walking tours free melbourne

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Free Walking Tour Melbourne

Join a fantastic tour with i'm free walking tours and discover the best places in melbourne, free  melbourne walking tour.

G’day mate!

We are your local guides at I’m Free Walking Tours. We’re your complete connection to Sydney and Melbourne’s sights, culture and history. As Melburnians, we will share with you the stories and history of our hometown. We’ll explore with you parts of the city many locals don’t know and laneways you might miss .

Did you know that Melbourne was once the richest city in the world?

To help you have the best time in our city, we will provide you with 100% independent advice on what to see and do.

Operating in Melbourne since 2011 , we believe in helping to make sure you get the most out of your time in Melbourne.

Head to our website to register for tours of Melbourne’s sights and the Culture Capital tour which delves into more laneways and stories about how Melbourne became so famous for its culture.

Pictures from our walks

What visitors think about Free  Melbourne Walking Tour?

Frequently asked questions about the tour

What is the difference between the melbourne sights and culture capital tour which one should i do, do i need to book an i’m free tour of melbourne, where does the tour start and how do i find my i’m free tour guide, is the tour ever cancelled, are your tours accessible for wheelchairs and prams, get inspired by the free tour community blog.

Getting Around Melbourne: A local's guide to exploring the city

A local guide to transport and how to get around Melbourne, to make the most of your visit.

Getting Around Sydney: A local's guide to exploring the city

Everything you need to know about transport and how to get around Sydney like a local.

The 10 best places to take a photo in San Francisco

When most people go to San Francisco they usually want to visit some of the most famous places and catch some unique moments with their photos.

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Where do you want to look?

• East Melbourne
• Melbourne CBD
• North Melbourne
• South Yarra
• St Kilda Rd and Domain
• West Melbourne

Free tours of iconic Melbourne places

Make new memories at Melbourne's most beloved historical spots on a free walking tour.

Melbourne Town Hall Tours

Take a free guided tour of one of the city's most iconic buildings, Melbourne Town Hall . Learn about the building's unique history as you visit the Grand Council Chambers and stand in rooms once visited by royalty. You may even get to stand on the Portico Balcony where the Beatles stood in 1964, waving to thousands of screaming fans below.

The State Library

The State Library has emerged from a major renovation. Take a free history of the library tour to see what's new. You'll visit galleries, the Ian Potter Queens Hall and the heritage reading rooms, where you can stop to browse the endless books. Aussie history buffs will love the new display of Ned Kelly’s armour, alongside his manifesto, the Jerilderie letter.

Parliament House

Head to the 19th century on a public tour of Parliament House . Think Gold Rush-era marble, chandeliers and polished wood. See inside the parliamentary chambers, take a seat in a Member of Parliament's chair and say hello to the statue of Queen Victoria. There are  three tours every weekday , except when Parliament is sitting.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover Melbourne’s vibrant  Royal Botanic Gardens  on a  free guided walking tour . Discover natural flora and fauna as you wander through rolling landscapes, towering trees and glittering lakes. The daily sessions run for one hour and 30 minutes and the expert guides will share all the hidden gems in the gardens.

More self-guided tours

Walks and itineraries

These self-guided walks and itineraries will help you discover Melbourne's best sights.

Aboriginal Melbourne walk

Discover Melbourne's Aboriginal heritage and culture on this walking tour of significant sites.

Secret gardens and majestic parks

Take a walk through Melbourne’s lush parks and gardens.

More Melbourne walking adventures

Hidden Secrets Tours

Indulge and discover the city's hidden charm with Melbourne's original laneway walking tours.

• Walking tour

Melbourne Sights Walking Tour

Uncover the stories behind Melbourne's landmarks, gardens and events on this walking tour.

Secrets of Melbourne Walking Tour

Reemerge from a long lockdown and rediscover Melbourne through this entertaining 3-hour tour.

The ultimate guide to walking tours in Melbourne

Guided tours that weave through Melbourne's hidden gems, foodie spots and street art.

Last updated on Tue 6 Aug 2024

Only In The City

Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade

The Royal Exhibition Building opens its doors to a unique view unseen for 100 years.

• Heritage listed

GoBoat Melbourne

Be your own captain by renting a picnic boat, with no boat licence required.

Melbourne River Cruises

Sit back and relax as your captain details the history of Melbourne on a river cruise.

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Fitzroy Gardens walk

If you’re looking for an iconic Melbourne garden walk, this is an excellent place to start

Sporting Capital Tours

Explore the most amazing sports precinct in the world, plus a guided tour inside the mighty MCG.

Yarra River discovery walk

Take a walk along Melbourne's vibrant waterfront to discover history, art and culture.

Melbourne music walk

Discover Melbourne’s music highlights, from music venues to busking hot spots and historic sites.

Melbourne Sights Free Walking Tour

10:30am daily.

Click ‘join a tour’ to see availability and book your place.

10:30am daily

• 2½ to 3 hour walking tour
• FREE (Pay what you think it's worth)
• Tour starts at the State Library of Victoria (on Swanston St, next to the Sir Redmond Barry statue)

More than Melbourne's Sights

There is so much more to Melbourne than many locals know about. Join us and together we’ll unpack the stories and history of Australia’s cultural capital. Your friendly and knowledgeable Melbourne tour guide will give you insights into the people, places and events of our city.

From the State Library we will explore Melbourne’s beginnings and development from its indigenous history right up to the major developments that have made Melbourne the world city that it is today. We’ll uncover laneways, art, cafe culture and hidden bars so you can experience the best of Melbourne even if you’ve been before.

What we'll cover

– Yarra River

– Eureka Tower

– Chinatown

– Iconic Street art

– Aboriginal History

– Early settlement history

– Old Melbourne Gaol

– Carlton Gardens

– Royal Exhibition Building

– Princess’ Theatre

– Federation Square

– Bourke St

– Flinders St Station

– State Library Victoria

– State Parliament of Victoria

– Melbourne’s first coffee machine

– Ned Kelly

– Batman

– Free things to do

… and much more!

Join a tour

Please note:  We aren’t able to accept groups of 10+ or school / tertiary education groups of any size on the free tours. Instead we offer  Private Tours . Separate registration of large groups will not be accepted on the day as it affects the tour for everyone else.

Happy snaps

How are we free?

Our tours are offered on a “pay what you think it’s worth”  model so people of any budget are able to turn up and enjoy the tour and discover and learn about our great city. 

Join a Tour

Please note: We aren’t able to accept groups of 10+ or organised, school or tertiary education of any size on the free tours. Instead we offer  Private Tours . Separate registration of large groups will not be accepted on the day as it affects the tour for everyone else.

At I'm Free we're all about

All I’m Free guides are experienced and knowledgeable locals who are excited to show you around their hometown.

We’re all about being real! Each of us will share with you our honest, local advice about where to explore, eat or drink. We are never paid to promote or advertise to you.

We will share with you the unique and quirky stories of our city as well as the history behind our main attractions.

Recommended by

We like to think we’re one of Melbourne’s sights, but don’t take our word for it, have a look at what others think.

Where to Meet

Yes, we require bookings so that we can manage numbers and guide availability.

Nope. Not due to weather, we walk rain, hail or shine, and that’s saying something in Melbourne!

We do however, take the current health situation very seriously. In the unlikely event that your guide is at all unwell before the tour and we can’t replace the guide at short notice we may have reschedule. Equally if you’re not feeling well please let us know and we’ll be happy to reschedule your booking to another time when you’re feeling 100%.

The ‘Melbourne Sights’ start point is outside the State Library Victoria (328 Swanston St) next to the Sir Redmond Barry statue. It is in the heart of the CBD (central business district) and Melbourne Central train station is across the road from our start point. All train lines in Melbourne stop at Melbourne Central Station. Click here for Google Maps directions.

The ‘Melbourne Sights’ tour ends at Hamer Hall  at Southbank. A short walk from Flinders Street Station and Federation Square.

Thank you for thinking of us. Yes we can accept, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB and eftpos cards as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay & Samsung Pay. 

At this stage we only offer tours in English.

It can be tricky to find the group once they are under way.

That said we give 5 minutes for people to turn up late and then are at the start point for a few minutes after that.

From there we walk east (right) along La Trobe and then north (left) along Russell St to the Old Melbourne Gaol. Then we continue along Russell St and then east (right) along Victoria St and into the Carlton gardens.

Thank you for thinking of others to create spaces for them to join.

If you need to cancel or change the date of your booking there is a link in your confirmation email that allows you to do that. 

If you need to change the number of people in your booking get in touch and we can adjust it for you.

More Free Tours in Melbourne

Explore & plan melbourne before you arrive.

Planning your trip? We've written articles to help you plan your stay the local way.

• More local tips & fun extras...

I’m Free Tours is your local connection to Melbourne, Sydney & Auckland’s sights, stories & history!

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PEOPLE TOURED SINCE 2009

• Melbourne Sights Free Tour
• Culture Capital Free Tour
• Private Tours
• Plan your trip
• Get to know Melbourne's suburbs
• (+61) 436 018 633

*We require that all participants book ahead to help us manage people on our tours and to help keep us all safe. See here for our COVID Safe protocols.

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NEW TOURS : We are now offering tours in Auckland. If you're heading to New Zealand on your travels head to the Auckland page to see more details and book your place!

13 Free Walking Tours of Melbourne Attractions

Explore some of the city’s most fascinating attractions with my list of the best genuinely free walking tours Melbourne has to offer. 

With expert tour guides and easy accessibility, these guided walking tours explore some of Melbourne’s most beloved historical spots, and you will not be asked to pay a cent. 

The list continues with several free self-guided tours, to further immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Melbourne without spending a dime.

Find a Guided Free walking tour Melbourne

1. melbourne town hall tour.

Step back in time and uncover the rich history of Melbourne Town Hall with a free walking tour. From its stunning architecture to its storied past, you’ll be captivated by tales of Melbourne’s civic life as you wander through this iconic building.

Read about our visit to Melbourne Town Hall.

Tours must be booked online and run every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (except public holidays). Book here.

