Secrets of Melbourne

Always evolving and ever-changing, Melbourne is rich in history, art, and culture. Hidden bars can be found at the bottom of staircases and behind secret doors, and a labyrinth of colourful laneways play host to boutique shops, restaurants, hole-in-the-wall coffee joints, and unique urban art. The city's long history is tucked within the crevices of ornate buildings, and in the continuous, living culture of the Wurundjeri people, the traditional owners of this land.

Jump on a tour to discover Melbourne as you've never experienced it before. Or, take yourself on a journey through the city's laneways, culinary and creative scenes, for a side of Melbourne seen only by locals and those in the know.

Take a tour

One sure-fire way to get to know Melbourne, is to travel around its streets and laneways with an expert. Be guided through some of Melbourne's famous back streets and hidden nooks, to discover delicious eateries and secret speakeasies. Brush up on local history, learn about local designers, and take in amazing architecture and public art.

Laneways

There's always something new to discover in Melbourne's colourful laneways — from fresh cafes and cheap eateries, to plush cocktail dens and fine dining restaurants. The city's laneways are an ever-changing canvas for local street artists, layered with vibrant murals, paste-ups, stencils and installations. Keep an eye out for large-scale works by renowned artists, such as Adnate, Kaff-eine, Fintan Magee, Lisa King and Rone. Or hunt down a miniature diorama, put together by installation street artist Tinky, that are so small they're often hidden in plain sight.

Arcades

Head to Melbourne's iconic arcades for independent fashion, amazing artwork and stunning design. Discover hidden galleries, retro record stores, local designers and specialty shops. Marvel at the ornate architecture of the arcades, from domes to intricate stained glass designs, mosaic floors and bespoke tile work. Keep a special eye out for Gog and Magog in the Royal Arcade, famous sculptures who strike the arcade's clock (known as Gaunt's Clock) on the hour — every hour since 1892.

Hidden bars

There's nothing like the thrill of uncovering one of Melbourne's hidden bars. Down alleyways, behind fridges and bookcases, at the bottom of plain staircases, up nondescript lifts and behind unmarked doors, you'll find colourful cocktails, local craft brews and delicious wine. Hunt them down yourself or sign up for a tour, to find out where Melbourne locals used to (and still do) drink in secret.

Quirky buildings

Melbourne is full of architectural treasures, from Art Deco structures and Gothic facades, to contemporary buildings designed with sustainability in mind. Head to the 'Paris-end' of Bourke Street to see 'Job Warehouse', a building which pre-dates the gold rush era and houses the popular Paperback Bookshop. Melbourne Central is full of architectural treasures, including the 50-metre tall Coop's Shot Tower, a 19th century shot factory preserved beneath the building's glass and steel dome. Catch a flick in one of the city's old art deco cinemas, and marvel at the melding of old and new at ANZ Gothic Bank. There's plenty to see – all you need to do, is look up.

Ghostly stories

Thrill seekers will find no shortage of fascinating ghost sightings and curious hauntings in Melbourne. Some of the city's best known landmarks have an eerie history. The apparition of a fisherman allegedly haunts Platform 10 of Flinders Street Station and people have heard unsettling noises and bumped into invisible objects at Queen Victoria Market, which was built in the 1800's on top of roughly 9000 unexhumed graves. Jump on a tour to find out more about Melbourne's ghostly history and spooky stories.

Aboriginal heritage

In Melbourne we are visitors on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people and their continuous living culture can be experienced across the city. Discover traditional bush foods and medicines in the Royal Botanic Garden, and hear stories about the thriving culture of Australia's First Peoples on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk. Take in an incredible collection of artworks and artefacts at the Koorie Heritage Trust. Keep an eye out for the largest artwork in Melbourne, which depicts the face of William Barak, one of the most significant people in the history of Melbourne. His image is etched onto the side of a building at the top end of Swanston Street and is best viewed from the Shrine of Remembrance on St Kilda Road.