Things to do in Melbourne, Victoria: The Best Literary, Art & Music Tours

March 8, 2022 Brandee Mangan

Lovely, laid-back Melbourne has something for everyone: family fare, local and international art, haute boutiques, multicultural dining, Australian and Aboriginal history, spectator sports, and pulsing, swanky nightlife. Cruise on the free City Circle Tram loop to check out unique attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Healesville Sanctuary, which buzzes with local animal species.
Restaurants in Melbourne

1. Melbourne Street Art Tour with a Local: Private & Personalized ★★★★★

Melbourne VIC, Australia City Unscripted Melbourne
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Discover Melbourne’s creative side as you explore the city’s laneways and immerse yourself in its constantly evolving street art culture. From paste ups to tags, murals to stencils, you’ll find every kind of street art possible hidden down unassuming alleyways, tiny lanes and arcades so jam packed with bars and eateries you’ll wonder how there’s enough space! With a like-minded local, immerse yourself in the art and culture of The Lanes, stop to enjoy a coffee or a beer in one of trendiest, hole-in-the-wall bars in the city and maybe even stumble across an artist at work! Discover the most famous arcades which are known to be hubs of artistic expression, as well as ducking down some back streets where the work of up and coming street art is hidden, for local eyes only!

Inclusions: 100% private and personalised experience, Insider knowledge about the artsy area, shops and eateries, 3 hours with a Local Host, Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location), Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

Exclusions: Food and drinks other than the ones included in the experience, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs, Gratuities

Reviewed By O7288ZOjackieb

A really great walking tour. Donna was fantastic. She knew a lot about Melbourne and took us to all the places we wanted to see and some extra places. It was very interesting and we learnt a lot. Thank you Donna for a lovely experience.

2. 3-Hour Guided Hidden Bars and History Tour at Melbourne

221 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Discovera Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 27 reviews

This is a drinking tour bursting with secrets! ● 3 hidden bars ● 3 cocktails (included) ● Explore culture filled laneways ● Hear rebellious tales from Melbourne's past ● An awesome local tour guide — In the 19th century, Melbourne was riddled with secret bars. Many restaurants would secretly serve alcohol without a liquor license; this was called ‘sly grogging.’ A knock on the right door, a rattle of coins and a tablecloth would be removed to reveal a stash of alcohol. Join our Hidden Bars & History Tour and step back in time, to when the locals drank in secret. — Across the evening you’ll drink at 3 of the best hidden cocktail bars in Melbourne. We’ll dive into the city’s secret drinking culture, and immerse ourselves in these cosy drinking dens. You’ll be hard pressed to find these bars on your own. — Your ticket includes 3 delicious cocktails and nibbles. Not a cocktail fan? Enjoy some premium wine, beer or spirits instead. — Adventure awaits!

Inclusions: Your ticket includes 3 delicious cocktails. Not a cocktail fan? Enjoy some wine, beer or spirits instead!

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Reviewed By 928larat

We had an awesome time. Taylor was a great host. It was so much more than we expected. Met some wonderful people in our group. Thank you again Taylor!

3. Street Food & Street Art, Backroads & Boroughs

Localing Private Tours Melbourne
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Forget the 'sites' and 'attractions', Melbourne is a city built for locals. This is your perfect, personalised deep-dive into local culture and life through food and street art - the two things we do as well as anyone. This is not a group tour done in private, we have no script and no fixed itinerary. We take the time to get to know you and make the experience personal so it's exactly what you're looking for. It's an excellent 'day one' adventure that will change the way you experience Melbourne ...and it's perfect for people who don't like tours. WHAT TO EXPECT *Get orientated & gain unique local insight through food, art & storytelling *Meet the makers - the roasters, bakers, artists & innovators *Explore the backstreets, lanes & arcades of inner Melbourne *Visit neighbourhoods & local boroughs where Melburnians like to spend time *A friendly, well-connected & informed local host *Get personalised recommendations for how to spend the rest of your time

Inclusions: A progressive grazing meal of local treats... coffee, pastries, cheese, chocolate, gelato, market fresh produce and anything else you love - this is a private tour after all., Private transportation, WiFi on board, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By CeeWintz

I recently visited Melbourne, Australia earlier this month for holiday from the US. I was there two days when the coronavirus pandemic escalated and borders were closing and needed to return home. My husband and I spent out last day there with Bianca. She was an amazing host as to make the day an amazing experience!! I would totally recommend Bianca and her company!!