2. NGV International Collections Highlights Tour

Immerse yourself in the world of art with a free highlights tour of the National Gallery of Victoria International . Marvel at masterpieces from around the globe as your knowledgeable guide leads you on a journey through the gallery’s most iconic works.

We highly recommend seeing the Pharaoh exhibition on now at NGV until 6 October 2024.

Read about our visit to NGV International.

Tours run daily. No booking is required. View here.

3. The State Library History Tour

Delve into the past with a free history tour of the State Library of Victoria . Discover the fascinating stories behind this architectural gem and explore its vast collection of books, manuscripts, and artefacts that document Victoria’s rich heritage.

Read about our experience on the State Library History Tour.

Tours run almost daily. Bookings can be made online. View here.

I have decided I love guided tours. They are so informative and give me a deeper knowledge and appreciation for all the wonderful parts of the city that I have been totally ignorant about and most likely would never visit on my own wanderings.

– Terrie

4. parliament house free guided tour.

Take a glimpse into the heart of Victorian democracy with a free guided tour of Parliament House. Explore the historic chambers, majestic architecture, and learn about the inner workings of Australia’s oldest continuous Parliament.

Read about our visit to Parliament House for an exquisite High Tea and guided tour combo!

Tours run Monday to Friday. Bookings can be made online. View here.

5. Royal Botanic Gardens Free Guided Walk

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Royal Botanic Gardens . Join a free walking tour and explore the garden’s lush landscapes, diverse flora, and hidden gems. Read about our recent visit.

Tours run daily, except for Mondays. Bookings can be made online or in person at the Visitor Centre.

More related reading: The Explorer – A Melbourne Botanical Gardens Tour By Minibus

6. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia Collection Highlights Tour

Discover the best Australian art with a free highlights tour of the Ian Potter Centre, NGV Australia . From Indigenous art to contemporary masterpieces, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and creativity of Australian artists on this must-do Melbourne walking tour.

Read about our recent experience at NGV Australia here.

I’ve always loved the NGV, but was unaware of the guided tours until I read about them on your site. So I took advantage of this new knowledge when visiting Melbourne last week – it was so interesting! Definitely something to be squeezed in to every visit to Melbourne.

– Christine

7. city of melbourne art and heritage collection tour.

Uncover the hidden gems of Melbourne at the City Collection , a captivating ensemble of 13,000 artefacts that reflect the city’s soul and spirit. On a free walking tour, wander through a world of contrasts, where contemporary artworks meet historical memorabilia.

Read about our experience on the City Collection Tour.

Tours run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Bookings must be made online.

8. Dome to Catacombs Tour

Uncover the rich history of Australia’s oldest public library on the Dome to Catacombs free walking tour at State Library Victoria. Delve into the architectural marvels of this iconic institution, from the soaring heights of the Dome in the La Trobe Reading Room to the hidden catacombs below. 

Tours run almost daily. Bookings must be made online.

Find a self-guided free walking tour Melbourne

9. shrine of remembrance self-guided tour.

Pay tribute to Australia’s servicemen and women with a self-guided tour of the Shrine of Remembrance. Explore the hallowed grounds, intricate architecture, and poignant memorials that commemorate the sacrifices of generations past.

Read about our visit to the Shrine.

Open daily. Pick up a free self-guided brochure at the information desk upon entry.

10. St Paul’s Cathedral Self-Guided Tour

Step inside the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral and embark on a self-guided tour of this iconic landmark. Marvel at the grandeur of its Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and serene atmosphere as you discover the spiritual heart of Melbourne.

Open daily. Pick up an information guide or speak to one of the friendly volunteers upon entry.

Read our insights on visiting St Paul’s Cathedral.

11. Koorie Heritage Trust Self-Guided Gallery Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Victoria’s First Nations people with a self-guided tour of the Koorie Heritage Trust . Explore thought-provoking artworks that celebrate Indigenous history and contemporary culture.

Read about our visit to Koorie Heritage Trust.

Open daily. Pick up an information guide or speak to one of the friendly team members at the information desk upon entry.

12. Fitzroy Gardens Self-Guided Walk

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and wander through the tranquil Fitzroy Gardens on a self-guided walk. Discover hidden nooks, playful fountains, and lush greenery.

Read about our recent exploration of the gardens.

Open daily. Pick up a self-guided tour brochure at the Visitor Centre or download a PDF copy here.

13. City Circle Tram Self-Guided Tour

Hop aboard the iconic City Circle Tram and embark on a self-guided tour of Melbourne’s landmarks and attractions. Sit back, relax, and take in the sights as you journey through the city streets, with informative audio commentary to guide you along the way.

Read about our experience on the City Circle Tram.

Operates daily between 10 am – 6 pm. Note that the tram is not wheelchair accessible.

I hope this post has inspired you to get out and explore Melbourne! Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to find out more ways to discover (or rediscover) the joy of exploring Melbourne.

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Walk through exciting melbourne.

One of the world’s most livable cities, Melbourne, is situated in the Victoria province of Australia. This vibrant city is home to many exciting attractions for everyone to visit. For a unique perspective of the city, head to the top of Eureka Tower at the Skydeck and enjoy the busy urban centre by day and the bright city lights by night. Walk onto The Edge for an extreme birds eye view with the ceiling, windows, and floor all made of glass.

For culture and arts, Federation Square is the perfect place to hang out with world-class events and cultural exhibits. And there are plenty of museums including The National Gallery of Victoria housing Australian and Indigenous art, sports museum Melbourne Cricket Grounds, and Scienceworks, a great interactive science centre for kids and adults alike. Another popular museum is Captain Cook’s Cottage, a historic landmark situated in beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. Or wander through the Royal Botanical Gardens and Melbourne Zoo for a day filled with nature.

Your one-stops for eating and shopping are the 16 Arcades and Laneways filled with all your needs. And Melboure is a culinary hotspot whether you’re looking for fine or casual dining, so don’t miss out on fantastic restaurants and bars sprawled throughout the city’s neighborhoods. If you want to learn more about Melbourne, take a free walking tour with local guides from Freetour.com and experience it all for yourself!

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MELBOURNE FREE WALKING TOURS

Explore Melbourne, one of the world's most liveable cities, with a free walking tour.

Melbourne is Australia's stylish art, sporting and cultural capital. Take a walking tour of Melbourne to explore the  street art and vibrant laneways.

See our favourite Melbourne tours. Some are free  with no upfront cost and operate on a tips only basis , while others have associated costs.

We only list tours we'd personally use. If you click  links on our site, we may earn a small commission. Tours not operated by Budd y Free Walking Tours.

Free Walking Tours of Melbourne

Local Melbourne free walking tours. Daily (confirm times on their website) tours offering Melbourne sights and cultural walks. For more information including starting times, length well as meeting points, please visit their website .

Audio Guided Tour of Melbourne

An alternative to a classic tour and highly recommended, this low cost (not free) 3 hour guided audio tour of Melbourne guides you through the major sights of Melbourne.  Learn more .

Self Guided Walks in Melbourne

Another free option to explore this amazing city at your own pace. Follow a self guided tour of Melbourne. 

I recommend having a look at the City of Melbourne walks and itinerary page or Melbourne Buddy's sightseeing walks in Melbourne for inspiration. 

Other Melbourne Tours (not free but highly recommended)

"A walking tour is the best way to explore Melbourne city"

Samantha, visitor to Melbourne in March 2023

Melbourne - something for everyone

Whether you are looking for top class dining, bars or cafes, art galleries, museums, fashion, shopping or sports events, Melbourne is unlikely to disappoint.

Melbourne has some of the best activities, events, restaurants and coffees in the world, which can easily stand head to head with the likes of New York, Florence , Rome,  London or Paris.

I am sure you will have an amazing time during your stay. If you have any Melbourne related questions, please feel free to send us a message.

When you arrive to Melbourne, take a walking tour to get your bearings. Follow your guide past the enchanting street art and vibrant laneways of the cultural and sporting capital.

Each Melbourne tour and each guide has their own favourite tracks to follow but most of the tours will cover most of the following: 

Federation Square,

Yarra River,

Melbourne’s Laneways and Arcades,

Street Art and Graffiti,

Flinders St Station,

Gems including secret bars and Melbourne's famous cafes

The sporting district of Melbourne,

Chinatown, State Parliament of Victoria,

Bourke Street Shopping District and the State Library of Victoria.

Melbourne free walking tours generally operate in English but some tours may be available in other languages including Spanish (tour gratis de Melbourne en español), Mandarin / Chinese (免费城市徒步之旅), Italian (tour a piedi gratuito di Melbourne in italiano) and French (visite gratuite de Melbourne en français).

The free walking tours of Melbourne and other tours and day trips listed here are not operated by Buddy Free Walking Tours. Therefore, we advise you to visit the respective tour websites and find out directly the details of their Melbourne tours. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully for all walking tours and day trips/excursions. Buddy Free Walking Tours takes no responsibility for tours operated by other providers. Please do your research.

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Free Walking Tour of Melbourne

• 8.50 / 10 271 reviews | 3,399 travellers Super interesting tour with a very knowledgeable guide 10 Nataxcha Bornot
• X (Twitter)

The free walking tour of Melbourne is the best way to get a feel for Australia's cultural capital . Discover its monuments and unforgettable sights on this free tour. 

We'll meet at the Flinders Station meeting point, Australia's oldest train station, to begin our tour. From here, we begin our free walking tour of Melbourne's historic center , CBD , or the central business and leisure district , all colloquial names given to this area of the city that's also known as the culture capital of Australia.

Our first stop will be the massive St. Paul Cathedral with its ornate architecture. From here, we'll pass through Federation Square Plaza , one of the main tourist attractions in the city, as it's the leading site for over 2000 cultural events throughout the year.

After, we'll cross over to the heart of Melbourne via the Yarra River Bridge , where we'll take in a marvelous panoramic view of Australia's capital. On the other side of the river, we'll pass by the Immigration Museum , a commemorative monument to immigration in Australia.

Along our route, we'll also stroll through ACDC Lane , a street named in honor of the famous rock band that rose to fame in the heart of Melbourne. The street, inaugurated in 2004, bears the band's name along its walls.

