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5 best street art in Melbourne where walls whisper stories

Known as Australia’s art capital, Melbourne’s thriving local art scene attracts visitors and artists eager to get a taste of its creative energy. But it’s the street art that truly shows how deeply art is woven into the city’s heart and soul. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through a real-life comic book panel or exploring the vibrant chaos of a Banksy-inspired world, the local street art offers an artistic adventure you won’t find anywhere else.  

Navigating it is like peeling back layers of the city’s personality. I’ll admit—every time I walk around, I discover something that leaves me in awe. 

This ever-evolving gallery thrives on contributions from artists around the globe, which is why there’s never a dull moment on Melbourne’s streets. 

With so many incredible spots to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start— so let me show you the best of the bunch! 

Melbourne’s street art scene is waiting to blow your mind, one spray-painted masterpiece at a time.

1. Hosier Lane

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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fqCNHBmAnuNUrBpCA

Hosier Lane is where Melbourne’s urban heart beats loudest. Once a forgotten alley, this narrow street has been transformed into an open-air art gallery that’s now a must-visit for anyone seeking the city’s creative soul. 

When you step into Hosier Lane, you’ll find a kaleidoscope of graffiti, stencils, paste-ups, and murals. It’s especially captivating how each piece tells its own story. 

Social and political commentary, pop culture nods, and deeply personal expressions collide here. Its dynamic nature makes it the perfect backdrop for photoshoots, music videos, and even TV series.

Renowned artists like Rone, Meggs, and Adnate have left their mark in Hosier Lane. 

Rone’s emotive portraits balance beauty with decay, while Meggs’ graphic works often challenge societal norms. 

On the other hand, Adnate’s breathtaking murals of Indigenous Australians carry profound cultural significance. 

The magic of Hosier Lane lies in its ever-changing nature—one visit is never the same as the next.

Pro tip:

Hosier Lane isn’t just about street art—it’s also a haven for food lovers. One must-visit spot we recommend is MoVida, a famous Spanish tapas restaurant at the southern end of the lane. 

This Melbourne gem serves up a mouth-watering menu of Spanish dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

2. AC/DC Lane

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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ryds34SeZC2Sj87g8

AC/DC Lane is where Melbourne’s dynamic street art scene meets rock ‘n’ roll history. Originally known as Corporation Lane, it was renamed on October 1, 2004, to honor Australian rock royalty, AC/DC. 

During the official christening, Lord Mayor John So declared the lane a tribute to the iconic band, solidifying its place in both music and street art lore.

What sets it apart is its music-themed graffiti, created freely in one of the few public spaces designated by the Melbourne City Government for street art. There, these works can thrive without requiring a permit.

This attracts both established and emerging artists who use the lane as a platform to showcase their work, build a fan base, and express their creativity.

The walls come alive with tributes to the band’s legendary members, like lead singer Bon Scott and co-founding guitarist Malcolm Young. 

Murals celebrating albums such as Back in Black and Highway to Hell further cement the lane’s status as a shrine for AC/DC fans.

The art here draws a mix of admirers—from passionate music lovers to street art enthusiasts. Visitors come not just to see the stunning murals but to discuss and decipher the many bands and albums depicted. 

If you’re looking for an authentic slice of Melbourne’s cultural pulse, skip the usual tourist traps and head uphill to AC/DC Lane.

Pro tip:

A standout artwork in AC/DC Lane is hidden at the very end. Many visitors miss it due to its tucked-away location. 

To make sure you don’t, be ready for a bit of uphill walking—it’s worth the effort. 

Towering four stories high, Fintan Magee’s stunning mural depicts a man carrying a tree trunk through an urban landscape. Known as the ‘Australian Banksy,’ Magee is famous for his large-scale, realistic pieces that often tackle politically charged themes. 

3. Presgrave Place

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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GMBmuYguvbY3cp9o9

Tucked away off Howey Place, Presgrave Place offers a quirky, grungy escape into a miniature outdoor gallery unlike any other. 

You can forget the sprawling murals and spray-painted tags of Melbourne’s more famous laneways—this narrow alley is all about the three-dimensional. 