4. Fitzroy Street Art Tour

48 Easey St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia Melbourne Street Tours
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

Learn all about the stories behind the artists and explore the bustling urban hub of Fitzroy and Collingwood, Melbourne's most colourful suburbs on a guided street art tour. The tour is run entirely by street artists, offering an authentic view into this underground art scene.

Inclusions: Beverages, Local guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By reins76

We had an excellent street art tour with Ben yesterday and got to see some amazing, and not so amazing pieces in locations that we may not have found on our own. Even within each laneway Ben was very good at pointing out the little details and points of interest that would otherwise go unnoticed. He pointed out works by many different artists in many different styles. We have enjoyed street art tours around the world and were very happy to add Melbourne in this year of holiday at home. The visit to Blender Studios was a fascinating way to finish up. Thank you to everyone who was able to make this happen for us- we are very pleased that we didn’t miss out. A big thank you to Ben for his time and knowledge showing us around a taste of the Melbourne street art scene and leaving us with a bit more knowledge as we continue to explore.

5. Luxury Melbourne City: Private Tour

Acacia Luxury Private Tours
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4.9 based on 18 reviews

Year after year, Melbourne is crowned the world’s most liveable city and it’s easy to figure out why. A vibrant hub of culture, cool cafes, and striking architecture, Victoria’s capital packs so much into its thriving laneways, historical haunts, and the sweeping curve of Port Phillip Bay. Uncover the treasures of Melbourne on a 5 or 6 hour tour with an experienced guide in a luxurious vehicle.  The tour is private so you have the ability to fully tailor the day to suit your interests.

Inclusions: Professional Local Driver / Guide, Opportunity to tailor the tour to suit your interests, Private tour in a luxurious vehicle, Morning or afternoon tea, A gourmet lunch with beverages at one of Melbourne's best restaurants (6-hour tour only), Bottled water, Lunch, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Passenger60886760536

Holidaying at home this year, we researched and studied reviews widely before deciding to undertake a two day Great Ocean Road private tour with Acacia Luxury Private Tours. Booking was simple and efficient and Paul attended to every detail to make our journey just perfect even down to our preferred beverages and snacks in the vehicle. On the day Stuart collected us in a super comfortable and luxurious Mercedes Benz vehicle. Stuart grew up in the region and therefore was able to tailor the tour exactly to our desire. We wanted to see wildlife so he was able to take us to off road places where we were able to see kangaroos, koalas, emus and amazing birdlife in the wild. It exceeded every expectation. We could not have done it justice if we had driven ourselves. The whole journey is jaw-droppingly beautiful from the beaches to the rainforest and the unforgettable Twelve Apostles. All our meals and the luxury lodging in picturesque Port Fairy were perfect too. We definitely recommend the Great Ocean Road journey with the expert team at Acacia. Thank-you so much guys.

6. Melbourne Street Art Tour

ACMI, Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Melbourne Street Tours
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4.8 based on 174 reviews

Melbourne Street Art Tours showcase the best of Melbourne's laneways and street art. As the tours are run entirely by street artists, they offer an authentic view into this underground art scene. Learn all about the stories behind the artists and the works, finishing up at the famous Blender Studios where you are treated to a cheese platter and drinks and have the opportunity to meet the studio artists.

Inclusions: Afternoon tea, Beverages, Local guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By cheddyanne

A friend and I, seniors, were led on this tour by artist Barak. A wonderful day walking through vibrant Fitzroy, being shown varied styles of mural street art including work by Barak and by his fellow artists from Blender studios. Hearing stories of infighting, insight into the history of the techniques and artists, shown stickers, pasteups and installations, told about the issue of graffiti bombers. I would definitely recommend this tour to people of all ages, a unique tour.