Our free walking tour will culminate at Collins Street , a hidden maze of secret passageways full of street art , after about two hours together.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Expert English–speaking guide

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

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Corporate name: Sebastien Salles

Allowed, with carrier.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

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Free cancellation

Meeting point.

At the cross between Swanston Street and Flinders Street under the clocks

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The Best Walking Tours in Melbourne

Famed for its restaurant and coffee scene, Melbourne is popular with the backpacker crowd (hence why I vibe with it so much!). It has charming, funky neighborhoods, and streets lined with inspiring shops and cafés. You can tap into its amazing nightlife, from a sedate evening at a wine bar to dancing until sunrise at a thumping club. It’s also near the wine-centric Yarra Valley. There’s a lot to see and do here.

Melbourne is considered the “cultural capital” of the country and the best way to find out why is to take a walking tour.

I love walking tours. You’ll get to see the highlights and connect with a local guide that can answer all your questions. There are tours for every niche too, so regardless of your interests (or budget), you’ll be able to have fun and learn a lot about the city.

Here’s my list of the best walking tours in Melbourne.

BEST OVERALL TOUR

MELTours Laneways Tour

This tour gives you a great overview of Melbourne, including a thorough history of the city and a better understanding of how it evolved into the thriving yet laid-back Aussie metropolis that it is today. You’ll also discover the back alleys, the hidden lanes, and the secrets that lay underneath the streets. On this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll visit specialty shops and quirky cafés as you explore untrammeled, lesser-known routes.

Tours start at 99 AUD.

Best Free Tour

I’m Free Tours

If you’re on a budget, I’m Free organizes no-charge walking tours in Melbourne. You can choose between a general walking tour in the morning that covers the main attractions and the stories behind them, or an afternoon tour called “Culture Capital,” which emphasizes art and culture and takes visitors down lesser-traveled lanes and arcades. Be sure to tip your guides at the end!

While those may be the best free and paid tours in town, Melbourne has a lot more to offer, no matter your interests. Here are eight other insightful and educational tours:  

1. Melbourne Street Tours

Street art has become a worldwide phenomenon in the last decade or so. Every big city on the planet has incredible street art and murals to admire — and Melbourne is no exception. In addition to taking you down some lesser-known alleyways, this tour finishes in an artist’s studio warehouse, so you can learn how these amazing works are created.

Tours start at 49 AUD.

Book here!  

2. Depot Adventures Hidden Bar Tour

Melbourne is littered with tiny, sometimes concealed lanes that house some lesser-known establishments. And this, of course, includes bars. This three-hour tour takes you to the backstreets to discover four hidden pubs. The expert local guide will not only regale you with tales of the bar scene in Melbourne but also tell you about the history of the city. Just be sure to come thirsty!

Tours start at 58 AUD.

3. Melbourne Walks

For over three decades, Melbourne Walks has been leading tours. No matter what your interests are, there’s probably a tour that appeals: there’s a crime-focused tour, for example, a back lanes and arcades jaunt, and tours that focus on topics such as architecture, literature, social justice, historic pubs, and individual historical figures. If you’re looking for something niche, start here.

Tours start at 70 AUD.

4. Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Through the Royal Botanical Gardens, you can take a journey through Melbourne and see it through Aboriginal eyes — specifically the Kulin people. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 11am, visitors are shown traditional uses of tools, medicine, plants, and food, as well as the rich and intriguing history and culture of the First Peoples of Australia. It’s incredibly informative!

Tours start at 40 AUD.

5. Blue Tongue Bikes

This bike tour is a great eco-friendly way to get around town. You’ll get an all-encompassing view of Melbourne, seeing all the major attractions while learning its history, from the early Aboriginal period to its establishment to the present day. During breaks, the expert local guide offers tips on what else there is to do and where to eat in the Melbourne area.

Tours start at 65 AUD.

6. Lantern Ghost Tours

For a spooky look into Melbourne’s seedy past, take a ghost tour. Over 90 minutes, you’ll travel back to the 19th century and explore the city’s haunted locations. You’ll trek down narrow alleys, marvel at historic haunted buildings, and hear all kinds of spooky stories from Melbourne’s past and present.

Tours start at 26 AUD.

7. Intrepid Urban Adventures

Sure, Melbourne has one of the best dining scenes — if not the best — in Australia. But if you’re into eating on the go, you can get another perspective on the food landscape of a place by visiting its markets. Intrepid’s 2.5-hour Multicultural Markets Culinary Culture Tour is designed to help you discover the wealth and diversity of the city’s many food markets. It celebrates the food culture in Melbourne, stopping at, among other sites, the famed Queen Victoria Market, the largest open-air market in Australia. You’ll meet vendors, sample their products, and walk away with a full stomach and a deeper knowledge of the diverse food scene of Melbourne.

Taking a walking tour in Melbourne is the best way to kick-start your visit. You’ll connect with a local guide, see the main sights, and learn about the city’s diverse cultural landscape. Whether you’re a foodie or a cocktail aficionado, a history geek or an e-bike enthusiast, there’s a tour here for you. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

Book Your Trip to Melbourne: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:

• Nomads St. Kilda

For more hostel suggestions, here’s a complete list of the best hostels in Melbourne.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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What to see and do in Melbourne

12 Best Free Things To Do in Melbourne CBD

Free Things To Do right in Melbourne City

There are many free things to do in Melbourne central business district (CBD).  You don’t have to travel far in a car.  You just need to walk or hop on a tram in the Free Tram Zone to get to these places we are about to show you.

These free things are a mixture of gallery-hopping, hunting for best street arts, walking-tour, shuffling through the busy lane ways or sniffing out the museums.  So there is something for everyone.

1. Free Walking Tour

This is an absolutely must do free thing in Melbourne.  The free walking tour is organised and run by a group of young and enthusiastic Melbournians, who have a deep knowledge of Melbourne history.

To explore Melbourne, it is wise to start with this free tour and grasp a comprehensive knowledge of Melbourne from the gold rush era to modern time.

It runs twice a day (10:30am and 2:30pm) and everyday (rain or shine).  The tour duration is between 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the size of the group and with a short break in between.  For details check out their website here .

We have also written about this free walking tour and with lots of pictures to show you why it is an absolutely must.  Check out our post here .

2. Free Things to do in State Library of Victoria

The free walking tour meets in front of the State Library of Victoria.  If you are there early before the tour starts, pop into the State Library of Victoria.  You will be pleasantly surprised that it is more than just a library and lots of free things to do.

The Cowen Gallery Exhibition is a free permanent exhibition in the library.  The exhibition is a display of Australia’s most significant collections of Victorian artworks.

The Ned Kelly’s famed armour is also exhibited in the library.

The library runs a free guided tour every Tuesday (except public holidays) from 10:30am till 11:00am.  Check out the schedule here .

3. City Circle Tram

After the free walking tour and the touring the exhibits in the State Library, you probably want to rest your legs.  There is no better way than to have a free ride on the City Circle Tram route 35.

You can get on this tram at Flinders Station stop.

The tram operates between 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday and between 10am to 9pm from Thursday to Saturday.  The frequency is about every 12 minutes.

The city circle tram travels in both directions around Melbourne’s central business district.  The whole loop takes about 48 minutes.

The City Circle Tram Route 35 passes through major tourist attractions in the central business district.  We have a detail post here to show you want visit on this route.

4. Old Treasury Building

The fine neoclassical architecture of the Old Treasury building was constructed between 1858 and 1862 during the gold rush era to store the colony’s gold.

Today you can see the original gold vaults where gold bullion was stored.

There are three permanent exhibitions in the Old Treasury Museum.  They are ‘Built on Gold’, ‘Victorian Archival Treasures’ and ‘Growing Up in the Old Treasury’.

The Old Treasury Building is also host to all Victorian Marriage Registry weddings.  It offers wedding couples the choice of two ceremony rooms.

5. Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)

Located at Federation Square, ACMI is the showcase of Australian cinema and TV.  It displays moving images of all forms – television, films, computer games and digital images.

ACMI has three levels – the Galleries Level, Level 1 and Cinema Level.  Most of the exhibits at the Galleries Level are free.

The exhibits and activities at gallery level is enough free things to keep your children and yourself occupied for half a day.

On the first Sunday of every month, ACMI organise a Family Sunday.  Family Sunday is for kids of all ages packed with activities in sync with moving images of the themed Sunday.  It’s FREE of course.

For further information on ACMI, check out their website here .

6. Ian Porter Centre

Hidden in the basement of the Federation Square is the Ian Porter Centre.

Ian Porter Centre exclusively showcase Australian Aboriginal art and also Australian modern art.

It has three levels with a mix of permanent exhibitions (free) and temporary exhibitions (paid).

Here you can admire the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.  View from a fresh perspective the work of contemporary art, photography, fashion and decorative arts.

For further information on Ian Porter Centre, check their website here .

7. National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria or NGV is the Australia largest and the most visited public art museum.

It has more than 70,000 work of art coming from Asia, Europe, America and Oceania

The NGV’s iconic water-wall facade is a favourite Instagram moment.

NGV has a collection of paintings which include work from Rembrandt, Tiepolo and Bonnard.  Picasso’s  Weeping Woman is also on display here.

NGV’s Asian art collection includes Chinese porcelain, Japanese pottery, Tibetan mandalas, sculptures of Hindu deities and many others.

The Great Hall Ceiling is the world’s largest stained glass ceiling designed by Australian artist Leonard French.  Just lay on one of those large seating and enjoy viewing the stained glass ceiling.

For further information and NGV’s current events, check out their website here .

8. Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is a very prominent building in the Kings Domain.  It is one of the largest war memorials in Australia.

It was built to commemorate the men and women of Victoria who were killed in line of duty during World War I, but now it is a memorial to all Australians who served in the war.

9. Australia Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA)

ACCA is a contemporary art gallery showcasing local and international artists.

The building itself is a contemporary work of art with its rusted exterior and sculptural design.

ACCA’s exhibition programs are constantly changing exhibiting both local and international artists.

Check their website for current events.

10. St Kilda Sunday Market

St Kilda Sunday Market at the Esplanade is probably one of the most popular Sunday market partly due to its vicinity to the city and also close to the popular St Kilda beach.