Here, art isn’t just painted on walls; it’s glued, framed, and brought to life in tiny, captivating installations.

On the left-hand side of the lane, you’ll find an eclectic mix of framed works, paste-ups, stickers, and even original drawings and paintings. 

The story began with a handful of picture frames. It once held faded prints of European art glued to the bricks. 

Over time, those prints decayed, but the frames remained. This invited new artists to fill them with their own creations. 

Now, layers of mismatched frames—filled with everything from sculpted figures to playful doodles—cover much of the wall, telling a tale of artistic evolution.

Unlike the buffed and polished street art of other laneways, Presgrave Place retains its raw, organic charm. It’s a quiet celebration of accumulation and impermanence, where art evolves naturally over time.

If you’re looking for an offbeat, intimate slice of Melbourne’s creative soul, this hidden gem is a must-visit.

Pro tip:

If you’re looking to fill your day with more sights near Presgrave Place, we suggest checking out The National Opal Collection. 

This award-winning spot is one of Australia’s most exciting attractions, where you can discover the fascinating link between opals and dinosaurs. It’s just 190 meters from Presgrave Place, making it an easy addition to your visit!

4. Duckboard Place

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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ibYe47j1cTLFU4j88

Duckboard Place is where Melbourne’s street art scene meets gritty history. As a result, it has become a laneway that’s as rich in character as it is in color.

It was once a bustling hotspot for WWII troops to unwind. Over time, this alley evolved into a haven for art lovers and curious explorers. 

Today, its walls are a dynamic canvas of murals and gig posters. The lane oozes uptown flair mixed with old-school cool.

What makes Duckboard Place stand out is its collection of large-scale murals crafted by unique and talented artists. Many of them are lesser-known, yet undeniably impressive. 

This includes Lukas Kasper’s bold designs and John Murray’s celebrated Lightning Ridge art. Manda Lane’s botanical paste-ups and James Wilson’s versatile illustrations are also part of the mix. 

Together, they’ve painted murals that celebrate Australian culture and wildlife in vivid, striking detail.

Walking through Duckboard Place feels like diving into a living gallery that’s ever-changing and unapologetically authentic. 

If you’re looking to explore Melbourne’s urban art scene beyond the usual spots, this laneway offers a raw and vibrant experience that’s not to be missed.

Pro tip:

Duckboard Place is conveniently connected to AC/DC Lane, so why not turn your visit into a mini tour of these two iconic street art hubs? It’s the perfect way to explore both spots in one trip and soak up even more of Melbourne’s vibrant art scene!

5. Blenders Lane

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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cCJtTULcFXoKmiP19

Blender Lane is the spiritual birthplace of Melbourne’s iconic street art scene, where color and creativity explode across every inch of wall space. This laneway was instrumental in fostering Melbourne’s vibrant urban art culture. 

It was once home to the pioneering Blender Studios, which is now based in West Melbourne. Blender Studios still honors its roots by running street art tours and workshops, but the lane itself remains a testament to the city’s love for bold artistic expression.

Stretching from Franklin to Therry Street near Victoria Market, it was once a hidden cul-de-sac, tucked between two buildings. 

Now, with one of those buildings gone, the lane feels more expansive. Yet, it still holds its gritty charm. 

What remains is an awe-inspiring wall brimming with work from legendary artists like Kasper, Ha Ha, Phoenix, and Mic Porter. 

Tags, stencils, graffiti art, and intricate paste-ups create a kaleidoscope of styles, each telling its own story.

Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for an offbeat spot to explore, Blender Lane is a slice of Melbourne’s street art history you can’t miss. 

Its historical significance for street art in Melbourne make it a must-see destination for anyone seeking to experience the heart of the city’s creative pulse.

Pro tip:

After exploring Blender Lane, deepen your Melbourne experience at Queen Victoria Market. This vibrant hub, known as “Vic Market,” boasts 600+ traders. They offer fresh produce, street food, unique shopping, and live music. 

Visit in the morning for fresh goods or by lunchtime for bustling crowds and street eats.

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