Welcome To Melbourne LionsCon2024 delegates!

At Walk Melbourne Tours, we’d like to extend a huge welcome to LionsCon2024 delegates! While you’re visiting Melbourne, we’d love to enhance your visit and show you the parts of Melbourne that you might otherwise miss.   

The Perfect Introduction to Melbourne for Busy Visitors

Our tours are perfect for international visitors who want a fun introduction to Melbourne but have a limited timeframe. Especially if you like to eat! Foodie walking tours are a convenient and efficient way to experience the best of the local landscape in a limited but enjoyable timeframe. This is why this small group tour is perfect for LionsCon2024 delegates visiting Melbourne this June. 

Since 2012, the team at Walk Melbourne Tours have been offering unique experiences to explore the local cuisine and culture in Melbourne. Our Foodie Discovery Walk is perfect for conference delegates to get to know the city in the most delicious way in a small group.  

Foodie Discovery Walking Tour - special rate for LionsCon2024 delegates

Melbourne is famous for life inside the alleyways, which are known locally as ‘laneways and arcades’. Our Foodie Discovery Walk explores many of the laneways and arcades, shedding light on their history and how they fit into contemporary Melbourne life. 

Melbourne’s Famous Laneways

 We don’t just walk through the laneways - we stop to eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere. All our tours are small groups (max 10 people) so you’ll get to know your fellow foodies as well. Perhaps they will also be LionsCon2024 delegates! 

 This tour showcases Melbourne's diverse and multicultural food scene that the locals love, highlighting the best quality examples in the city of everything we choose. We offer savory and sweet stops and food and drink. There’s something for everyone and you’ll definitely be satisfied by the end! 

Discount Code

Don’t forget to use the code LionsCon2024 at checkout to enjoy $10 discount per ticket on this tour.

 How to Book the Foodie Discovery Tour

It’s so easy to book our Foodie Discovery Walking Tour. 

• Go to www.walkmelbourne.com.au

• Click Tours or Book Now

• Select your date on the calendar

• Don’t forget to use code LionsCon2024 for your $10 discount per ticket. 

These tours have a maximum of 10 people per day, so please secure your spot early to avoid disappointment. 

We’re so pleased to extend the warmest of welcomes to LionsCon2024 delegates in Melbourne and look forward to showing you the best of our city.  

Top 5 Melbourne Laneways for Food (and drink!) (updated April 2024)

If you didn’t dine in a Melbourne laneway cafe or restaurant, did you even come to Melbourne? While in some parts of the world you probably don’t walk down the alleyways by yourself, in Melbourne laneways are where all the cool stuff happens. Here are some of the best as per May 2023.

AC/DC Lane

Yes, this street is named after the 1970’s rock band who - although they formed in Sydney - made Melbourne their home. For hard core fans, check out the 1975 video clip to ‘It’s a long way to the top” which is filmed on Melbourne’s main drag, Swanston Street. Those same fans should definitely dine at one of the restaurants in AC/DC lane if not just to check out the street art memorials to the members of the band no longer with us.

Some of Melbourne’s tastiest morsels from tops chefs are down here and you’ll be surprised to find the entrance to the restaurants feels like the back door that the garbage gets taken out. This is pretty common in Melbourne and the best example if Melbourne’s top modern Indian fusion restaurant called Tonka, by Adam d’Sylva. It’s a great example modern Australian dining but book ahead – they’re often busy. Or try his outstanding South East Asian fusion (3 minutes walk away) at Coda.

Chinese immigrants have had an impact on Melbourne since the goldrush of the 1850’s to the present day, so modern Chinese food is a must have. You’ll see Lee Ho Fook within spitting distance from Tonka.

And of course, Melbourne’s best Peruvian restaurant rounds out the trio in AC/DC Lane. Pastuso not only serves ceviche, but has a ceviche menu. If you’re not into seafood, their meat dishes are also outstanding.

Niagara Lane (with bonus Melbourne laneway nearby)

There are really only two places to eat in Niagara Lane, they are both worth it! Tori’s bakery describes itself as a ‘sweet escape from bustling life’ which is perfectly apt! While it lies just metres from the traffic of Lonsdale Street, Tori’s has a feeling as if you’re relaxing in living room enjoying beautifully baked treats. While this Melbourne laneway cafe is more of an afternoon tea stop, next door is definatly for dinner. Alt is all about pasta, but not as you know it. Using elements of Japanese cooking, experimentation (and moody lighting) is the name of the game here. So maybe leave Nonna at home.

If you want bonus Melbourne laneway dining nearby, head across Little Bourke St to Warburton Lane for Myrtle. Think French style food with Australian native ingredients with a vibe that screams ‘Melbourne laneway bar’.  

