Melbourne History Walk with Bar Stops & Local Stories
Description
Discover Melbourne/Naarm’s hidden past with a local guide, three unique bar stops, and stories you won’t find in guidebooks—where history meets great drinks and local flavour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin at the Sir William Clarke Memorial near the Old Treasury Building, then visit three unique bars chosen by your guide—ranging from craft beer spots to hidden speakeasies, depending on the day.
Your guide selects three great bars based on the weather, your drink preferences, and what’s open that day. One favorite stop is a hidden cocktail bar tucked behind a historic church.
Once a lively red‑light district filled with brothels, opium dens, and gambling rooms, this area reveals Melbourne’s wild past—told through stories that are far more fun than anything from school.
Each tour ends where your interests lead, and Chinatown is a favorite—packed with hidden laneway bars perfect for a final drink or two.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Bring card or cash? While most stalls take cards, a few may require a minimum spend — consider carrying some cash.
- Rain or shine? This tour runs in all weather — just bring layers and a sense of adventure.
- Under 18? This tour is for adults only — guests must be 18 or older to join.
- Is the tour accessible? Some areas may have limitations, but we’ll tailor the experience with early communication.
- How far do we walk? The tour covers around 1.5 km (0.9 miles), but this may vary based on group interests.
- Are drinks included? Drinks are not included, so you’re free to choose whatever you love at each stop — from craft cocktails to wine, beer, or alcohol‑free options. No fixed menu, no generic inclusions, just total flexibility to match your taste.
- Is sustainability important to you? This tour is carbon neutral and run by a certified B Corp committed to responsible travel.
Reviews(81)
Our tour guide Anna was super friendly & very informative. We really enjoyed the walking tour & the 3 great bars that we would not necessarily have found on our own. She gave us a good mix of Melbourne history & culture which made for a fun afternoon.
Really enjoyed learning about Melbourne and it's interesting history. Great group of people to do the tour with. Great
We loved the tour and its flexibility to the group and their personal preferences. We visited hidden gems and places we probably would have missed if not for this tour! The bars were fabulous and all with a different but great vibe. Our guide provided interesting historical information about Melbourne and kept it very interesting.
Tristan was a great guide with lots of different stories from people in Melbourne. Was great to see a different side of the city and visit some bars that I probably would have overlooked.
Such a great way to learn about Melbourne's history! I learn so much from Tristan who is incredibly passionate about Melbourne as a whole. The 3 bars we visited were fantastic! Highly recommend for something different to do in Melbourne.
Tristan was funn, fabulous and knowledgeable l. The tour was reality worthwhile. Definitely recommend, we visited some cool bars
Great small group tour, checked out 3 cool small bars with great drinks and Anna was a great guide. Also some fun history information about the area
I had a delightful afternoon/evening experience on this tour! It was an informative time with fun facts and fun bar! I would recommend this for anyone in their mid thirties.
Anna was absolutely wonderful, we learned so much about our home city and she was so enthusiastic and excited. A testament to the company!
My partner and I were lucky enough to have Anna as our guide. I have lived near Melbourne all my life and my partner has just immigrated here from Europe, we don't know Melbourne so well, so this was a perfect opportunity to learn a little more. We immediately got along well with Anna and found we had a lot in common, the tour ended up feeling like more of a catch up with an old friend. Anna showed us places that we may not have discovered on our own, over lovely drinks and conversation. I highly recommend this tour, and also Anna as a guide. Thank you so much.