There are also food trucks to spice up the festive atmosphere.

The Sunday market is also walking distance to Acland Street Village and Luna Park, which the outing to the Sunday market a whole day event.

There is a not so known highlight in St Kilda, which is the little penguins.  A tiny colony of little penguins have strangely chosen the breakwater near St Kilda pier as their home.

A group of volunteers work as guides to help protect these little penguins.  So if you are there visiting, please follow the instructions of these volunteers.

You can learn more about the little penguins of St Kilda pier here .

11. Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in Australia.  There are two seperate buildings that made up QVM.

The Lower Market (bounded by Elizabeth, Victoria, Queen and Therry Streets) is the oldest part of the market.  It is the home to retail meat, fish market, dairy produce hall, and also fruit and vegetables retail.

The Upper Market (bounded by Queen, Victoria, Peel and Franklin Streets) is the newer part of the market.  Shed A and B house fruit retail and food truck.  While Shed C to L, cover a combination of retail and snack shops.

Queen Street, which divide the two markets, is closed to traffic.  It is now turned into Queen Street Plaza, where is a place to have a meal and enjoy free family entertainment.

During summer, between mid-November and end of February, is the Summer Night Market on every Wednesday evening.  There will be hawker-style stalls, bars and entertainment.

In July and August, it is the winter version of the Summer Night Market on every Wednesday evening.

Away from the Queen Victoria Market, is a little known street art on Blender Lane, which is off Franklin Street.  Here you will find some Melbourne’s best street art.

12. Fitzroy Gardens

Fitzroy Gardens is the biggest garden in East Melbourne, covering an areas of 26 hectares (64 acres).  The garden was named after Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy, who was the Governor of New South Wales in 1845.

Your first stop at Fitzroy Gardens should be the Visitor Centre.  At the centre, you can get guidance from the friendly staff on the best way to enjoy Fitzroy Gardens or grab a free map to self explore.

One of the main attractions at Fitzroy Gardens is the Cooks’ Cottage.

Cooks’ Cottage was constructed in 1755 in England and was Captain James Cook’s parents home.

It was dismantled brick by brick and then shipped to Australia.  It was then re-assembled in Melbourne.

To spice up the cottage, volunteers dressed up in the 18th century costumes to welcome visiting tourists.

There is an entry fee to further explore the interior of the cottage.

The other highlight is the Conservatory, which is located on the southeastern corner of Fitzroy Gardens.

The design is of Spanish Mission-style architecture and there are five separate display of flora during different seasons of the year.

Not far from the Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre is the Model Tudor Village.

This a cluster of miniature village, which was presented to the people of Melbourne from the City of Lambeth, in South London.

This was in appreciation of the Victorians’ generosity to send food to Britain during World War II.

There is playground in Fitzroy Gardens, which is located towards Clarendon Street.

The playground is cleverly designed with an animal motive.

There you have it.  These are the 12 best free things to do in Melbourne Central Business District.

We hope you have enjoyed the post and we very much appreciate any positive comments below.

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An outstanding way to spend an evening – laura jan 2023, best for history food shopping and outdoor art – solo traveller april 23, great evening in melbourne – jan 2023, “i loved it, and i’m a local.” – jen, melbourne, cafe culture tour – annelies from netherlands, “hidden secrets tours are becoming a must do for our trips to melbourne.”, newcastle high school – march 2014, shirley – lanes & arcades walk, via tripadviser wynonalavota.

The guide was amazing. She had such a wealth of background knowledge about the area that she answered every question as well as expanding on it. I could see she really enjoyed her what she did with enthusiasm and eagerness. It was a truly amazing experience. I would gladly recommend this tour for all those who love history and interesting coffee and eats  Reviewed 2 January 2014  on TripAdvisor - Cafe Culture Walk

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15 Awesome Walking Tours in Melbourne for 2024: Discover the City on Foot

Looking for the best walking tours in Melbourne to experience the city? As a Melbourne local (who does a lot of walking!), I’ve personally curated this list, covering a variety of interests.

If you love to explore a city on foot, then Melbourne is the city for you. Compact, vibrant and full of sights and history, Melbourne lends itself perfectly to walking tours. 

As a Melbourne local, I know what to look out for when it comes to choosing a walking tour. I even love taking walking tours in my own city – I learn so much!

So, to get the best of the city, I’ve curated this diverse list of tours that cater to a variety of interests – from history buffs to foodies to street art enthusiasts. 

I’ve even thrown in a free Melbourne walking tour to accommodate those with budget constraints. 

So, make sure you pack a pair of comfy shoes because you’ll need them on these walking tours of Melbourne. 

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

What's in this article (Click to view)

My top 3 picks for Melbourne walking tours

Queen vic market ultimate foodie tour.

✔️ Iconic location ✔️Tonnes of food samples

Melbourne Street Art Tours

✔️ Guided by a street artist ✔️ Hidden street art spots

Melbourne Mystery Picnic

✔️ Self-guided ✔️ Plenty of delicious goodies

1. Queen Vic Market Ultimate Foodie Tour

Why choose this tour? Iconic location, great guides and insight into one of Melbourne’s best markets, LOTS of food samples included

When I visit a city, tasting the food is usually my top highlight of the trip. 

So what better way to explore Melbourne than on a walking tour that combines food and one of our most iconic buildings on the Queen Vic Market Ultimate Foodie Tour .

This bustling market has been a part of the city since 1878, and it continues to be a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.

Led by experienced guides who know every nook and cranny in the market, this 2-hour walking tour takes you on a journey through the market’s labyrinth of stalls. 

One of my favourite parts of this tour is all the samples you’ll get – they aren’t stingy! I tried everything from freshly grilled kangaroo to creamy cheeses to local olives to piping hot jam donuts. Trust me, don’t eat before you go – I was completely stuffed after taking this tour.

If I had to pick my favourite Mebourne walking tour, this Ultimate Foodie Tour would be it. It’s a great way to fuel up with delicious local produce while also learning about an important institution in the city. 

Essential tour info:

• Length: 2 hours
• Group size: Maximum 12 people
• What’s included: Friendly guide, lots of tastings, cute Queen Vic Market tote bag
• Distance walked: You’ll need to be able to stand and walk for the 2 hours the tour takes

What people say:

Great tour! Such a great way to see the markets and get a taster for some of the different foods on offer. The truffle pasta was delicious, and smoked cheddar? YUM. The guides were amazing – you can tell they live and breathe the markets and the kind people who work there. Will definitely be recommending this tour to others – Jessica ( read more reviews )

2. Melbourne Street Art Tours

Why choose this tour? Your only chance to see street art in Melbourne with an actual street artist!

Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant street art scene. You can easily stroll the streets yourself to check out the laneways and alleyways that street artists use as their canvases, but a better option is a street art walking tour.

My recommended street art tour is with Melbourne Street Art Tours . 

Why is this one my favourite? 

Because these Melbourne tours are led by actual street artists who understand the culture. You may even spot a few of their own artworks on the tours – as I did with my guide.

During the tour, guides provide insights into the street art culture, shed light on what’s legal and what’s not, and share the stories and sometimes political messages behind the artworks. 

The ever-changing nature of street art in Melbourne guarantees that each tour is a fresh and exciting experience, with new artworks to discover every day.

Tours end at The Blender Studios in West Melbourne, an art complex that’s produced some of Australia’s most influential artists. Here, your tour guide puts on a smorgasbord of beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks to enjoy while you stroll through the art studio. 

Want to get out of the city? Melbourne Street Art Tours also run tours through Fitzroy, one of Melbourne’s coolest neighbourhoods .

• Length: 3 hours
• Group size: Maximum 13 people
• What’s included: Local guide who knows all about street art, afternoon tea, beer, wine, and soft drinks

Our guide Ben was so full of knowledge. We could have simply walked the streets, and admired the artwork, but now I know how much insight we would have missed out on. If you want the full experience then book this tour. – Christopher ( read more reviews )

3. Melbourne Mystery Picnic

Why choose this tour? Explore the city’s best food and street art on a self-guided tour that’s designed around solving clues to find your next food location

While it’s not technically a Melbourne walking tour, an AmazingCo Mystery Picnic is a great way to see the city sights in a different way.

Because, let’s face it, sometimes you don’t want to go on a walking tour with a bunch of strangers. But with these mystery picnics, you’re exploring the city with just your own friends.

So how does it work? You’ll receive a series of clues that lead you to a variety of different vendors where you’ll pick up goodies for a picnic – everything from cheeses, deli meats, bread, dessert and wine. 

As you solve your clues and make your way to the stores to pick up your delicious goodies, you’ll also be directed to interesting alleyways and buildings and get the story behind them. While you’re enjoying your picnic, there’s also a quiz you can take about Melbourne.

All up, my friends and I did about 10,000 steps as we wound our way around the city – so we definitely earned our picnic!

This is the perfect walking tour in Melbourne to take with friends, family or your significant other. 

You can read my full Mystery Picnic Melbourne review to learn about a few things you’ll need to take with you on the tour – such as a picnic blanket and a phone.

• Length: 3-4 hours – but it’s up to you how fast or slow you go
• Group size: Just you and your crew!
• Distance walked: We did around 10,000 steps
• What’s included: Clues, plenty of food and drinks

Amazing experience! full day of joy, fun, delicious food & beautiful places we never knew existed until we did this! Highly recommend! We are going to do this again. – Hayley ( read more reviews )

4. Complete Melbourne Walking Tour

Why choose this tour? The best option if you’ve only got a short time in Melbourne and want to get a “complete” overview of the city

First time in Melbourne? Then the Complete Melbourne Walking Tour is ideal for you. 

Designed to give you a comprehensive overview of Melbourne’s vibrant history and culture in 3 hours, this tour definitely delivers on that. 

This Melbourne walking tour tells the story of Melbourne’s globally renowned reputation for coffee – and you’ll even get the chance to sip one of the city’s best. Melbourne’s street art scene is phenomenal, and you’ll be shown some of the best spots. 

You’ll walk by major city landmarks like Federation Square and the Old Melbourne Gaol, and learn the history of the city. But you’ll also find yourself exploring parts of Melbourne that may not be in the guidebook, but are just as fascinating.