Drewery Lane

There is something for you at both ends of the day in this Melbourne laneway. For your morning coffee, head up to the Little Lonsdale end, for two Melbourne laneway cafes. Grab a coffee from Little Rogue and a treat from Bakemono. Note that Bakemono bakes according to a schedule, so if you’re after something specific, note the times on their website.

Later on you might like to visit the other end of this Melbourne laneway for lunch, dinner or drinks. The magnificent four stories (named HER) house multiple venues to suit your changing mood. A French saloon at street level, SE Asian fusion food upstairs at BKK and cocktails on the HER rooftop. Check out two enduring pieces of Melbourne laneway street art - the Kardashian selfie (which the city council promptly censored with black lines) and the mosaiced wall erected by Legacy Australia to honour families of defence force personnel who have been injured or killed.

Hardware Lane

Up until recently, Hardware Lane was tricky to navigate to avoid the tourist traps. But it’s having a local renaissance with a few notable openings. Try to ‘most authentic pho outside of Hanoi’ at Pho Thin, Melbourne style Italian food at The Hardware Club, Israeli roasted cauliflower with a cult following at Miznon and some good Asian fusion at Rice Paper Scissors. And if liquid is more your style on the corner with Little Bourke St offers the ever enduring and classy Kirks’ wine bar or one of the best Melbourne laneway cafes at Maker.

Centre Place / Degraves Street

There’s no doubt that these two Melbourne laneways - separated only by 3 steps across the zebra crossing at Flinders Lane - are the most famous in town. You’ll see locals rushing to and from the train station pushing through the groups of walking tours trying to soak up every detail. While some of these Melbourne laneways cafes are sometimes better for people watching than for great food and drink, there are some notable exceptions.

Definitely try a flat white (or an iced latte) at Fieldwork Coffee in Degraves. The gelato at Pidapipo is among the best in the city as are the dumplings at ShangDong Mama mini.

Experience Melbourne's Laneways with Laneway Tours

WANT TO EAT (AND DRINK) LOCAL IN MELBOURNE?

COME JOIN US!

Walk Melbourne Tours will help you get the best out of your stay in Melbourne. Our walking food tours include tastings, a bit of Melbourne laneways history, and a lot of tips about how to best spend your time here. We aim to show you places and share flavors that you wouldn't find on your own. Coffee, sweets, dumplings and bars are our favorite things and we have Melbourne walking tours to feature all of these delicious delights. Click Here for more info.

A Gourmet Guide to Melbourne’s Easter Treats

Easter in Melbourne

Easter in Melbourne is an exceptional time for lovers of tempting treats. From handmade chocolate eggs to mouthwatering baked goods, the city buzzes with flavors and festivities tailor-made for the epicurean adventurer.

Mork Chocolate

For those searching for the ultimate chocolate experience, Mork Chocolate offers artisanal, handcrafted chocolate eggs that are as exquisite in taste as they appear.

Haigh's Easter Bilby

At Haigh's Chocolates, swap the traditional Easter bunny for a charming Easter Bilby. It's a delightful twist supporting Bilby conservation efforts, making your indulgence more meaningful.

Antara 128

Antara 128 elevates the traditional hot cross bun to a gourmet level. Their heavenly buns are a must-try for any food lover looking to upgrade their Easter treats.

Picnic in the Melbourne Botanical Gardens

Enjoy the autumn sunshine with a leisurely Easter picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens. It's a perfect setting to sit back, exhale and appreciate the change of season.

Morning Stroll along the Yarra River

Easter morning is ideal for a peaceful stroll along the Yarra River. Keep your eyes peeled—you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Easter Bunny.

While our Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walking Tour won't be available over Easter, there's no shortage of culinary delights to explore in Melbourne during the holiday. From gourmet hot cross buns to unique chocolate experiences, Melbourne's vibrant food scene promises an unforgettable Easter. We invite you to explore these suggestions and more as you wander through Melbourne's laneways and culinary hotspots. For more foodie adventures beyond Easter, keep our tour in mind. Happy exploring!

A Foodie's Guide to the Melbourne Grand Prix

Melbourne Grand Prix 2024 - 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. 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 - 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 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!

Melbourne's Laneways: A Foodie's Paradise

A Foodie’s Guide To Melbourne’s Laneways

Melbourne's laneways are known for their street art, boutique shops, and hidden bars, but they're also home to some of the city's best food destinations. From hole-in-the-wall cafes to fine-dining restaurants, Melbourne's laneways offer a diverse range of culinary experiences. Here's our guide to some of the best foodie destinations in Melbourne's laneways.

