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5 best walking tours in Melbourne that turned me into a local explorer

Melbourne is a city bursting with character, and there’s no better way to soak it all in than by taking a walking tour. If you are a history buff or simply someone who loves discovering hidden gems, the city’s walking tours offer something for everyone. 

Foodies will be thrilled to discover tours dedicated to uncovering Melbourne’s best bites, from aromatic coffee to mouthwatering dumplings. Even locals will find something new and see the area through fresh eyes with expert guides who know it inside out.

Lace up your comfiest shoes and let’s wander through Melbourne’s best walking tours together—because this city was made to be explored on foot!

1. Walkabout Melbourne Free Walking Tour

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Website: https://www.freetourmelbourne.com/

Address: Federation Square

Contact details: 0436 399 434

Tour hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 1 PM

Price: Free for everyone

If you’re looking to explore Melbourne without breaking the bank, the Walkabout Melbourne Free Walking Tour is a fantastic choice! Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour offers an engaging introduction to the city’s top landmarks, history, and culture—completely free.

In just a few hours, you’ll stroll through iconic spots like Federation Square, the State Library, and the famous Flinders Street Station. 

Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about Melbourne’s past and vibrant culture, making the city’s history come alive with every step. 

While there’s no cost to join, you can tip your guide at the end if you love the experience—a great way to support their passion for showcasing the city. It’s a must-try for anyone wanting to truly connect with Melbourne!

Pro tip:

Since it’s free and focused on exploring Melbourne’s landmarks and history, the tour doesn’t include stops at cafes or restaurants. If you’d like to eat or drink along the way, I recommend bringing a snack or drink before the tour begins.

2. Royal Botanic Gardens

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Website: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/aboriginal-heritage-walk/

Address: Birdwood Avenue

Contact details: (03) 9252 2300

Tour hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Price: 

  • Adults – $40 
  • Child (12 -17 years old) – $20 

The Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Melbourne’s rich Indigenous heritage.

Led by knowledgeable First Peoples guides, this experience provides an authentic and heartfelt glimpse into the culture, history, and traditions of Melbourne’s local Kulin Nation.

The guided nature walk through the gardens blends Aboriginal history with fascinating insights into Melbourne’s flora, fauna, and wildlife. 

From significant native plants to traditional practices, every moment of this journey fosters a deeper connection to the environment and its cultural roots.

What sets this experience apart is the location itself—a significant cultural site for the Kulin Nation. This ensures that the insights shared are deeply authentic and rooted in Indigenous knowledge.

Perfect for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, or those simply seeking a meaningful experience, this tour offers a chance to see Melbourne through a completely different lens. It’s an unforgettable way to honor and celebrate the city’s First Peoples.

Pro tip:

While the Gardens are beautiful, Australia’s weather can be unpredictable. 

Be sure to bring essentials like a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen and lip balm. A water bottle or hydration pack and insect repellent are also great to have on hand to stay comfortable and prepared during your tour.

3. Hidden Secrets Tours

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Website: https://hiddensecretstours.com/tour/lanes-arcades/

Address: Suite 18, Level 6/37 Swanston St

Contact details: 03 9663 3358

Tour hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 1 PM
  • Monday to Saturday – 2PM to 5 PM

Price: $129 per person

Hidden Secrets Tours’ Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Tour is a must for anyone wanting to experience the city’s hidden charm.  

This cultural walking tour takes you on a journey through the city’s iconic laneways and historic arcades. As you wander through the narrow lanes, you’ll uncover a multitude of hidden cafes, boutique shops, and eye-catching street art. 

Along the way, you’ll also hear fascinating stories about Melbourne’s rich past and learn about the artistic spirit that defines the city today.

The tour also introduces you to local designers and specialty retailers, many of which are exclusive to Melbourne. This provides a unique shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else. 

One of the highlights of the tour is a stop at a local chocolate salon, where you can indulge in a sweet treat—perfect for satisfying your cravings while enjoying the sights. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local rediscovering your city, this tour offers a fresh perspective on Melbourne’s soul. It’s sure to leave you with a deeper connection to its rich heritage and vibrant culture.

Pro tip:

Don’t forget your camera for Instagram-worthy spots like the iconic Hosier Lane!

4. Secret Food Tours

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Website: https://www.secretfoodtours.com/

Contact details: (03) 9810 0062

Tour Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 2 PM

Price: $149 per person

Secret Food Tours’ Melbourne Food Tours takes you on a delicious journey through Melbourne’s best food hotspots, from hidden hole-in-the-wall street food joints to bustling specialty markets. 

Your guide will share fascinating insights into Melbourne’s diverse food culture, weaving stories of multicultural influences that have shaped the city’s unique culinary identity.

You’ll get to taste an array of local delicacies, from wine and cheese pairings to indulgent chocolate tastings. 

My personal favorite? The adventurous Crocodile Tongue dish gave me a real taste of Indigenous Australian cuisine and added a bold twist to our foodie journey.

The tour also includes first-generation Australian foods from Indigenous-owned restaurants and expert-led coffee cupping experiences. You can also expect a feast of Chinese street food, Greek desserts, and much more.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to experience Melbourne’s rich food culture, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure for your taste buds.

Pro tip:

This tour is perfect for adventurous eaters—come hungry to sample diverse cuisines and discover Melbourne’s hidden spots with your expert local guide.

5. Lantern Ghost Tours

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Website: https://www.lanternghosttours.com/

Address: 12/16 Parker St, Williamstown

Contact details: +61 1300 390 119

Tour Hours: Friday to Sunday – 8:30 PM to 10 PM

Price: 

  • Adults – $39  
  • 2 Adults + 2 Children (Age 8 to 16) – $180
  • Adult with Dinner – $82

If you’re a thrill-seeker with a love for the spooky side of history, Lantern Ghost Tours’ Old Melbourne Ghost Tour is a spine-tingling adventure you won’t want to miss. 

This guided walking tour takes you through some of Melbourne’s most haunted sites, including the infamous Old Melbourne Gaol. You’ll also visit eerie theaters where chilling stories of the city’s criminal past come to life. 

Along the way, your guide will share tales of a darker Melbourne, from opium dens hidden in Chinatown to notorious characters who once roamed the streets.

One of the most captivating parts of the tour is hearing about the tragic fate of famous opera singer Federici, who met his end in the most dramatic way—plunging to his death during a performance in front of an unsuspecting audience. 

It’s a history lesson with a haunting twist.

This tour is sure to captivate your imagination and might just leave you questioning whether ghosts truly do roam the streets of Melbourne. 

Get ready for a night of spooky thrills mixed with fascinating historical insights!

Pro tip:

The tour takes place at night to give it that extra spooky vibe. Be ready for some nighttime walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. 

Bring a jacket with you too, if you’re going during the cooler months.

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