Melbourne's Living Laneway Scene: Local Bars and Their Stories

4.9
(541 reviews)

3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Step into Melbourne's enduring bar culture through genuine connections with the spaces and people who've shaped it. This isn't about chasing the latest hotspot—it's about experiencing four time-tested venues where skilled bartenders treat their craft as an art form and our guides are welcomed as familiar faces.

Each establishment represents Melbourne's evolution from gold rush settlement to cultural capital, with each venue telling its own story of transformation and reinvention. Whether you're a Melbourne resident who's stuck to familiar territory or a returning visitor seeking substance over spectacle, this tour reveals the stories behind the spaces that define the city's renowned hospitality scene.

Your four venues are thoughtfully chosen daily from our trusted network—from heritage conversion spaces in former warehouses to intimate laneway venues that epitomize Melbourne's small-bar culture.

What's Included

Expert local guide with established industry relationships
First drink at the opening venue
Personalized venue recommendations and custom map
Access to four carefully selected premium venues
Genuine small group experience (maximum 12 people)
Additional drinks at venues
Food
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Opposite iconic Hotel Windsor, adjacent to Parliament House Victoria Near Parliament Station (train lines) and Spring Street tram stops (Routes 11, 12, 48, 109) 5-minute walk from Collins Street shopping district and Treasury Gardens Central to East Melbourne heritage precinct and CBD core access

End point

Located in established laneway district with easy onward access Walking distance to Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Southern Cross Station Easy access to city accommodation and continuing evening plans

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    Exclusive basement bar NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Melbourne's least pretentious whisky bar. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Melbourne's best secret bar NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Incredible rooftop bar NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Secret bar NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Secret bar listed only by a sign with a bicycle. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Tequila and mezcal NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Amazing rooftop bar a stone's throw from the CBD NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9

    One of Melbourne's most famous secret speakeasies NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10

    So close to the water, you can high-five passing crew teams. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 11

    A truly back-alley bar with cocktails injected with syringes (it looks cooler than it sounds) NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12

    One of Melbourne's most expansive rooftop bars NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 13

    Atmospheric space where skilled bartenders create cocktails alongside curated entertainment. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 14

    Heritage precinct venue showcasing Melbourne's layered history through drinks and stories. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 15

    Intimate bar where craft cocktails meet local hospitality traditions. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 16

    Multi-level venue where different floors offer distinct drinking experiences. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 17

    Established gathering place where bartenders know their craft and their community. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 18

    Industrial-inspired space showcasing local brewing and distilling craftsmanship. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 19

    Established cocktail lounge known for skilled bartenders and neighborhood character. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Depot Australia

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Beer & Brewery Tours
Walking Tours
Underground Tours
Small Group
Food & Drink
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.9 Based on 541 541 reviews
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