WALK MELBOURNE TOURS TRAVEL TIPS
WHERE WE SHARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND EAT IN MELBOURNE.
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.
Food Tours Melbourne Australia
Melbourne is celebrated as Australia’s top culinary destination and prides itself as a diverse and multicultural foodie destination. From our café culture to our farm-to-table movement, Melbourne’s culinary scene continuously grows and challenges itself to be better than any other.
Why Melbourne is the Ultimate Foodie Destination
Melbourne’s Culinary Reputation
Melbourne is celebrated as Australia’s top culinary destination and prides itself as a diverse and multicultural foodie destination. From our café culture to our farm-to-table movement, Melbourne’s culinary scene continuously grows and challenges itself to be better than any other. Melbourne celebrates its culinary diversity and reputation in a variety of ways. With an ever-growing scene of innovative fine dining experiences to fun market fairs filled with food stalls and festivals throughout the year, all demonstrating cultural diversity and yummy food, one will always find themselves a part of a multicultural foodie experience.
Diverse Flavours to Discover
Melbourne's multicultural population brings a rich tapestry of flavours from all around the globe. You can find everything from authentic Italian and Greek to vibrant Fillipino and Ethiopian cuisines. Each neighbourhood offers its own unique culinary gems. Still, the CBD (ie downtown) shows a true reflection of multicultural vibe through a wonderful mix of cuisines along every street, laneway and street corner. Walk down any of the famous alleyways and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by two or three restaurants honouring different cuisines already. The choices are universal and endless from Chinatown on Little Bourke St, Italian fare on Lygon Street, and the recently christened ‘K-town’ on Healy Lane!
Best Food Tours for Group Getaways
This is what makes Melbourne’s Discovery Walk unique and special. It is perfect for any foodie adventurer or a group of taste “buds” to see what our laneways offer. What better way than to discover a hole in the wall, listen to stories of a time long ago and indulge in the food culture that makes Melbourne CBD so vibrant. An afternoon that encompasses food, a glimpse of culture and discovering Melbourne laneways while spending time with your loved ones? It sounds like the perfect quartet!
Family-Friendly Food Experiences
Traveling with children? We’ve got some options for you, too! Melbourne is lucky to have several markets all of which are fun and suitable for family-friendly food experiences. Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market and Prahran Market all have wonderful offerings and high-quality fresh produce. You’re bound to find something for everyone at these markets and perhaps even fill your inner child with delights such as delicious jam donuts, artisanal hot chocolates, nostalgic hot dogs and even meat pies! Kids can collect a market passport at Queen Victoria Market and fully immerse themselves while interacting with vendors and claim a prize at the end. A wonderful family-friendly activity awaits!
Fitzroy| © Visit Victoria
Top Foodie Neighbourhoods in Melbourne
When venturing out to the suburbs of Melbourne for a more unique foodie experience, while each of the suburbs have their own gems, here are the top 3 Foodie Neighbourhoods for any visitor in Melbourne:
Fitzroy /Collingwood
Just 3km outside of the CBD, in Fitzroy, once renowned as a working-class suburb, has now turned into an eclectic neighbourhood that is home to some of the best cafes, bakeries (such as To Be Frank), pubs and wine bars and a wide range of eateries. Along Gertrude Street, where you’ll find plenty of vintage shops and independent retailers, you’ll also find Maha, a Middle Eastern restaurant offering a contemporary spin on traditional dishes. Afterwards, head to Naked For Satan for stunning city views and delicious cocktails while people watch. For something more memorable, head down to Cutler and Co. for an unforgettable dining experience. Be spoilt with the fine dining service in a cool and comfortable setting.
Brunswick
6kms from Melbourne CBD, you’ll find yourself in Brunswick. Along Sydney Road is a vibrant collection of Mediterranean groceries, cafes and some fun ice cream shops! Get yourself some tailor-made jeans at Dejour Jeans, soak up all things Mediterranean at A1 bakery or treat yourself to deliciously juicy southern fried chicken at Juanita Peaches and end your day at one of the many ice-cream retailers on Sydney Road. For traditional Aussie flavours check out Luther’s Scoop or for the more daring foodie adventurers, check out Fluffy Torpedo for unexpected flavour bombs that are mind-blowingly different and unexpectedly delicious.
South Melbourne
Just 2 tram stops south of the CBD. This neighbourhood is a bustling foodie find with everything from bakeries to breweries within blocks of each other. The centre of the community is the South Melbourne Market, the oldest market in Melbourne, dating back to 1867. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s famous for its ‘eat on the spot’ local seafood stands and a hive of artisanal goods and produce. In the nearby South Melbourne neighbourhood, close to Clarendon St, some of the trendiest daytime venues in Melbourne are within a few steps of the market, such as Hector’s Deli and Moon Mart.
Planning Tips for a Seamless Tour
Book in Advance: Melbourne’s growing population and popularity as a tourist destination mean reservations are essential, especially on weekends. Pre-booking ensures a stress-free experience.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring Melbourne’s laneways and markets on foot. Your feet will thank you!
Layer Up: Melbourne’s weather is famously unpredictable. Dressing in layers, with a scarf or a light jacket, will keep you prepared for anything.
Stay Hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle to keep yourself refreshed as you walk and dine.
Weather Protection: A light jacket with a hood is a lifesaver for unexpected rain, and a hat or sunglasses are perfect for sunny days.
Best Times to Visit
Not sure when to visit Melbourne? Spring (Sept-Nov) and Autumn months are ideal where the weather is mostly pleasant - although be prepared even for four seasons in one day! Autumn in Melbourne is known as “Mad March”as the city hosts many festivals - perhaps to distract us from an impending winter! From the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Formula 1 Grand Prix or International Comedy Festival, there’ll be something for everyone. A month full of celebrations means that the offerings are diverse with plenty of unique experiences to be had. As the Spring months start warming up and the flora and fauna are thriving, watch Melbourne spring back into life again! It’s a beautiful time of the year for picnics at the parks, plenty of fun outdoor food markets and activities, and festivals gearing up for the festive season!
Four Pillars Gin
Beyond the Tour: Extend Your Food Journey
Beyond your food tour and throughout your travels, don’t forget that with each culinary experience also comes a chance to take a little piece of it home. From artisanal Melbourne roasted coffee for coffee lovers, artisanal chocolates with Australian native ingredients from Koko Black, locally made wines in our rich and diverse wine regions of Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley, Melbourne-based gin and whiskey companies such as Four Pillars or Starward Distillery and even fabulous handcrafted gifts such as ceramic mugs, plates or tea towels by inspiring locals.
These unique gifts not only remind you of your time in Melbourne but can also transport you back to the memories made in Melbourne by reliving some of the culinary food experiences!
Make sure to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience, whether at Embla for sophisticated and contemporary Australian dining or at Vue de Monde for that extra memorable moment and view! If a more relaxed vibe is more your style then why not hit up one of many bars, such as HER rooftop bar or Caretaker’s Cottage? And while you’re at the international airport terminal and the end of holiday blues takes over, there’s always a last chance for preflight cakes and coffee at Brunetti Classico or a classic Melbourne flat white at St Ali.
Book a food tour with us, for a taste of Melbourne and for more insider foodie tips from our knowledgeable and passionate guides!
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!