjoy a whole city of culinary delights while they’re in town.
Whether you’re interested in our amazing brunch scene, a quick drink and a snack or dinner after a day at the track, Melbourne’s hundreds of cafes, restaurants and bars covering a myriad of cuisines are ready for you to enjoy. Get a locals view of Melbournes Foodie scene and history with our Foodie Discovery Walk. You will leave the tour with plenty recomendations of how to enjoy your time away from the track.
Whether it’s your first time in Australia or a regular visitor, our amazing hospitality professionals are ready to welcome you during your time here for the F1 Grand Prix.
Best Spots for Quick Bites
Melbourne is renowned for it’s ‘laneways’ - which are small streets like alleyways - often filled with cafes and stores. They are pedestrian only, which makes them great for people watching while you grab a bite at one of the very informal and casual eateries. You could try Centre Place which is full of cafes for breakfast and lunch or if you’re after something later in the day, you’ll find ShanDong Mama Mini open for Chinese dumplings for dinner.
Hardware Lane is also a good option for laneway people watching with a bunch of great food options open three meals per day. Maker coffee is great for breakfast and if you like an extra punch of flavour try Lulu’s for the best Malaysian food in town. Nearby, Rice Paper Scissors will pair your Asian fusion with a delicious cocktail.
Fine Dining Experiences
If you prefer your dining environment a little more refined, pursue the myriad of options along Flinders Lane between Swanston st and Spring st. This is one of the best dining districts in Australia and you can’t walk more than a few meters without passing somewhere wonderful to eat or drink. Not all the entrances are directly on Flinders Lane. Don’t be afraid to head upstairs… or downstairs… or down the side alleys to find the entrances to the restaurants. Some highlights include Nomad, Cumulus Inc or Lucy Liu.
Relaxation Spots
Botanical Gardens Melbourne
If it’s a lovely day you might like to take yourself away from the buzz of the track for a quiet morning wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Terrace cafe has recently been revamped by one of Melbourne’s best cafe owners, so you won’t go hungry either.
To relax with a quiet drink, the open air bars under Princes Bridge near Federation Square have a lovely atmosphere. Riverland and Pilgrim might still be busy, being near the river and amongst the trees of Birrarung Marr is still a nice place to relax. If you’re looking for slightly more adventurous flavors, head into the main piazza at Fed Square and try some indigenous flavors (and maybe even a cocktail!) at Big Esso.
Activities and Attractions
National Gallery of Victoria
While you might be in town for the race, there are so many other things to do in Melbourne while you’re visiting. While art and F1 are not a classic combination, Melbourne’s hosts some of the best art galleries in the country. The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) is hosting a once every three year exhibition 13 Dec 26 – 11 Apr 27, free entry - aptly named the Triennial - where cutting edge modern art from around the world is scattered through the permanent collection of much older and more traditional art.
MOTHER, Opening in March 2027 in The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia (Federation Square, Melbourne) is a free, comprehensive thematic exhibition exploring the multifaceted experiences of motherhood across cultures and generations. It features over 200 historical and contemporary works making for a fascinating experience.
You could also try for an evening experience at one of Melbourne’s classic theaters to catch a show. Head to Halftix on Little Collins St (just behind the Town Hall) to snatch some last minute discounted tickets to any number of Melbourne’s theatre shows.
Foodie Discovery Walk
Of course, one of the ultimate Melbourne experiences is to immerse yourself a walking tour with a local to soak up the local history. Our Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walk will answer all your questions and you’ll get fed with some of Melbourne's most delicious bites from places you wouldn’t find on your own. Book our Foodie Discovery Walk today!
Uncovering Melbourne's Best-Kept Secrets: How to explore the ‘laneways’.
Melbourne's laneways are full of surprises. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through some of the city's best-kept secrets, uncovering the hidden gems that make Melbourne truly special.
Melbourne Laneway Tours - The City's Culture Unveiled
Melbourne is Australia’s most vibrant and multicultural city. It’s known for its stunning architecture, fantastic dining scene, and thriving arts culture. However, there's more to this city than meets the eye. Hidden within the maze of alleyways and laneways lies a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to be discovered. From colourful street art to charming cafes and boutique shops, Melbourne's laneways are full of surprises. One of the most authentic ways to explore these hidden gems is through Laneway Tours Melbourne. So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore the laneways of Melbourne.
What is a ‘Laneway?’
Melbourne's laneways date back to the city's earliest days. In the mid 1800’s, when the city was first established, narrow alleyways were used as service roads for shops and warehouses.
Melbourne's laneways are more than just a relic of the past; they are a vital part of the city's cultural fabric. They provide a space for creative expression, with street artists and performers showcasing their talents in public spaces. They are also home to some of the city's most innovative businesses, including cafes, bars, and boutique shops.
Symbol of the City’s Creative Spirit
The laneways of Melbourne have become a symbol of the city's creative spirit, attracting artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Today, they are simply where all the cool stuff happens! Many locals prefer to navigate the city through the laneways as it’s more pleasant than simply walking along the main streets. You’ll never know when you’ll find something new! Visitors to Melbourne can really get a sense of local life here by exploring the laneways – and a great way to do that is on a guided laneways tour.
Taking a laneways tour of Melbourne is a great way to explore like a local.
Hidden Cafes and Bars in Melbourne's Laneways
Melbourne's laneways are also home to some of the city's best cafes and bars, with hidden gems tucked away in every corner. From cozy coffee shops to trendy cocktail bars, there is no shortage of places to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Degraves Street, located in the heart of the city, is one of Melbourne's most famous laneways for cafes and restaurants. It is famous for the collection of cafes under the black umbrellas – but don’t forget some of the other vendors who offer excellent gelato. Hardware Lane, another popular laneway, is home to an everchanging variety of bars, cafes and restaurants.
There are other laneways worth exploring and the best way to see them and discover the best cafes in town is to join a foodie walking tour of Melbourne’s laneways.
How to Explore Melbourne's Laneways Like a Local
To best way to exploring Melbourne's laneways like a local is on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. If you’d like to get to know the locals, you can join a local walking tour. Often the guides are Melbourne locals and are a treasure trove of information about their favourite places to try.
Take a Melbourne Laneway Tour
Melbourne's laneways are a true reflection of the city's creative spirit and entrepreneurial drive. They are home to a variety of businesses and attractions, from street art to cafes and boutiques. Exploring Melbourne's laneways is a great way to experience the city's unique culture and to discover the hidden gems that make Melbourne truly special. So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore Melbourne's laneways like never before. You never know what surprises you might discover.