Run by one of Melbourne’s top tour providers, each tour is led by a local guide who knows Melbourne like the back of their hands. These people are walking the streets every day, and only too happy to spill their secret spots.

Tours are carried out in small groups, which means the tour can often be tailored to suit your interests, making the experience all the more personal and engaging. 

What I like about this tour is that it jams a lot in to a short period – but it doesn’t feel rushed. It’s the ideal way to spend a few hours if you’re only in Melbourne for a limited time, say for a weekend trip to Melbourne or only 3 days in Melbourne .

Essential tour info: 

• Group size: Maximum 12 people, but average group size is 4 people
• What’s included: Local guide, coffee, beer
• Distance walked: Around 3km 

Knowledgeable and friendly guide. Highly recommend taking a tour from Laura. Great introduction to the city. We went to places we never would have found! – dglawyer ( read more reviews )

5. Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Tour

Why choose this tour? Find hidden laneways and arcades you’d never have discovered by yourself

One of Melbourne’s best attractions are our distinctive lanes and arcades. 

Dating back to the Victorian era, these laneways were used to access buildings and – let’s face it – for criminal activity. 

Now, they’re filled with shops, cafes, bars and galleries, and are a drawcard for visitors.

To get an insider’s look into this labyrinth, the Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Tour is a great walking tour. Your guide will steer you through the most interesting and important laneways and arcades, stopping for coffee or tea and sweet treats. 

But the tour isn’t just for visitors. I’d also say it’s a great choice for locals looking to see a different side of Melbourne. Even if you’ve been living in the city for years, you’re bound to discover something new and fascinating on this tour.  

These tours are run by Hidden Secrets Tours, one of Melbourne’s oldest tour companies. I know the owner, Fiona, and she’s a Melbourne enthusiast who’s genuinely passionate about sharing the city’s secrets with others. 

Essential tour info:  

• Group size: Maximum 8 people
• Distance walked: Around 2.5km
• What’s included: Professional local guide, chocolate tasting, coffee, tea or hot chocolate 

Fiona was a fantastic guide who led us through arcades and lanes that we never would have seen otherwise. Wonderful history of Melbourne. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. One of the highlights of our trip. – Carol ( read more reviews )

6. Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Why choose this tour? An excellent insight into First Nations culture while also exploring Melbourne’s beautiful botanic gardens

One of my favourite walks in Melbourne is the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens. 

You may think you need to travel deep into the Australian Outback to learn more about Indigenous Australian culture , but you don’t have to – you can learn a whole lot right in the heart of Melbourne. 

On the tour – led by an Indigenous guide – you’ll learn about traditional uses of trees and plants for food, medicine and tools.

This tour starts with a traditional welcoming ceremony, followed by a walk through the gardens. It ends with a discussion over cups of lemon myrtle tea. 

I was lucky to have Uncle Den “the Fish”, a popular radio personality, lead my tour. As well as sharing his knowledge about the plants and trees we saw around the gardens, he was generous with his personal story of growing up Aboriginal in Australia.

It’s a beautiful way to explore the Botanic Gardens, and I discovered a whole lot of places that I never even knew were there.

The tour is an easy stroll around the gardens and it’s suitable for all ages and for Australians and visitors alike.

• Length: 1.5 hours
• Group size: Generally small groups
• Distance walked: A couple of kms – at a light stroll
• What’s included: Guide, light refreshments (lemon myrtle tea) 

Listening & learning from Uncle Den was awesome. He connected with old, young, local & international perspectives in the group & really quickly built the respect & understanding of our need to connect to & respect country. The mix of humour, info & discussion to provoke deeper reflection & challenge within the group was pretty damn cool in such a short amount of time. I’n already recommending it to anyone & everyone!! – Steve ( read more reviews )

7. Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk

Why choose this tour? Insights into Indigenous Australian culture you won’t get elsewhere

Another fascinating tour that explores the city’s Indigenous roots is the Koorie Heritage Trust’s Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk.

The guided walking tour takes visitors from Federation Square down to Birrarung Marr alongside the Yarra River.

Birrarung Marr loosely translates to “river of mists and shadows”. Birrarung is the traditional name of the Yarra River, the river that flows through Melbourne.

Birrarung Marr is home to several Aboriginal art pieces that I’d never really noticed before, even though I’ve walked through the area countless times. Our guide Kieran did a great job of pointing them out to our group and describing their meanings.

Kieran was also incredibly open, encouraging people to ask questions about Indigenous Australian culture, even “taboo” topics. He explained that these discussions are important if people are to truly understand one another.

The tour ends back at the Koorie Heritage Trust with a demonstration of several weapons, tools and other artefacts.

• Length: 1 hour
• Distance walked: A couple of kilometres
• What’s included: Experienced Koorie guide, entrance to Koorie Heritage Trust

We had an amazing time at the Koorie Heritage Trust. We went for one of their walks and our tour guide Kieran was nothing short of amazing. Very well spoken and was great at relaying detail and information to us. He was extremely friendly and he ensured we had an all around good time! We learnt so much about Aboriginal culture and got to hold real life artefacts the aboriginals used for hunting. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to go. 10/10 David ( read more reviews )

8. Melbourne Foodie Culture Tour

Why choose this tour? Learn about Melbourne’s multicultural history and present, through a delicious tour through hidden gem restaurants and cafés

You may know Melbourne as the culture capital of Australia, but we’re also celebrated as the culinary capital. 

The Melbourne Foodie Culture Tour is a delicious experience that combines the city’s multicultural history with its culinary heritage. Over 4 hours, this walking tour in Melbourne will take you on a fascinating journey, revealing how Victoria’s diverse population from over 200 countries, speaking 260 languages and dialects and following 135 religious faiths have shaped our unique food scene.

The adventure begins at the Immigration Museum, one of Melbourne’s most iconic museums , where you’ll learn about the history of immigration. 

From there, you’ll be guided through the city’s laneways, stopping at five different vendors. At each, you won’t just enjoy a tasting, you’ll also hear stories about the history behind the foods and flavours of the shops. These places aren’t in the Top 10 lists or in guidebooks, they’re true hidden gems.

Having personally experienced a tour with Foodie Trails , the company that runs this gastronomic journey, I can vouch for the fact that you will not leave hungry. They know how to run excellent walking food tours of Melbourne .

This is a walking tour that’s less about the distance covered, and more about the flavours discovered. 

• Length: 4 hours
• Group size: 14 people
• Distance walked: The walk from the various venues is about 30-40 minutes in total with breaks at each stop, the longest walk is no more than 15 minutes
• What’s included: Snacks, knowledgeable and passionate guide, entry fee to Immigration Museum 

Our guide was very knowledgeable, and gave an interesting history of the culture. She explained where much of the food came from, and then we walked about to various restaurants to sample their cuisine. This is definitely a tour I’d recommend. – Daniel ( read more reviews )

9. Old Melbourne Ghost Tour

Why choose this tour? A spooky way to learn about Melbourne’s grisly past 

Believe in ghosts? Don’t believe in ghosts? 

Whichever way you fall, the Old Melbourne Ghost Tour is a Melbourne walking tour that’s interesting for all.

Having taken the tour myself, I can vouch for its spine-tingling moments and the eerie stories that’ll at times have you looking back over your shoulder. 

Starting at iconic pub Young & Jackson, this walking tour meanders its way around the city and into the heart of Chinatown, peeling back the layers of Melbourne’s dark history. I learned so many creepy stories – including that many people believe Jack the Ripper may have once walked the lanes of Melbourne.

Our tour guide was a fabulous storyteller and a paranormal expert, and she shared her own ghostly experiences on this very entertaining ghost tour in Melbourne . 

I was particularly curious when she brought out her dowsing rods. Watching them move independently in certain spots was downright spooky. 

Some fellow tourists even reported feeling a cold touch or shivers run down their spine at particular locations. 

One thing our guide emphasised: approach the tour with an open mind. It’s designed to engage both sceptics and believers, and our group was a testament to that.

• Tour duration: 1.5 hours
• Group size: 20 people (but our group was much larger than that)
• Distance walked: Around 3-5kms
• What’s included: Walking tour, local guide

Thoroughly enjoyed my tour on Friday night with Timie(?). She had such a warm engaging personality, lots of patience and detailed knowledge about the fascinating stories of Melbournes darker history. Touring through the laneways with a group of likeminded travelers enjoying the ambience of the city CBD on a wintery Friday night was the perfect activity for this single traveller and I would highly recommend this tour. I hope to do it again with my adult children sometime. Thank you – Sari ( read more reviews )

10. Hidden Bars & Boozy History of Melbourne

Why choose this tour? Discover Melbourne’s coolest bars while also learning about the city’s history

The Hidden Bars & Boozy History of Melbourne tour isn’t your regular history tour. 

No, on this walking tour you’ll hear about Melbourne’s love affair with drinking, the harsh persecution of barmaids back in the day, the city’s booziest Police Commissioner and the intriguing tales of secret men’s clubs. It’s all told in a way that brings the past to life and offers a whole new perspective about the city.

And, of course, told over a few drinks while you explore Melbourne nightlife . 

During the tour, you’ll visit three different bars , each with its own unique ambiance and charm. You’ll even get a map of more Melbourne bars to explore after the tour is over.

What I particularly like about this tour is that it starts at 3.30pm, leaving you plenty of time to make dinner plans afterward. 

Just remember, you need to be at least 18 years old to join in on the fun. And drinks aren’t included in the tour price.

And while the tour does involve some drinking, it’s not a wild pub crawl – it’s all about savouring the local flavours, enjoying good company and soaking up Melbourne’s vibrant history. 

• Group size: 12 people
• Distance walked: A few kilometres over the 3 hours
• What’s included: Professional guide, map of Melbourne’s best bars, photos of your tour (free upon request)  

Tom and the tour itself were wonderful! We went to some of the best places in Melbourne and everyone had a grand time. The cocktail selections were brilliant as was the commentary between stops. Book this today if you’re thinking of a walking tour in Melbourne and you enjoy a good cocktail with your tour. – Stacy ( read more reviews )

11. Melbourne Dumpling Walking Tour

Why choose this tour? One word: dumplings!!

