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Offered languages
- English
Discover Melbourne’s rich past and sweetest treats on our History & Donuts Walking Tour. This 2.5-hour experience blends fascinating stories with handpicked donut stops. Starting at Federation Square, we journey past Young & Jackson’s Hotel, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the vibrant art of Hosier Lane. After a quick coffee in Centre Place, we explore the city’s historic core, from the Collins Street precinct to the Mitre Tavern, once a hub of colonial wheeling and dealing. We then stroll through Hardware Lane and stop at Short Stop, famed for its gourmet donuts. From there, it’s down Guildford Lane, a peaceful red-brick laneway rich in character, before reaching the bustling Queen Victoria Market for another sweet treat. We wrap up at Old Melbourne Gaol and the stunning State Library Victoria. Perfect for locals and visitors, this tour serves up history with a side of sugar.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at Federation Square outside Time Out Cafe. The nearest intersection is Swanston & Flinders Street. Time Out Cafe has orange umbrellas/ shade sails in front of it. Your tour guide will meet you in front of this cafe.
This tour finishes outside State Library Victoria where there are trams and trains for onward travel, or plenty of restaurants nearby for lunch.
Itinerary
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1
We begin at Federation Square, Melbourne’s cultural hub, where your guide sets the scene for the city’s history, landmarks, and morning energy.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
In Hosier Lane, we explore Melbourne’s iconic street art scene and how it reflects the city’s evolving identity.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
At Centre Place, we soak in the laneway café culture that helped define Melbourne’s modern-day personality.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Wandering through Hardware Lane, we uncover stories of European influence, hidden speakeasies, and Melbourne’s layered past.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
At Queen Vic Market, we highlight its role in Melbourne’s multicultural food story — and grab a legendary donut, of course. (Closed Monday & Wednesday: an alternate donut stop is used)
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
We finish at the State Library, where stunning architecture and public history come together in one of Melbourne’s most treasured institutions.
2 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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