Melbourne: Local Laneway Bars and Their Stories
297 Reviews
Wheelchair accessible
For adults
Culture & history
Tours
Guided tours
Neighborhood tours
Nightlife & bars
Food & drinks
Sightseeing
Explore four time-tested Melbourne bars, each with decades of stories. From heritage conversions to laneway pioneers, discover the venues that shaped the city's legendary hospitality scene.
Highlights
- Access four time-tested Melbourne establishments with decades of stories
- Start with a complimentary drink showcasing authentic local hospitality
- Discover how industrial quarters transformed into cultural destinations
- Explore venues where Melbourne's legendary bar reputation was forged
- Join small groups of max 12 people for intimate venue access
Description
Step into Melbourne's enduring bar culture by exploring the establishments that have shaped the city's international reputation. This isn't about chasing the latest hotspot—it's about experiencing four time-tested venues, each with decades of stories embedded in their walls and atmosphere.
Each establishment represents a different chapter in Melbourne's transformation from gold rush settlement to cultural capital. These venues tell their own stories of reinvention—from heritage buildings reimagined as intimate drinking spaces to laneway establishments that pioneered Australia's small-bar revolution.
Whether you're a Melbourne resident ready to explore beyond familiar territory or a returning visitor seeking substance over spectacle, this tour reveals the fascinating histories behind the spaces that define the city's renowned hospitality scene.
Your four venues are thoughtfully selected daily from our trusted network of established bars. You might explore heritage conversion spaces where former textile warehouses and Victorian-era buildings have been transformed into atmospheric cocktail destinations, or discover intimate laneway venues that emerged during Melbourne's licensing revolution and changed how Australians experience nightlife.
Includes
Expert local guide with deep knowledge of Melbourne's bar history and culture
First drink at opening venue
Access to four carefully curated establishments
Stories and historical context about Melbourne's evolution
Personalized recommendations map featuring additional noteworthy establishments
Intimate small group experience (maximum 12 people for quality venue access)
Important Information
- Most establishments accept bank cards, but there is occasionally a minimum spend. You may wish to bring cash if you want to avoid this
- Dress standard: Melbourne is known to have 4 seasons in a single day, so please check the weather report and dress accordingly
- This is a small-group activity, with a maximum of 12 people (18+)
- If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information, via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher
- Travelers under 18 years of age are not permitted on this tour
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund