About this tour
Spend three hours navigating Melbourne's hidden laneways and discovering the city's drinking culture through the eyes of a local guide. You'll visit three neighbourhood bars tucked away from the main streets, each with its own character and backstory. Along the way, learn about the colourful history of Melbourne's pubs—from persecuted barmaids to a legendarily hard-drinking Police Commissioner—and get insider tips on where locals actually eat and drink.
Highlights
- Three laneway bars, each with distinct character and history
- Stories of Melbourne's police commissioners and secret drinking clubs
- Trivia competition at the second bar with prizes on offer
- Expert recommendations for food, entertainment, and hidden spots
- Free map of Melbourne's best bars to take home
- Photography of your group included at no extra cost
- Flat walking route through the city centre
What to expect
Your guide will lead you through Melbourne's network of laneways—the narrow passages between buildings where the city's most interesting venues hide. You'll stop at three bars chosen from a rotating selection, each with stories about Melbourne's relationship with alcohol and nightlife. Expect to hear tales of barmaids and their working conditions, quirky characters in the police force, and the underground social clubs that thrived in the city. At the second venue, there's a trivia quiz where you can win prizes. The walking pace is steady but manageable; some bars are ground-level whilst others require climbing stairs to enter. The route itself stays flat.
Good to know
Minimum age is 18. Drinks are not included—you'll pay separately at each bar. Wear casual clothes and comfortable shoes for uneven laneway surfaces. The tour isn't suitable for pregnant travellers, those with spinal or walking disabilities, or anyone with cardiovascular concerns. Service animals welcome.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.