7. Live Music Melbourne Bus Tour

146 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Show Me Melbourne
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Melbourne is a mecca for musicians and music fans alike. Tiny basement bars to huge stadiums serve up anything from local independent bands to international superstars, 7 nights a week. It’s no wonder Melbourne boasts more music venues per person than any other city in the world! Learn about the venues and musicians that have made Melbourne such a music haven, discovering venues cherished by Melbourne music fans. Basement bars boasting famous clientele, pubs and clubs that have seen it all and stadiums big enough for the brightest stars. This fun and interactive tour includes music made in or about Melbourne and a music quiz with a prize. Instead of finishing at the start point, if you prefer there is an optional finishing point taking in the Australian Music Vault – a free, permanent exhibition of Australian music which includes interactive and digital experiences plus a fantastic collection of iconic artefacts.

Inclusions: One or two stops at iconic music pubs with a glass of beer, wine or soft drink

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Reviewed By K5343AGscottf

After a technical hitch in February we had rebooked our Sporting tour with brewery tasting for today. And can I say what a great day we both had. Tamara our driver was very knowledgeable as was Jess. The flemington race course was outstanding with the great sunny day. A trip around part of the Albert Park F1 track in the Hiace at full noise lol. Then off to the MCG for a sporting tour with Rod our guide who was great and showed and explained everything to us. Then a very nice lunch at a pub in Richmond followed by a beer tasting. A most enjoyable day and we are looking forward to booking another tour in the future. Thank you guys for a very memorable day. We highly recommend this tour.

8. Guided walking tour of Melbourne

Time Out Fed Square, 2 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Haritz Bechet Ibarra

The only guided walking tour of the city of Melbourne 100% in Spanish! In addition, the tour is fully open to improvisation and personal preferences of the group. Small groups of a maximum of 10 people so you can ask and ask any questions without any problem. Learn the secrets that this city hides at the hands of a person who has lived in it for more than 4 years.

Inclusions: English and Spanish guides

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9. Melbourne Laneways and Waterways

Acacia Luxury Private Tours

Celebrate Melbourne's sepia-coloured Yarra River and the city’s unique laneway and market culture. Visit one of the city's famous markets, wandering the bustling food halls seeking out unique, locally designed merchandise. Explore Melbourne’s labyrinth of laneways and arcades and grand Victorian architecture on foot, browse boutiques in the Block and Royal Arcades, admire Hosier Lane’s urban art scene or simply take a moment to soak up the city's continental energy and atmosphere. Then step on board your private cruise and enjoy lunch with a glass of Australian sparkling wine as you glide along the Yarra River. Marvel at the magnificent skyline from a very different angle, with the gleaming new Docklands precinct, Federation Square and the Royal Botanic Gardens as your dramatic backdrop. Please note, timings are an estimate as the 5 hour private tour can be tailored to suit your interests.

Inclusions: Cruising gourmet lunch including soft and alcoholic beverages, Private tour in a luxurious vehicle, Professional Local Driver / Guide, Discover streetart and hidden gems in city laneways and arcades, Private river cruise, Produce tasting at Queen Victoria or South Melbourne Market (Tuesday – Sunday), Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Passenger60886760536

Holidaying at home this year, we researched and studied reviews widely before deciding to undertake a two day Great Ocean Road private tour with Acacia Luxury Private Tours. Booking was simple and efficient and Paul attended to every detail to make our journey just perfect even down to our preferred beverages and snacks in the vehicle. On the day Stuart collected us in a super comfortable and luxurious Mercedes Benz vehicle. Stuart grew up in the region and therefore was able to tailor the tour exactly to our desire. We wanted to see wildlife so he was able to take us to off road places where we were able to see kangaroos, koalas, emus and amazing birdlife in the wild. It exceeded every expectation. We could not have done it justice if we had driven ourselves. The whole journey is jaw-droppingly beautiful from the beaches to the rainforest and the unforgettable Twelve Apostles. All our meals and the luxury lodging in picturesque Port Fairy were perfect too. We definitely recommend the Great Ocean Road journey with the expert team at Acacia. Thank-you so much guys.

10. 3.5 Hours Group tour Melbourne trouble-makers tour

State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Melbourne alternative tour – Hipster tour of Melbourne

Every city has a group of people who are not inline with the mainstream culture and here is no exception . Actually for some reason in Melbourne we used to have them more than usual and there is no judgment! This walking tour is about the stories of Bohemian artists, poitial activists, union people, social reformist also a bit about criminals and surprisingly brothels. We will walk through lots of laneways and backstreets the places that you would have never imagine they exist. And the best thing is you will find lots of hipster stuff, street arts and so many other touches

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages

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