Flinders Quarter

The Flinders Quarter is the neighbourhood around Flinders Lane between Swanston St and Elizabeth St. It includes the famous laneways of Centre Place and Degraves St which are lined with cafes and small places to eat. But there are many other lesser known treats in this neighbourhood. The Flinders Quarters’ unique and eclectic atmosphere makes it the perfect destination for foodies looking for a quick and delicious meal.

Flinders Lane ‘restaurant run’

The Flinders Lane ‘restaurant run’ is just east of the Flinders Quarter. It runs between Swanston St and Spring St and is home to some of Melbourne's (if not Australia’s ) best restaurants, making it a must-visit destination for foodies. From fine-dining to something more casual, Flinders Lane is the perfect destination for a night out. Don’t forget to visit a bar or two along the way as well.

Hardware Lane

Hardware Lane is a charming laneway located in Melbourne's CBD. The laneway is lined with restaurants and cafes serving up a range of cuisine, from Italian to modern Australian. Hardware Lane's outdoor seating and lively atmosphere make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Little Collins St

The sophisticated neighbourhood near the Melbourne Town Hall offers something for those discerning foodies. You’ll find wine bars and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines and experiences, all in extreme comfort. For those that enjoy nothing but the best, visit ARU, voted Best Restaurant in Australia in 2023.

For those in the know this area offers one of the most prestigious addresses in Melbourne.

Melbourne's laneways offer a unique and unforgettable culinary experience, with their diverse range of cafes, restaurants, and bars. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a fine-dining experience, you're sure to find something that satisfies your taste buds in these laneways.

If you're interested in exploring Melbourne's laneways and discovering the best food destinations, check out Walk Melbourne Tours. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you to some of the best foodie destinations in the city, and help you discover the hidden gems of Melbourne's laneways.

The Untold Stories of Melbourne: A Journey Through Time and Taste

Melbourne Guided Tours

Uncover the City's Secrets with Authentic Guided Tours

A guided tour in Melbourne offers a unique, immersive experience that goes beyond the typical tourist experience. A local guide brings to life the untold stories and hidden histories of the city, intertwining them with Melbourne's renowned culinary scene.

Historical Insights

Spending time with a local guide is a great way to bring together how the local history of the area has contributed to the modern society that you see now. In Melbourne, we can highlight some aspects of indigenous culture and how this was impacted by British colonial settlement. We can show you how the many people who have come to Melbourne - from the gold rush to post-war migration - have impacted the city today. We’ll look at architecture, the way we navigate the streets themselves and (of course!) the food that we eat.

Culinary Adventures

One of our favorite ways to share the stories of our city is through food. Melbourne’s culinary options can seem overwhelming! It’s a real culinary adventure but it can feel difficult to navigate. Time and time again, we hear guests tell us that they would have walked right past the places we have selected, because they’re unassuming from the outside. Or perhaps they are down a small street they would not have ventured into. Our food tours include tastings that tell the stories of what locals love to eat and the stories of the people that make the food. You’ll leave our guided tour with a new appreciation of the food that is important to Melbourne and the people that brought it here.

Local Guides

If you are interested in really getting to know Melbourne, but have limited time, one of the best ways is with a local guide. You can have all your questions answered and get a real sense of what Melburnians are like! All our tour guides are lovely and passionate local people who enjoy showing you the best of their city. They all have favorite personal anecdotes to share with you, whether it’s a fun story from one of our historical icons or sharing their favorite restaurant as a recommendation for dinner. 

 Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences: 

Of course, we cover the popular places in Melbourne, but we also like to show you some less obvious corners of the city. We might visit the lobby of a building to share some hidden architectural details or perhaps take you to a cafe that you might pass by if you were traveling solo. We have had many local Melburnians on our tours that are surprised by some of the places we take them and discover new things themselves.

So many options

We have a range of tours that cover different types of history and local knowledge from specialist local guides.

Coffee Tours: If you’re interested in where to get the best cup of coffee and how it became such a big thing in Melbourne, join our Coffee Lovers Walk.

Nightlife: If a fun night out with a bit of history about Chinese Melbourne sounds good, our Dumpling Discovery Walk

Foodie Tour: is a good bet. However, if it’s your first time in Melbourne and you’d like a bit more of an overview of the city (or you simply can’t decide between sweet and savory!) join our Foodie Discovery Walk which covers everything! 

 Everyone wants to feel like they have really experienced a place like a local. The only way to get local knowledge is to talk to a local and coming along on one of our guided tours is the best way to do that.  

 You can book any of our guided tours of Melbourne here.