Melbourne's Local Laneway Bars and Stories - Includes a Drink
Description
Step into Melbourne's enduring bar culture through genuine connections with the spaces and people who've shaped it. This isn't about chasing the latest hotspot—it's about experiencing four time-tested venues where skilled bartenders treat their craft as an art form and our guides are welcomed as familiar faces. Each establishment represents Melbourne's evolution from gold rush settlement to cultural capital, with each venue telling its own story of transformation and reinvention. Whether you're a Melbourne resident who's stuck to familiar territory or a returning visitor seeking substance over spectacle, this tour reveals the stories behind the spaces that define the city's renowned hospitality scene. Your four venues are thoughtfully chosen daily from our trusted network—from heritage conversion spaces in former warehouses to intimate laneway venues that epitomize Melbourne's small-bar culture. First drink is included, plus this is the only Melbourne bar tour running every day.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Exclusive basement bar NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Melbourne's least pretentious whisky bar. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Melbourne's best secret bar NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Incredible rooftop bar NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Secret bar NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Secret bar listed only by a sign with a bicycle. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Tequila and mezcal NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Amazing rooftop bar a stone's throw from the CBD NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
One of Melbourne's most famous secret speakeasies NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
So close to the water, you can high-five passing crew teams. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
A truly back-alley bar with cocktails injected with syringes (it looks cooler than it sounds) NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
One of Melbourne's most expansive rooftop bars NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Atmospheric space where skilled bartenders create cocktails alongside curated entertainment. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Heritage precinct venue showcasing Melbourne's layered history through drinks and stories. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Intimate bar where craft cocktails meet local hospitality traditions. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Multi-level venue where different floors offer distinct drinking experiences. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Established gathering place where bartenders know their craft and their community. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Industrial-inspired space showcasing local brewing and distilling craftsmanship. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Established cocktail lounge known for skilled bartenders and neighborhood character. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 18 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- A maximum of 12 people per booking
- Please advise any accessibility needs at least 24 hours before tour start date
Reviews(550)
My wife and I did the Tour with Hugo this week and highly recommend anyone visiting to make this a priority early in your stay . Hugo took us to some great bars and shared some interesting facts regarding the ones we attended but also shared tips along the way regarding restaurants and other local tips . As Melbourne has a lot of hidden bars and restaurants this tour is a must for people like us who are new to the city wishing to visit the best bars in a short stay . Thanks Hugo for a fabulous time
This is a great way to see Melbourne’s funky little places that are a bit more off the tourist track. John was so friendly and filled us in on some local history along the way. Thoroughly recommend this tour.
Simon was super knowledgeable of the local area and took us to places I’d never find on my own. Highly recommended!
Great way to hit pubs/bars/etc you would most likely never find by yourself (or ever). More of a really, really nice bar crawl than a history/sightseeing tour, but exactly up my alley. Great guide in Hugo & really lucky to have had great people I met on the tour, especially since there was only 4 of us.
What a fantastic day out in the warm sun. Beau was fun, witty and welcoming. It was a small group so he asked what we liked and lined up some great bars to try out. Was like an evening with friends. We did the Whitehart, Caretaker’s Cottage, Whiskey and Alement, and Drivers Lane. But you don’t need to go by any list. Trust these guys for little gems across CBD.
Awesome and knowledgeable guide. Learned about the history of Melbourne along the way. It was a very fun tour.
Wow! Great bar tour. Places we never would have found without this tour and our great guide Hugo. Highly recommend
Beau did a great job. He was funny and informative and chose four excellent bars for us to enjoy. Would recommend!
Simon was really interesting and very knowledgeable. He designed the tour on our interests. We really enjoyed his tour and will book another when we come back to Melbourne
Emily was terrific. Good knowledge of local pubs and Melbourne culture. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour.