Who can resist dumplings? 

The Melbourne Dumpling Walking Tour takes one of the world’s best foods and combines it with a fascinating walking tour through Melbourne’s Chinatown, a district rich in culture, history and, of course, delicious food.

Melbourne is home to a substantial Chinese community, with roots tracing back to the 1850s when the gold rush period drew people from across the world. 

The tour’s main attraction is, of course, the dumplings . You’ll sample a variety of these delicious morsels, each one prepared in a different style across four unique venues. I have to say, I was surprised at just how many dumplings we ate on this tour!! There was a plate of each dumpling to share between two people – so you definitely won’t be hungry at the end of this tour!

While you’re enjoying the dumplings, you’ll learn about the different regions they come from, as well as meet some of the restaurant’s owners and hear their stories.

The tour kicks off at 6pm, so it’s the perfect evening activity. Consider your dinner plans sorted. (Although I’ve got a lot more ideas for where to eat in Melbourne if you need them!) 

Of course, the tour unfortunately isn’t suitable for those who follow a gluten-free diet.

• Group size: 10 people
• Distance walked: Around 1.5km
• What’s included: Expert commentary and history, variety of handmade dumplings, tea and water 

Uh, yes, a DUMPLING tour? What more info do you need? I’ve done a lot of food tours and this one was among the most unique. Very well-run, would do it again and would absolutely recommend. – Paige ( read more reviews )

12. Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Chocolate and Dessert Walking Tour

Why choose this tour? Discover the city’s beautiful chocolate makers and leave with free gifts and discounts

The Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Chocolate and Dessert Walking Tour is an absolute dream come true for every chocolate aficionado. I have a huge sweet tooth, so this tour seems like it was designed specifically for me!

Before you embark on your sweet journey, you’ll learn the art of tasting chocolate – yes, there’s a right way to do it. (Apparently I’ve been doing it all wrong!)

This Melbourne walking tour isn’t just about indulging in chocolates and desserts though. It’s also a great opportunity for both tourists and locals to explore the city’s laneways and arcades. Even as a local you’ll discover a tonne of stores and history.

And for those looking to take back a sweet memento, the tour comes with added perks – discounts at the shops you visit. Grab some treats for your friends and family at home, or simply stash them away for your secret late-night indulgences. 

• Distance walked: Around 2km
• What’s included: Professional, local guide, minimum 7 chocolate tastings (including hot chocolate, cheese and chocolate matching and dessert), Chocoholic “survival kit” 

Tonya was the most wonderful guide. Not only was she very knowledgeable, but also witty, compassionate, considerate and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed the decant chocolates and other delicious delicacies but also the strolls through the arcades, the laneways, the stories and the twisting and turning of the hustle bustle of Melbourne on a Saturday….obviously a new by to Melbourne – JoAnne ( read more reviews )

13. History and Donuts Walking Tour

Why choose this tour? Wander the city, learn about history and culture and chow down on doughnuts

Certainly one of the most creative walking tours in Melbourne, the History and Donuts Walking Tour is perfect for history buffs and foodies alike.

This unique tour gives you the chance to delve deep into the city’s history, all while keeping your taste buds satisfied with decadent donuts and coffee.

As you traverse through Melbourne’s laneways, your guide will share intriguing stories from the city’s darker past. You’ll get acquainted with the former city slums, known for their raw and gritty past, and the old red light district, a place filled with tales of intrigue and scandal. 

As you take in the city’s past, you’ll also get to indulge in its present – delicious, sugary donuts that are as diverse as Melbourne itself. Paired with a cup of coffee, it’s the perfect way to refuel and keep your energy up for the tour. 

• Length: 2.5 hours
• Group size: Small group
• What’s included: Local guide, coffee/tea, two donuts 

Friendly and knowledgeable guide. Well paced and interesting history recommended for those who can walk around for a couple of hours. The donut stops are well considered and sooo tasty. – Paula ( read more reviews )

14. I’m Free Melbourne Sights Tour

Why choose this tour? Great for those on a budget who want to see the best of the city

The city may have a reputation for being expensive, but there are actually plenty of free things to do in Melbourne , including free Melbourne walking tours. 

The I’m Free Melbourne Sights Tour is an ideal choice if you’re touring on a budget or simply looking to explore Melbourne’s vibrant cityscape without breaking the bank. (Read more of my tips for saving money in Melbourne .)

The tour is loaded with fascinating tales about the city’s history, and it’s a great way to get acquainted with Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, all under the guidance of a friendly local expert.

The I’m Free tour is a comprehensive journey through Melbourne’s history and culture. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the haunting tales of the Old Melbourne Gaol, the tour provides an engaging and insightful glimpse into Melbourne’s past and present. 

You’ll also be shown the best of the city’s stunning street art, a testament to Melbourne’s thriving creative scene.

Remember, while the tour itself is free, it’s customary to leave a tip for your guide. After all, they’re often local enthusiasts who share their love for Melbourne out of passion, not just for the pay. 

• Length: 2.5-3 hours
• Group size: Can be large groups
• Distance walked: 3.5-4km
• What’s included: Passionate local guide 

Fantastic- even the rain couldn’t put a damper on our outing. Lenny is truly an ambassador supreme for the city, who deserves to be given the key to the city. His dialogue was informative and his responses to questions, genuine. I’m really grateful that we got explore this city with the humour and guidance of Lenny. – Queckers ( read more reviews ) 

15. Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops

Why choose this tour? An interesting dive into the city’s criminal past, led by a true crime expert

True crime fans will love the Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops , a tour that explores Melbourne’s shadowy past. 

One of the most interesting tours in Melbourne, it takes you down Lonsdale Street, a place teeming with tales of brothels, speakeasies and notorious characters from the 1870s to the 1930s. 

The tour is led by Michael Shelford , a writer, freelance journalist and private historian. He’s dedicated over 14 years to researching Melbourne’s crime history, so he’s the perfect escort into Melbourne’s darker history.

You’ll be captivated by the stories of Australian gangster Squizzy Taylor and the slum of “Little Lon”, and you’ll be amazed to learn how these gangs cunningly used lolly shops (or candy stores as Americans will know them) as fronts for their illicit drug operations.

What I really liked about this tour is that Michael projects images of people and places onto walls as you’re walking around, which I think makes the history come to life.

• Group size: Maximum of 20 people
• Distance walked: A couple of kms
• What’s included: Professional guide, tour booklet featuring photos of the characters discussed along the way  

Enjoyed the tour, Micheal was very knowledgeable and explained the ‘going ons’ of yesteryear with a passion. Which made for an interesting time for me. The 2 hours went very quickly. Nice one and thank you. – Paul ( read more reviews )

Final thoughts: Walking tours in Melbourne

In my opinion, walking tours are one of the best ways to experience Melbourne. A walking tour allows you to slow down, soak up the city’s atmosphere and discover hidden spots you might miss on a regular Melbourne sightseeing trip. 

Each tour I’ve listed here offers a unique perspective, letting you dive deep into the history, culture and spirit of Melbourne. 

Whether you’re chasing the city’s haunting past on a ghost tour, savouring the gastronomic delights on a food tour or simply admiring the city’s iconic landmarks, there’s a walking tour for every taste and interest. 

Melbourne walking tours: FAQ

What should i wear on a melbourne walking tour.

Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable, so I recommend dressing in layers. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen for sunny days, and a waterproof jacket in case of rain.

Do I need to book my walking tour in advance?

Yes, I recommended booking your walking tour in advance, including the free walking tour. Some tours are incredibly popular and can book out quickly, especially during peak tourist season.

Are the walking tours suitable for children?

While most walking tours are family-friendly, some (like the ghost tour) might be a bit intense for younger children. It’s best to check the tour description or directly contact the tour company to make sure. Don’t worry, there are plenty of great things to do with kids in Melbourne !

Are the tours accessible for people with mobility issues?

Many tours are, but it does depend on the specific tour. Melbourne is a fairly accessible city, but some tours may include areas with uneven pavement or stairs. Contact the tour provider for specific advice.

What if it rains on the day of my walking tour?

Most tours go ahead rain or shine, so don’t forget to bring that waterproof jacket! If extreme weather conditions cause cancellation, the tour company will typically offer a reschedule or a refund.

Found this article useful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Have you ever taken a walking tour in Melbourne? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

Related posts

Before you go… Looking for more things to do in Melbourne? Here are my city guides:

• The 30 best things to do in Melbourne
• How to spend three days in Melbourne
• The best Melbourne tours for all interests
• 9 best food tours in Melbourne
• Where to eat in Melbourne: 75+ best restaurants
• What to do in Melbourne on a rainy day
• The most fun things to do in Melbourne with kids
• The best things to do in Melbourne at night

Best Melbourne resources

• Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
• Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner .
• Book accommodation on Booking.com or Expedia for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways Hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
• You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through DiscoverCars .
• Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.

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About THE AUTHOR

I’m Rebecca, a Melbourne local excited to show you the best of Melbourne. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. After living abroad for 8 years, I’m back home in Melbourne, rediscovering this city that I love and have missed. My aim is to help you find the best things to do in Melbourne.

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Walking Tours of Melbourne

Personalised tours | melbourne walks.

Melbourne Walks has been providing high-quality and personalised walking tours delivered by historians for three decades. Experience the Melbourne story from the inside: history, lanes, culture, architecture, heritage, street art, iconic venues, lost and hidden places.  Our professional guides deliver highly researched tours tailored to individuals, couples, families, large groups and schools.  Choose from one of our many tours or request a unique tour fashioned around your interests. For bookings please contact us . 

City Discovery School Tours

THE CITY DISCOVERY SCHOOL TOUR is a journey through the Story of Melbourne from Indigenous to European occupation to the Gold Rush … Read more

All Our School Tours

See all of our Melbourne school tours and excursions. Read more

Amazing Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Tour

Explore Melbourne’s vibrant and fascinating maze of lanes and arcades. Read more

THE LOST CITY OF MELBOURNE TOUR

GOLD-RICH Melbourne in the 1850s was the fastest-growing city in the world. It would soon become a world-famous metropolis of stunning commercial … Read more

Melbourne Street Art & Graffiti Tour

EXPLORE Melbourne’s famous street art and graffiti in the city’s labyrinth of lanes. Don’t miss one of the most radical urban art movements in the world. See also … Read more

Melbourne Crime Tour

HAVE you got the detective skills to crack Melbourne’s cold cases and collect millions of dollars of rewards? Read more

Sustainable Architecture Tour

THE SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE TOUR explores Melbourne’s goal to be a  sustainable ‘carbon neutral’ precinct by 2040. Is that possible and how? Our … Read more

DOCKLANDS HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE TOUR

OUR WALKING TOUR tells the story of Melbourne’s Docklands precinct from its Indigenous heritage to colonial settlement to shipping wharves to a … Read more

Fabulous Architecture Melbourne Tour

OUR tour explores the fabulous architecture of Melbourne story from early lanes to the goldrush boom to inter-war to the modern era to … Read more

Melbourne Social Justice Tour (Schools & Groups)

MELBOURNE is a founding heartland of Australian democracy and the peace movement. Australia was instrumental in the founding of the United Nations … Read more

Indigenous Landscapes Tour

VISIT Melbourne’s Indigenous places such as camping, ceremonial, ngargee (corroboree), historic and archaeological sites Read more

ALL OUR TOURS (50)

We provide over 50 different walking tours as well as designing and combining tours to meet special requests. Choose your theme  and … Read more

LIVING WILD OFF THE LAND – foraging tour

FORAGE in Melbourne’s urban landscapes, walking through woodland, billabong, wetland, parkland, and stream to the seashore of beautiful Hobsons Bay. IDENTIFY AND … Read more

MELBOURNE WOMEN TOURS

OUR Melbourne Women Tour in the CBD visits important historic places to appreciate how women from all walks of life during Melbourne’s … Read more

Madame Brussells Tour

THE MADAM BRUSSELLS TOUR explores the nineteenth-century history of the famous ‘slums’ and ‘red-light’ districts of Little Lon and Little Bourke, today … Read more

The City of Literature Tour

JOURNEY through our UNESCO City of Literature with its rich history of authors, publishers and books, EXPLORE the creative ways that Melbourne’s literature … Read more

MERRI CREEK & DIGHTS FALLS TOUR

This tour explores the extraordinary landscapes of Merri Creek, Dights Falls Park and the Birrarung or Yarra River.  It explores important Indigenous, … Read more

MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE – THE GOLDEN MILE

Journey along the ‘The Golden Mile’ of  Collins Street and experience almost 190 years of iconic Melbourne places. Explore the iconic architecture … Read more

Melbourne Innovation Tour

MELBOURNE has been voted the world’s most liveable city seven times. What are the innovations that put this city on the world … Read more

WALKING TOURS FOR CLUBS $25

Over fifty cultural, historic and Indigenous walking tours! The perfect learning and social event for club members of U3A, Probus, Rotary, Life … Read more

SQUIZZY TAYLOR TOUR

Take a walking tour through the CBD of places associated with the notorious ‘Squizzy’ Taylor. The diminutive ex-jockey was a self-promoting gangster,  … Read more

FLAGSTAFF HILL TOUR

EXPLORE Melbourne’s oldest park and its extraordinary history of first burials, signal station, observatory, corroboree site, promenade for early Melbournians, historic buildings … Read more

HISTORIC PUBS & PLACES TOUR ST KILDA

VISIT over a dozen past and present drinking holes in seaside St Kilda dating from the Gold Rush. Travel from the Elephant and Wheelbarrow … Read more

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET TOUR

EXPLORE the vibrant and historic Queen Victoria (QV) market, a colorful and popular destination for visitors and a food heaven. FIND OUT about current proposals for extensive redevelopment of … Read more

PORT MELBOURNE REBORN

EXPLORE the historic suburb of Port Melbourne, transformed in recent years from working-class docks and suburb to one of Victoria’s most desirable … Read more

St Kilda Walking Tours

Explore Fantastical St Kilda, one of Melbourne’s most popular and historic suburbs.  Absorb its extraordinary atmosphere, architecture, pubs, mix of people, pleasure … Read more

Marvellous Smellboom Tour – the ‘Low Life’ of Melbourne

Experience Alternative Melbourne – far more interesting than the glittering ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ of the Victorian era! Behind the shiny facade was an … Read more

Dunny Lanes of Melbourne Tour

Join an 1880s ‘Dunny’ (sanitation) Crew on their rounds though the hidden 120-year-old infrastructure of Melbourne’s lanes Read more

Jetsetting Fools

Travel Far. Discover More. Spend Less.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Melbourne, Australia

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

My first glance at a map of the Melbourne CBD was a little overwhelming. There is quite a lot of ground to cover in order to see the top Melbourne sights. However, when we hit the pavement, we found Melbourne to be a very walkable city. With just a few hours, an ambitious person could easily complete this self-guided walking tour of Melbourne!

Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Melbourne

Walking tours of Melbourne are an ideal way to get acquainted with the city center – or the Central Business District (CBD) as locals call it. While there are numerous Melbourne Walking Tours that are led by guides, we created this Free Melbourne Walking Tour for visitors who like to explore at their own pace. 

At the end of the post, we share our top tips for Melbourne City Walks, suggestions for themed and guided walking tours in Melbourne and two maps so that you can find your way to each sight. We also include turn-by-turn directions within our Melbourne Free Tour. 

Pro Tip: There are heaps of distractions along the way (many of which we point out during the Melbourne walk), if you have the time, go explore and enjoy!

Pin, Save or Bookmark our Free Walking Tour Melbourne for your vacation to Australia!

#1 Queen Victoria Market

The historic Melbourne market has been in operation since 1878 and is now spread over two city blocks. Allow yourself some time, grab a coffee to go and peruse the stalls. Besides the fresh produce market, there is an indoor deli, outdoor general merchandise market and several permanent stores around the QVM perimeter.

Pro Tip : Find out more about visiting the QVM in our complete article: Queen Victoria Market: Day, Night and Weekend.

Walk east on Victoria Street to Swanston and head south to Latrobe to the…

#2 State Library of Victoria

The State Library of Victoria is the second stop on our Melbourne Free City Tour. The library opened in 1856 and has been growing ever since, now holding a collection of more than 2 million books, art galleries and historical exhibits.

Pro Tip : It is free to enter the library – and we recommend going in to take a look around and view the impressively domed La Trobe Reading Room. Then, go upstairs for a view from above on the balcony and a peek at the historical exhibits as well.  

Continue east on Latrobe to Russell Street and turn north to the…

#3 Old Melbourne Gaol

The Old Melbourne  Jail is a must-see when city sightseeing Melbourne. The jail operated from 1842 until 1929 as a prison and where criminals who had been sentenced to death were hanged, including the (in)famous Ned Kelly .

Pro Tip : The Old Melbourne Gaol is one of the most popular museums in Melbourne – and a ticket is required to enter. Visitors interested in learning about Australia’s most notorious criminals and exploring the prison cells should book a ticket in advance . 

Continue north on Russell Street as it turns into Lygon Street and turn right onto Queensberry Street and head east to the…

#4 Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Building

One of the most beautiful places in Melbourne, the Carlton Gardens is the next stop on our tour. Designated a park in 1839, the 64 acres are perfect for a stroll, rest or picnic.

Aim for the center of the park and the Royal Exhibition Building . Built in 1880 for the Melbourne International Exhibition, it was also the site of the first official opening of Australian Parliament in 1901. It was actually set to be demolished, but was saved and remodeled in the late 1990s. In 2004, it received UNESCO World Heritage status.

Continue walking east to Nicholson Street and turn south as it becomes Spring Street, passing the Parliament Gardens and view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral (if time allows, make a detour to visit the church). On the opposite side of Spring street in the historic Princess Theater. Continue south to the steps of…

#5 Parliament House, Melbourne

The Parliament House is a regular stop on all Melbourne CBD Tours. Built between 1856 and 1930, the Parliament House  is where both houses of Victoria’s Parliament – the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council – still meet today.

Pro Tip: The interior can be seen by guided tour on non-sitting days or from the public gallery when Parliament is in session – both options are free!

For architecture and gold lovers, make a little detour and continue south to the Old Treasury Building , which is free to enter and includes intriguing exhibits detailing Melbourne history. For those short on time, cross Spring Street to Bourke Street and head west to Exhibition Street. Go north to Little Bourke and turn west into…

#6 Chinatown, Melbourne

The next stop on our Melbourne Free Walking Tour is fascinating Chinatown. Marked by ornately painted gates and hanging lanterns, walk the length of Chinatown . Like so many foreigners, the Chinese were also drawn to Melbourne in the 1850’s by the prospect of finding gold. Land was purchased by many Chinese people along Little Bourke and the thriving Chinatown remains today with a bevy of Asian restaurants and shops.

Pro Tip: Among the many places and things to eat in Melbourne, Dumplings in Chinatown are a must-try! We feasted at the no-frills, budget-friendly Shanghai Dumpling House – which is open for lunch and dinner. 

Continue west to Swanston Street and turn south to…

#7 Bourke Street Mall

Continue on your tour of Melbourne City on the Bourke Street Mall. The retail mecca includes everything from high end shops (hello, Tiffany’s) to the necessities (Target) to the flagship store of the Australian department store chain Myer. With wide sidewalks, there is plenty of room for Melbourne street performers to entertain those less interested in shopping.

Pro Tip : As you walk down the street, don’t miss Union Lane for a glimpse at Melbourne’s fabulous street art along the way. 

Continue walking west on Bourke Street to the Royal Arcade (then go inside and walk south). 

#8 Royal Arcade Melbourne

Often included on Melbourne Laneway Tours, the Royal Arcade is a quaint covered shopping street that has been around since 1869. The lane is filled with top-end stores and posh cafes.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the statues of Gog and Magog, two mythical creatures guarding Gaunt’s Clock since 1892, that stand above the entrance.

Emerging onto Little Collins, zig zag west and then south into…

#9 Block Arcade Melbourne

Another upscale covered shopping lane – and perhaps even more opulent than Royal Arcade – Block Arcade , or just ‘The Block’, was once the place to be seen in Melbourne. Opened in the year 1893, The Block Arcade features a hand-laid Italian tile floor, glass ceilings and classic Victorian architecture.

Pro Tip : The two must-see shops at The Block are the Hopetoun Tea Room and Haigh’s Chocolates.  

Exiting on Collins Street, turn left and walk east to Swanston St and to the…

#10 Melbourne Town Hall

Completed in 1870, the Melbourne Town Hall is a historically important social and cultural site in the city. It is also where city council members still meet. Inside, there is an auditorium and a beautiful organ (check the schedule for free organ concerts).

Pro Tip : Visitors can take fee tours of the Town Building, but they must be booked in advance!

Continue walking east on Collins Street, passing the Scots’ Church and turn south on Russell Street. Walk south to Flinders Lane. Rock and roll enthusiasts might want to detour east to AC/DC Lane for street art and a pop into Cherry Bar. Otherwise, turn right and walk west to…

#11 Hosier Lane Street Art

The next stop on our Free Walking Tour of Melbourne is Hosier Lane. One of the best known laneways in Melbourne for amazing street art, get a good, up-close look at the murals on the walls. It isn’t graffiti, which is illegal in Melbourne. The works on this street are commissioned and it’s likely you’ll see someone working on a spray paint masterpiece when you walk through.

Pro Tip : Find out more about the history and culture of Melbourne’s laneways and street art in our guide: Laneways in Melbourne: Alleys, Arcades and Street Art.

At Flinders Street, turn right and walk west to…

#12 St. Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne

Next up on our Melbourne Walk is St. Paul’s Cathedral. The first stone of St. Paul’s Cathedral , a gothic-style church, was laid in 1880, but the spires weren’t completed until 1933. The gorgeous interior includes original baptismal fonts and an 1891 organ.

Pro Tip: Guests can use the descriptive brochures provided at the back of the church to complete an informative self-guided tour of the cathedral. 

Just south of the Cathedral is…

#13 Federation Square

Anyone who walks around Melbourne will likely end up in Federation Square; it’s at the heart of the city and an entertainment hub. Federation Square , which opened in 2002, is a public space that features galleries, museums, restaurants, bars and a place to sit back and relax. Although the square is quite modern, there is a much longer history of this location, tracing back to Aboriginals. The unique architecture is meant to bring different parts together as a whole.

Pro Tip : One of the most popular features of Federation Square is the Digital Façade – or the Big Screen. The gigantic screen streams live sports, news and events, so be sure to take a glance to see what’s on!

Just west of Federation Square is…

#14 Flinders Street Station

All Melbourne Sightseeing Tours include a stop at Flinders Street Station ; it has long been one of the busiest- and most beautiful – stations in Melbourne. The structure occupies 2 city blocks and is the city’s central hub of transportation. Built in 1909, the Flinders Street Station building is truly a Melbourne landmark. 

The corner entrance of Flinders Street Station displays a row of clocks showing the next train departure on each line. In 1983, the clocks were removed and replaced by digital readings. The public was so upset by the change that they brought back the old clocks in one day’s time. If you hear someone say, “Meet you under the clocks,” this is where you will find them.

Head south on St. Kilda Road, crossing Princes Bridge. On the bridge, to the east, you can see the…

#15 Princes Bridge and Classic Melbourne Views

The 400 foot long Princes Bridge spans the Yarra River as part of St Kilda Road. It stands on the site of one of Melbourne’s oldest river crossings and provides wonderful scenic city views to the west.

Looking to the east, you’ll see the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is better known as the MCG or just The G. The 100,000 seat sports stadium was built in 1853 and is the biggest stadium in Australia (and the Southern Hemisphere) – and the 11th largest in the world.

Pro Tip: The stadium is now mostly used for Melbourne’s founding game, Australian Football, but also for cricket matches, concerts and in 1956 it hosted the Summer Olympics.

Finish crossing the bridge. From here, those that fancy a bit of nature may want to detour south to the Royal Botanical Gardens (free to enter). War history buffs will want to head south to the Shrine of Remembrance (also free to enter). Otherwise, continue west along the river to…

#16 Eureka Tower and Melbourne Skydeck

You don’t need to go on a Melbourne CBD Walking Tour to see the Eureka Tower; it’s visible from all over the city. However, when you stand at the base of the Eureka Tower and look up at the 975-foot-tall building it seems to go on forever. The top 10 levels are golden in appearance because the glass is gold. The 24-carat gold-plated windows are a nod to Melbourne’s historic gold rush of the 1850s.

Pro Tip: With a ticket , visitors are invited to ride the elevator up to the 88th floor Melbourne Skydeck (formerly the Eureka Skydeck) and take in the view, which is astounding . 

Continue strolling west along the Yarra River toward the Polly Woodside ship and take a walk along the… 

#17 Polly Woodside and South Wharf Promenade

The Polly Woodside is a preserved trade ship that was launched in Belfast in 1885. Famous for her sixteen successful voyages around Cape Horn between 1885 and 1903, she was fully restored and opened to the public in 1978.

Continue your Free Walking Tour Melbourne along the beautiful riverside stretch in South Wharf. The stylish South Wharf Promenade is lined with fun bars and modern restaurants – and is anchored by the Melbourne Convention Center and DFO Shopping Centre.

Pro Tip: Any number of the South Wharf waterfront establishments are the perfect place to have a meal or a drink with a view. It’s particularly nice at sunset!

Continue along the promenade and cross the Webb Bridge and head into the…

#18 Docklands Melbourne

The Docklands District is the last stop on our Self-Guided Free Tour of Melbourne. The historic area dates to the 1850s when the Victoria Harbor (then called Victoria Dock) was the main port in Melbourne, accepting both immigrants and shipments.

The harbor continued to be in use until the 1960s when it was deemed too small for cargo ships. A revitalization project renamed it the Docklands and has breathed new life into the area. Soaring, shining skyscrapers have shot up along the beautiful promenade, which offers a slew of waterfront restaurants alongside entertainment venues.

After you explore the Docklands, catch a Free City Circle Tram back to the Melbs CBD.

Melbourne CBD Map: Tourist Walking Route

Below we feature two Melbourne Maps; the first is an interactive Melbourne City Attractions Map and the second is a printable Melbourne City Map Tourist Walking Route. 

Melbourne CBD Map with Landmarks

Use this link to Google Maps for our Melbourne Landmarks Map.

Melbourne City Tourist Map Walking Route

To print this map of Melbourne, click on the map to enlarge it, then right-click and select Print. 

Walking Tours Melbourne CBD: What You Will Need

You don’t need much to enjoy walking tours in Melbourne, Australia, but having a few essentials can make the trek much more comfortable!

Stay Connected in Australia

We use the  GlocalMe mobile hotspot, which allows us to connect up to ten devices at one time. The Pocket Wi-Fi also allows us to purchase data online or use local SIM cards.

Walking Shoes for Melbourne

Be sure to wear comfortable travel shoes ! While the city is relatively flat with nice walking paths, our Melbourne City Walk covers some ground. I like to wear lightweight shoes – like these Columbia shoes. Kris likes to wear Merrell trail shoes. 

Melbourne Weather Gear

Weather changes quickly in Melbourne; bring an travel umbrella , lightweight rain jacket , wide-brimmed travel hat and sunscreen . A collapsible water bottle is also ideal for travelers – as there are places around Melbourne where you can refill!

Melbourne Map

Although we have included 2 Melbourne city maps above, a detailed paper Melbourne CBD map – like this one – could be useful to study before you arrive. You can also pick up a free map from a Melbourne tourist office.

Lunch Prep & Day Pack

There are many Melbourne restaurants along the route where visitors can stop for lunch or snacks. However, you could also pick up items at the Queen Victoria Market and have a picnic lunch in a park or along the river. Also, whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you’ll need a great day pack to carry your lunch and all your everyday travel essentials in!

Pro Tip:  Be sure to get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Australia by using our Trip Planning Printables !

More Melbourne Tours

We outlined what we think is the best Free Walking Tour Melbourne. That said, there are several guided tours of Melbourne that may pique your interest. 

Melbourne City Tours: Laneways

Walking tours of Melbourne Laneways and Arcades offer a fabulous introduction to Melbourne’s café and street art culture. Use the info in our Laneways in Melbourne article or join a guided tour of the unique lanes. The small-group tours include history, architecture, and coffee. Get more details!

Foodie Discovery Walking Tours Melbourne, Australia

Combine Melbourne attractions and culinary tastings in one tour. Let a guide lead the way to the best foodie spots in Melbourne as you get local knowledge on the coolest cafes, the best dumplings and hidden hot spots. Find out more!

Guided Tours Melbourne City

Visitors who would rather tour Melbourne City with a guide can join a highly-rated tour on a walk to the top sights. Read fellow traveler reviews!

Pro Tip: Not a fan of big group walking tours? Hire a local guide for one of the Melbourne Private Tours – like this one!

Guided Walking Tours Melbourne: Free

Visitors looking for Guided Free Walking Tours of Melbourne will find that there are numerous companies offering ‘free walks’. While these can be excellent tours, it is important to know that the Guided Free Tours in Melbourne are not, in fact, free. The guides expect to be compensated with tips. 

Melbourne Bus Tour

If our outlined Melbourne City Tour requires more walking than you prefer, consider using the Melbourne Sightseeing Bus. The double-decker Hop On Hop Off bus has two routes, on-board commentary and offers tickets for 24 and 48 hours. Reserve your seat!

Other Melbourne, Australia Tours

Walking tours are not the only free and interesting tours in Melbourne. In fact, some of Melbourne’s best tours are free. Read our post on other top Free Tours in Melbourne !

Want to get out in nature and see more of the surrounding region? The stunning Australian coastline and famous rock formations of the 12 Apostles are just the place! Find out everything you need to know in our review: Gre at Ocean Road Day Tour . 

Looking for more fun activities in Melbourne? Use our ultimate guide to the Best Things To Do in Melbourne !

Start planning your trip to Melbourne, Australia ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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